Page 35 of One Pucking Life

“Thank you, thank you.” She grins. “Have you met everyone yet?”

I glance back toward Max. “Just the guys he’s talking to. We only just got here.”

“Oh, come on.” She grabs my hand.

I hesitate, hitching a thumb over my shoulder. “I should probably stay with Max and the baby.”

She waves that off like it’s absurd. “Nah, he’s totally fine. He’ll come find you if he needs you. Besides, we need to talk.”

We stop at the bar and each grab a glass of wine.

“I need to heareverything.I’m sorry I haven’t been over more. It’s such a busy time of year. I’ve been traveling with the team, managing everything at the office… and obviously this.” She gestures toward the packed ballroom.

“You planned this event?”

“Yep.” She chuckles. “It’s kinda my job. They pay me good money to organize meet-and-greets and parties. This one’s a big deal—it’s our biggest fundraiser of the year. We’re raising money for Cranes Care, the team’s nonprofit building company.”

I raise a brow and take a sip of wine. “You know, I never did hear the full story about how your fancy Harvard law degree turned into party planning.”

“I know. We’re long overdue for a girl’s night.” She gives a dreamy sigh. “But really, it all boiled down to happiness. I finally figured out what that looked like for me—and anything that didn’t align with it had to go.”

“Youdolook happy,” I say.

She smiles, then leans in, voice lowered. “Okay, so… spill. How’s it going? Areyouhappy? I haven’t heard much, so I’m assuming it’s not as awful as you thought it’d be?”

She’s right. If this job had turned out to be a nightmare, I absolutely would’ve let her know.

I shrug. “It’s been great, honestly. You were right. Max is very cool.”

“No issues at all?”

I shake my head. “None. And believe me, I’vetriedto find something annoying. The guy has zero bad habits. He’s respectful, he’s clean, he listens to my input… he’s just genuinely grateful that Caroline’s being taken care of.”

“Told ya. He’s great…andadorable. Anything else going on?” She lifts a suggestive brow. “You two lookedverystunning walking in here together.”

I gasp, slapping her arm. “Iris! No. It’s a job, and I’m a professional. There’s nothing going on.”

She shrugs. “Okay, okay. I wouldn’t judge you if there was.”

“Well, there’s not,” I repeat, firmer.

“Alright, alright.” She laughs. “Cade just said Max is like a whole new person since you came into the picture. He said he’s happier and playing better than ever. So whatever you’re doing—it’s working.”

I chuckle. “First things first—he’s sleeping. That’s probably the biggest difference.”

“True. He was basically a zombie the week before you showed up.” Iris loops her arm through mine. “Come on. I want you to meet the group. They’ve all been dying to meet you but wanted to give you and Max the space to figure things out. Honestly, no one was sure how Max would handle fatherhood.”

“Really? Why?” I ask. “He’s a natural.”

“That’s amazing to hear,” she says. “I knew he’d give it his all—he’s that kind of guy—but let’s be honest, he was a major bachelor. Commitment wasn’t exactly on his radar. Even with the best intentions, that kind of shift is massive.”

“Yeah, I guess having a kid forces you to grow up fast.”

The first person Iris introduces me to is Jaden, Max’s best friend and former roommate. I instantly recognize the woman on his arm as Annalise Sterling—the movie star.

“There’s our car thief.” Jaden grins, pulling me into a hug, reminding me that we’ve technically met before. “How’s my guy? You keeping him happy? I miss him.”

Annalise elbows him. “She’s not there to keephimhappy. She’s there forCaroline,” she says pointedly before turning tome with a warm smile. “Hi, I’m Anna. Please forgive Jaden. Before me, Max was his one true love.”

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