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Chapter 1

"Yes, we're almost there, just a few more minutes," I said into the phone making my way through the busy street, dodging people as they hurried past.

"Alright, see you soon. Love you," came Noah's voice, warm and familiar, from the other end.

"Love you too," I replied with a smile before ending the call and tucking my phone into my handbag. The bustling sounds of the city surrounded me again, but just as I took another step, a faint whimper caught my attention.

I looked down, my heart softening instantly. There, bundled in her stroller, was my tiny three-month-old daughter, her big, curious eyes locked onto mine. Her little mouth trembled, as if she was unsure whether to cry or stay calm.

"Hey, sweetheart," I whispered, leaning down to gently stroke her cheek. "Sleep well ?"

She blinked up at me, her small fingers grasping the edge of her blanket.

Her soft little coos melted my heart as I adjusted the blanket around her, making sure she was snug. "Almost there, my love," I whispered, brushing a kiss across her forehead.

I turned the corner, my steps slowing as the familiar café came into view.

The café was originally owned by the parents of two of my closest friends, Kennedy and Austin.
A few months ago, they decided to retire, handing over the management of the café to Kennedy and Austin. It's been quite an adjustment, but they're both doing an amazing job running things.

Noah and I have also been working there since we were 15, learning the ins and outs of the café business.

Recently, though, since the birth of my daughter, Eden, I've been scaling back my hours to focus more on her.

The café has always been a central part of our lives, filled with laughter, inside jokes, and countless late-night study sessions.

Rose and Mike, Kennedy and Austin's parents, have been incredibly supportive over the years, treating me and Noah as if we were their own children . They even helped us prepare for Eden's arrival, offering advice and support.

I pushed the door of the café. The warm air inside was a welcome relief from the autumn chill outside.
The café already closed half an hour ago so there where no more people in there except Kennedy and the two boys.

Kennedy was behind the counter, and her face lit up when she saw us. "Hey" she exclaimed, coming around to greet us.

"Hey" I replied, my smile brightening as I watched her rush toward us.

"Hey there little girl" Kennedy exclaimed, bending down to peek into the stroller.

"She just woke up from her nap" I said, adjusting the blanket around Eden. The little one blinked up at Kennedy, her curious eyes sparkling.

"Where are Noah and Austin?" I asked after a moment of silence.

"They're in the back" Kennedy replied, rolling her eyes.

Just then, Noah and Austin appeared from the back.

"Hey" he greeted softly as he approached, leaning down to kiss me before glancing at our daughter. "How's my little girl?"

"She's good" I replied.

Noah smiled, his eyes softening as he looked at Eden, who was now staring up at him with wide, curious eyes.

Austin stepped closer, his hands tucked into his pockets. "How's my favorite goddaughter?" he said playfully, grinning at Eden. She just smiled at him

I was incredibly grateful for my friends, especially Noah.

He, Austin, Kennedy and Eden were my family, and that was all I needed.