Elena’s POV

Julian’s message came in while I was folding baby clothes on the couch, one sock missing its pair like always. I stared at my phone when it buzzed, already guessing who it was before I picked it up.

Julian: Random question. Would you be open to letting my niece and your baby have a play date?

I snorted before I could stop myself.

I typed back immediately.

Me: A play date? Julian, they’re basically potatoes.

The reply came fast, like he’d been ...