At lunchtime the next day, Zoe was in the guest room at Thor’s penthouse, sitting on the bed with a tray beside her and a plate of cut fruit on top. Her phone was propped on a stand, and a video call with Arthur filled the screen. His face—wearing that familiar, irresistible half-smile—appeared from his office, bringing Zoe a slice of the presence she missed so much.

“Babe, can you believe the guys at the hospital are trying to throw me a bachelor party?” he said, sounding like even he didn’t buy it yet.

Zoe froze with her fork halfway to her mouth.

“Is the doctor going too?” she asked, her tone a mix of irony and tightly leashed jealousy.

Arthur smiled.

“Relax, gorgeous. It’s a guys-only thing. And it’s not even set— I already said I don’t want one. The mess at Thor’s party was enough for a lifetime. I don’t need the headache. I just want to get married and stay glued to you. I miss you.”

Zoe sighed, her eyes softening.

“I miss you too, really. Waking up without you is so weird. I go