Ex with Benefits (Sequel to Roommates with Benefits) [NEW VERSION]

10. Never let go

15 years ago

Lukas

If someone had asked me, four years ago, that at 23 years old, I would spend my only free week before lectures restarted, organizing a Frozen-themed party for my 1-year-old daughter, I'd have said they were crazy. And yet now here I was, adding the last touches — soft twinkle lights draped across the ceiling like stars, casting a soft glow on the room.

The snowflakes hanging from the ceiling gave the place just enough of that winter wonderland vibe, while the starry backdrop hinted at something magical, almost like the night sky had been pulled inside just for my Little Moon.

I stood back, adjusting one of the cloud pillows near the gift table and taking in the scene. The mix of snowflakes and constellations wasn't exactly traditional for a 1-year-old, but I wanted something different — something that felt like her.

Under the stars, with just a touch of Elsa's icy magic. She'd been obsessed with that movie even though she was way too little to understand the plot. She just liked the music, the colors, the special effects, and of course, Olaf.

There was something in the way Nicky's eyes lit up every time that little snowman came on the screen — as if she recognized an old friend. And she loved cozying up to her mom on our patio to look at the stars. So, a mix of the two themes seemed the best choice. Especially because Nicky had been so fussy lately.

Everyone said it was just a phase, she was simply having a hard time getting used to sleeping on her own in her bedroom, but her cries wore out her mom's fragile nerves and broke her heart. But tonight, I hoped the stars and the snowflakes would work their magic and give Tara a break she badly needed.

I took a step back to get a clearer view of the ensemble, then fixed a few more details before going to open the door. No one had knocked yet, but I could hear Kelly's voice from the hall.

While first birthdays are extremely important, we thought we shouldn't overwhelm Nicky with too many guests, so we only invited close family and a few friends — including the kids she played with at the park.

I pulled the door open just in time to catch my sister-in-law and her husband laughing about something, Kelly leaning in for a quick kiss.

"Hey, Lukas," Kevin greeted, flustered, dodging her kiss.

Predictably, Kelly rolled her eyes and tugged at his coat to pull him in for a much deeper kiss, making Kevin blush even harder.

"Really?" He chuckled when she pulled back, "What was that for?"

"Just reminding my brother-in-law what a fulfilling sex life looks like." She teased, her tone echoing with her usual touch of sarcasm.

I rolled my eyes. "Tara talked, huh."

"Fifteen months," Kelly reminded me, as if I hadn't been keeping track of our abstinence on my own, "three more and you get an award."

"Funny," I muttered caustically as I stepped aside to let them in. "Makes yourselves at home," I told them as we walked down the small hallway that led to the living room. "I just need a minute to remind my wife her sister doesn't need to know every single detail of our life."

Kevin laughed lightly, shaking his head as they made their way into the living room. "Don't get in trouble, man. Our Baker girls can be very susceptible."

"I spent my Saturday stringing up twinkle lights and snowflakes," I said with a smirk. "I think I'm already past the point of no return."

Kevin chuckled, giving me a sympathetic pat on the back as he followed Kelly into the living room. I could hear their murmurs of appreciation as they took in the decor. Kelly's sharp wit softened when she saw the effort I'd put into her niece's birthday.