On Claire Carlson and Finley Lloyd’s third wedding anniversary, he threw a party with all their friends. 

When she showed up, though, she walked straight into a nightmare: Finley on one knee, proposing to his childhood crush. 

The private room buzzed with chants: “Say yes, say yes!” 

“Kiss her, Finley! Don’t pretend we didn’t call it. Everyone knows you’re still into Renee, even though you’re married!” someone hollered. 

“Come on, man,” another laughed. “If Claire sees this, she’s gonna flip.” 

Renee Slutsky tilted her head down, all fake shy, her voice sweet. “Especially since Claire’s pregnant. Stress isn’t good for her.” 

The crowd egged him on harder. “You can’t bail now, dude! You lost the dare! Kiss her!” 

Finley froze, eyes locked on Renee like he couldn’t hear anything else. Slowly, he leaned in. 

“WHAT are you doing?” Claire’s voice sliced through the noise. 

Everyone froze. Every head turned toward the door, where Claire stood. 

Someone scrambled to explain. “It’s not what it looks like, Claire! Just a stupid game!” 

“A game?” Her eyes were like ice. “Finley was about to kiss her, and it’s just a game?” 

Finley’s friends scattered like roaches. 

“Uh, I gotta run. See ya!” 

“Same, man. Oh, uh… happy anniversary.” 

As his friends bailed, Finley scowled. “Seriously, Claire? It was just a stupid game of truth or dare. I lost. Why are you making such a big deal out of this?” 

Claire rested a hand on her belly, her disappointment hitting like a punch. She was three months pregnant and had been so excited for tonight—she thought he’d planned something special to celebrate. Instead, this disaster was his big surprise.