Page 27 of Make You Mine

Chelsea’s expression softens. “Why don’t I put the kettle on and make you some tea?”

“You really don’t have to do that. You weren’t even supposed to be working today.”

She waves me off. “Oh, don’t worry about me. I’d only be home on my own. If I wasn’t here, I’d be curled up with a microwave meal watching some rubbish reality show likeLove Island. This is better.”

True to her word, a few minutes later we’re both sipping steaming mugs of Earl Grey in the lamplight, the room quiet now that the kids are down for the night. The warmth seeps into my fingers. Across from me, Chelsea sets her mug on the table and brushes a stray hair from her face.

“I hope I’m not overstepping,” she says, “but... is everything alright between you and Declan?”

I lift a brow. “You don’t want to overstep, but you’re definitely about to.”

She gives me a sheepish smile. “Guilty.”

I sigh, not really annoyed. More so tired. “It’s fine. We’ve been arguing. Not constantly, but enough. There’s just a lot going on.”

“I figured as much. There’s been tension,” she says, choosing her words carefully. “You both seem like you’re being pulled in every direction.”

“We are. We thought hiring you would make things easier—and it has in some ways—but it also gave us more room to throw ourselves into work. I’m drowning in deadlines. Declan’s taking on some huge deals. We barely speak except to tag in and out.”

Chelsea leans forward slightly. “You know what I think you two need?”

“Don’t say a night out.”

“I was going to say a romantic night out,” she says, smiling. “Go somewhere nice. Have a proper dinner. Be a couple again. I’ll stay here with the kids.”

I let out a small laugh. “You’re sweet, but that’s easier said than done.”

“I’m being serious,” she says. “Let me stay with the little ones. You and Declan can have one night where you’re not putting out fires.”

I stare into my tea, considering it. We used to do that—go out—even after we got married. Even after Willow was born, we tried to keep that spark alive. But lately... lately it’s felt like we’ve forgotten how.

“He’d love that,” I murmur. “But we said your hours were nine to four.”

Chelsea shrugs. “It doesn’t bother me. I told you I don’t have much of a social life. If I weren’t here, I’d just be watching telly with a glass of wine.”

“Then we’re paying you extra.”

She smiles. “Deal. Willow’ll be thrilled too. She’s been on about that newLilo & Stitch. We’ll have a proper girls’ night.”

By the time I go to bed, I still feel heavy with the weight of everything that happened today. But for the first time in weeks, there’s a flicker of something different. Maybe hope. Maybe this really is just a bad period we’ll get through. And maybe that night out will be the beginning of finding our way back.

Chapter 9

Amerie

“God,” Chelsea mutters, standing back to admire her work. “You lookstunning, Amerie. Declan’s jaw’ll be on the floor.”

I glance at her reflection in the mirror, smiling faintly. Her eyes are alight, almost reverent, and it’s not just flattery. She actually means it.

“You think so?” I ask, smoothing the waist of the silk dress over my hips.

“Think so?” She scoffs softly and steps closer, plucking the lipstick from the vanity with a flourish. “You’re gorgeous. Come here. Just one more swipe and we’re golden.”

I hold still, lips parted slightly, as she leans in and brushes the mauve pink over the curve of my bottom lip with an unexpectedly delicate touch. Her brows knit in focus, then she steps back, gives a curt little nod, and caps the lipstick with a triumphant flick.

“Perfect,” she mutters.

My gaze shifts back to the mirror, my hand smoothing the silk fabric over my hips. The fit isn’t exactly forgiving. Six months postpartum and my waistline still hasn’t snapped backthe way it did after Willow. My fingers linger near my ribcage, pressing lightly.

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