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The sun was starting to set, painting the backyard in gold as music played under the steady hum of kids yelling, laughing, and launching foam darts at each other. Adonis's birthday party had gone from casual to full-blown chaos, juice boxes everywhere, pizza crusts forgotten on plates, and someone definitely crying in the distance. Aubrey was near the bounce house, dramatically losing a lightsaber duel, playing it up like it was the most important battle of his life.
Jasmine stood on the patio, one hand on her lower back, the other holding a plate with half-melted ice cream cake. She winced slightly as she shifted her weight.
"This party got bigger in the last hour, huh?" came a familiar voice beside her. It was Oli, sipping from a Capri Sun like it was totally normal.
"I swear it multiplied on its own," Jasmine said, smiling weakly. "Didn't 40 say he was only inviting two cousins?"
"Two cousins turned into six. You know how that goes."
Jasmine shook her head, but laughed. "As long as the trampoline survives this time, I'm not even mad."
Oli scanned the yard like he was preparing to call a timeout. "Trampoline has maybe fifteen minutes. Tops."
He turned to her again. "We locking in the dinner plans tonight?"
"Yeah," she said, rubbing her belly gently. "Private room's booked for next Saturday. Just something simple. Grilled branzino, risotto, wine. Not over the top."
"Solid. Who's coming?"
"You, of course. His dad, all the guys and Sandi too."
Oli raised a brow. "Yeah?"
Jasmine nodded. "She's been... better lately. I think having Aaliyah around softened her."
"You're warming back up to her." he said carefully.
"I'm trying," Jasmine admitted. "That counts."
Just then, Sandi approached with a napkin in one hand and a frosting-streaked Adonis in the other. "Your son got into the cupcakes early," she said, mock-stern. "And I'm not responsible for what happens next."
Jasmine smiled. "He'll crash in an hour. I've accepted it."
Sandi studied her for a moment, her sharp tone easing just a bit. "You okay? You've been standing all afternoon."
"I'm fine," Jasmine said quickly, but she missed the juice pitcher handle when she reached for it.
Oli caught it before it tipped. "That's your cue," he said gently. "Go sit. I got Aaliyah."
"I'm good-"
"Jas," he cut in, soft but firm. "You're holding your side and your ankles look like they've had a long day. Go sit."
Before she could answer, Sandi stepped in. "He's right. You've done enough. Go rest. We've got this."
The words caught Jasmine off guard not just that they were kind, but that they were sincere. She blinked, nodded, and let Oli lift Aaliyah from her arms.
