Annabelle

My hands tremble as I straighten the plates on the picnic table for the third time. The backyard looks perfect, colorful paper lanterns strung across the patio, the grill prepped and ready, and Ashlynn's toys neatly tucked away in her outdoor bin. Everything is in place, except my nerves.

"Hey," Nolan's voice comes from behind me, his arms wrapping around my waist. "Breathe. It's just our friends."

I lean back into his chest, savoring the warmth. ...