After the babies were cleaned, they played with their toys on the living room floor while the adults broke into small groups to chat. Keeley, Valentina, and Jennica sat on the couch near the babies to supervise.

Alice, Roger, and Kyle discussed a planned hiking trip with friends, pending nicer weather. Aiden excitedly told Cameron about a new video game. Aaron and Robert talked about the twins.

Keeley smiled. This was the largest gathering she'd ever had in her apartment. A quick glance at her husband reassured her; he wasn't bothered, despite his preference for privacy.

A wave of tenderness washed over her. He had become the wonderful husband she'd always hoped for.

"When's your next day off, Val? We need to hang out before you go to Connecticut," Jennica insisted.

Valentina sighed, leaning against the couch. "Who knows? I'm amazed I even had a few hours off today. I have a graveyard shift tonight, though." She made a grimace.

Keeley empathized. Valentina's schedule had been hectic since medical school, and it would only worsen. Residents worked eighty-plus hours a week; she'd have to learn to survive on minimal sleep.

Fortunately, Rico y Reencarnado would end before graduation. Valentina was deeply invested in the storyline and would be devastated to miss the conclusion.

Keeley watched it on her laptop, not the TV, fearing Aaron might see. It hadn't surpassed her initial expectations; they strayed from the true story, but that didn't bother her. Reality was far superior.

"Well, I'm glad you came," Keeley said. "You were the first person besides Aaron and me to see them after they were born, so you had to be at their first birthday party."

Valentina beamed. "They were so cute! Even cuter now, since they aren't all red and wrinkly."

Kaleb and Violet had been redder and wrinklier than average newborns due to prematurity, but they were the most beautiful sight Keeley had ever seen. Watching them play, she wondered what they would look like as they grew.

Their eye colors had changed from the typical light blue of Caucasian infants. Kaleb's were a warm brown, but Violet's were her father's unique shade—a dark blue that appeared almost black from a distance.

She increasingly resembled Aaron, though he insisted her face was more like baby Keeley's. Kaleb looked like his namesake, except for his eyes. Their children had a fascinating blend of Hale and Hall genes.

"They don't look very much alike," Jennica observed. "But I shouldn't be surprised. Brian and I are fraternal twins, and people often don't think we're siblings. One summer, people at an amusement park even mistook us for a couple."

Keeley snorted. She and Kaleb wouldn't have that problem; they looked very much alike, with similar hair color and face shapes.

Kaleb's face would likely change as he grew, but no one would ever know. Since baby Kaleb resembled her brother so much, she could better imagine what her brother might have looked like as an adult.

"I never had that problem with my brother. He's basically the male version of me," Valentina said.

"Since he's older, you're the female version of him," Jennica quipped.

Valentina scowled, bopping her friend with a pillow. Keeley chuckled. It was wonderful having her old roommates together again. They needed to spend as much time together as possible before Valentina moved.

About an hour later, it was bedtime for the babies, and guests began leaving. Keeley hugged her close friends, promising to text them about getting together again, and shook hands with those she didn't know as well.

Saying goodbye to Alice, Keeley's composure crumbled. Alice melted into her arms, clearly needing a hug.

"Are you okay?" Keeley whispered, concerned. Alice had seemed fine earlier.

"Not really. My divorce was finalized today."

Keeley was shocked, nearly pulling back, but Alice held her close.

"I'm glad you're free, but I'm sorry you're upset. We should talk tomorrow. Are you available?" Keeley asked gently.

"I don't work until eleven."

"I'll pick you up for breakfast. Will you be alright alone?"

Alice had seemed fine surrounded by people, but Keeley wondered how she'd feel without that distraction.

"Yes, I'll manage. Thanks." She hugged Aaron quickly before hurrying to catch Roger at the elevator; he was giving her a ride home.

Keeley hugged her father, kissing his cheek, telling him she'd see him Sunday. Poor Alice! She was so young to go through a divorce.

Aaron noticed her distraction and asked what was wrong once everyone had left.

"Alice's divorce was finalized today. I had no idea."

"I thought they were going to court in a couple of weeks," he said, picking up a protesting Kaleb to take him upstairs.

"So did I. Something must have happened."

But what? What could have changed Brock's mind, making him want to divorce his wife so quickly? Given Alice's reaction, it was likely something serious.