“They’re calling us. Let’s go.” The two of them, long since used to Leo calling them “rascals,” just shrugged it off.
Molly got up and slung her purse over her shoulder. “Mia, this bag totally goes with your dress. I bought two—I’ll bring the extra one home for you tonight.”
Mia nodded, hugging her bubble tea as she walked.
They caught up to Anya.
“Auntie, you and Aunt Molly are at it again—ice cream and bubble tea?” Anya grinned. “That’s your third round today!”
Leo, always in the loop, held Anya’s hand and said, “Hey, let them live a little. Their men aren’t around, so they can eat whatever they want.”
That night back at home, Mia flatly denied eating any ice cream, puffing up like she’d been falsely accused by her husband. Andre just watched her, but didn’t call her out. Molly also wouldn’t admit to her bubble tea, even though Chad had already seen Anya’s Facebook video—Molly, front and center, sipping happily.
Mars had been laying low lately. Teddy pulled Andre aside and asked, “Is something going on with Mars?”
Andre replied, “Milka’s back.”
Teddy raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t he say he was over her?”
Andre shook his head. “You know Mars—he talks a big game, but that’s all it is.”
If he was really over her, why wouldn’t he even let anyone mention her name all these years? “Just let him reach out when he’s ready.”
With that, Teddy felt better about the whole thing.
Across town in a private apartment, Mars checked the time and called Milka.
At home, Milka saw his name pop up and couldn’t help but smirk, lifting an eyebrow. “Hello?” she answered, her voice chilly.
Mars went straight to the point, impatient. “So, any news with your stomach or what? I’ve got things to do; I can’t sit around all day waiting on your body.”
Milka replied, “How should I know? It’s not like the baby’s going to text me when it arrives.”
“Stop dragging it out. Send me your address. I’ll pick you up tonight,” Mars barked, as fiery as ever.
That night, Mars pulled up outside a hotel and waited in his car for over half an hour before there was finally movement by his window.
Milka stepped out, opened the back door.
Mars shot her a look. “What, I’m your chauffeur now? Sit up front.”
Milka closed the door with a little extra force, circled around, and Mars watched her slim waist and flat stomach as she walked by. Noticing he was staring, he quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the street.
A moment later, the passenger door opened and Milka slid in next to him. “Did you wait long?”
“Nope. Just got here.”
He started the car and drove toward the restaurant. At a red light, Mars glanced sideways at Milka’s stomach. “I remember you used to have a little belly.”

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