Chapter 81

Thomas navigated the winding country road with one hand on the wheel and a soft, apologetic smile for his pregnant wife. “I’m sorry, sweetheart,” he said, voice gentle but firm. “I can’t just out them. I know it might sound harsh, but even I have my limits—and that would be a colossal asshole move.”

Cassandra’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She’d leaned forward, voice brimming with curiosity. “Oh!” she blurted, immediately mortified. “I—I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so… malicious.”

Thomas chuckled, a low, comforting sound that mingled with the rustle of trees outside. “Give it time,” he teased, tilting his head toward the road ahead. “If you stick around BV long enough, you’ll find out exactly who I’m talking about.”

Her eyes lit up in eager anticipation. She clasped her hands as though about to make a wish. “I can’t wait to meet them! They must be an incredible couple.”

He eased the car around a bend and steered carefully, then glanced at her with a