Matt leaned back against the park bench, eyes locked on his nephew toddling around the nearby playground. The little guy had just discovered the joys of the sandbox, giggling as he buried his tiny hands in the warm grains. Matt couldn’t help but smile at the sound, though his attention quickly flicked back to you sitting beside him.

You were radiant, laughing softly at the boy’s antics as the sun caught in your hair. Matt couldn’t help but think how natural you looked in this setting, like you belonged here, like you belonged with him and his nephew. He shook off the thought quickly—it wasn’t the time.

Still, spending the past few months as your friend had been a gift. He couldn’t remember the last time someone made him feel this… content. But his triplet brothers, Chris and Nick, had been teasing him mercilessly, Chris especially. They loved to get under his skin about how much time he spent with you.

“You’re really good with him,” Matt said suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence. “I mean, Justin would probably try to hire you as his full-time nanny if he saw how much fun you’re making this for him.”

He grinned, glancing sideways at you. “But you’re stuck with me today, so don’t even think about ditching me for a job offer.”