Loved You Once But He's My Forever (Chloe) novel Chapter 532

Zoey stared at me, clearly bewildered, as if I had just turned down an offer to go with her to the bathroom.

"How could you say that? These two kids are just as much my responsibility as they are yours! I'm asking for one, not just half of one," I said.

Harlan, clearly lost, looked between us. "Wait, what do you mean, your responsibility? What exactly happened here?"

His face drained of color as realization struck. "Hold on... you two didn't...?"

He slapped a hand over his mouth, eyes wide with disbelief. "Does Carter know about this? Chloe, how could you do something like that? No wonder she lost so much weight when you disappeared for a while!"

I could hardly believe what I was hearing from this couple, but all I could do was laugh in exasperation. I jumped to my feet and gave Harlan a playful smack on the head.

"Stop making things up! Janice and I are just sisters, blood sisters! Nothing more!" I scolded.

Harlan dramatically put a hand on his chest. "You really scared me there! I thought she didn't like me because she, well ... liked women!"

I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms. This guy had the looks and the physique, but absolutely no sense. "With your brain, it's no wonder she never gave you the time of day."

"Chloe, you two are so close. How about putting in a good word for me? You've got two kids already, but I can't even get a girlfriend."

I gave Zoey an imaginary thumbs-up. She was always sending me pictures of good-looking guys, yet she could somehow resist Harlan's charm.

Maybe it was the thrill of chasing something she couldn't actually have—perhaps that was why she was always so fixated on him.

I waved my hand dismissively. "I'm not a matchmaker; what do you want me to do about it?"

Harlan sighed dramatically, looking like he was about to say more, but instead, he followed Zoey, clearly sulking.

Kate had made a special trip from the countryside to visit, bringing along a basket of eggs—chicken and duck—and two adorable tabby kittens.

"These are from our cat," Kate said, her smile wide. "I remember you liked cats when you were little, so I brought these two for you."

Snowflake, once a stray, had grown into a massive cat, and the tiny kittens looked so small and fragile next to her.

I smiled, reaching out to gently pet one of their soft little heads. They were probably newly weaned and had been brought here right after.

"Is everything ready for the wedding?" I asked.

"Carter was worried something might go wrong, so he checked everything a few times, but it's all set now."

"Good to hear."

Kate wiped away a stray tear, a soft smile curling on her lips. "As long as you two are happy, that's all that matters."

"Yeah," I sighed, feeling the weight of it all. This happiness had been hard-won, and I valued it more than anyone could ever imagine.

Time passed quickly. Even though I spent every day with Carter and our six-month-old babies, I still felt nervous when I thought about the wedding.

The babies had finally given up their late-night feedings, and after falling asleep, they looked like little angels.

I gently pulled Everett's tiny hand out of Everly's mouth. The sweet little girl cried out as I did.

It was a relief, though. It was reassuring that they still held onto each other, even while they slept.

I had barely closed my eyes when Carter appeared, slipping through the balcony door.

I stared at him, confused. "Didn't we agree that the bride and groom shouldn't see each other the night before the wedding?"

He quietly closed the door and walked toward me, his eyes softening.

"But I couldn't stand being away from my wife and kids," he said, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Then why not use the front door?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

He met my gaze seriously. "Sneaking in feels more fitting for the moment."

Carter wrapped his arms around me. "We'll need to wake up early tomorrow, so you should get some rest. I can't sleep without holding you."