Chapter 42. 

Author’s POV  The next morning, Hazel stepped out of the kitchen, her hands carefully holding a tray with breakfast. She set it down on the dining table, dressed casually in a pink pant and a white crop top. Her hair was pulled back into a simple ponytail, a few loose strands framing her face, giving her an effortlessly cute look.  Tracy, seated at the dining table, watched her with a teasing smile.  “You’d make a great wife, you know?” Tracy said, her voice laced with playful humor.  Hazel rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. Tracy had spent the night here again, and Hazel was used to her best friend waking up at her place. It was a comforting habit, one that made mornings a little brighter.  “I don’t know if that’s a compliment or a challenge,” Hazel replied, walking back to the kitchen to grab the rest of the food. Tracy followed her, still trying to sneak bites from the food Hazel was preparing.  “Is there anything I can help with?” Tracy