In the weeks after saying "I love you" to Kori, our relationship seemed to reach new heights. Even though our relationship was sworn to secrecy, I felt more connected with her than ever.

Toward the end of March, I went to my parents for a family dinner one night, and I called Kori on the way.

"I wouldn't say I'm the most excited to see them," I said to Kori, "Of course, I'm looking forward to seeing my sisters and brother in law, but I'm always apprehensive to see my parents."

"Rightfully so, considering everything you've been through. I get it, I also get apprehensive to see my folks. They're coming to town next month and I'm already dreading it. Not trying to make this about me, just telling you I relate."

"I know you relate and I always appreciate you understanding," I said to Kori, "When exactly are your parents coming into town next month?"

"On the 10th to the 17th. I'll have to get dinner with them at least once."

"Having strained relationships with our parents is so fun, isn't it?" I joked sarcastically.

I could tell Kori was rolling her eyes as she said, "Just the best."

Dinner at my parents, however, took a turn in a very positive way.

Alyssa announced that she was pregnant.

The six of us were eating, and she simply said, "I wanted to tell you all, I'm pregnant."

My mom gasped and dropped her fork, "What?? Are you serious?"

Alyssa smiled and nodded, "Completely serious."

My dads eyes immediately went glossy as he said, "I am so happy for you."

There was a time period when I was younger when Alyssa used to say that if she ever had kids, she wouldn't want our parents to be involved, ever. Addison used to get mad at her for saying it, but I always understood.

Now our dad was sober, and I knew Alyssa would be comfortable with my parents being involved.

"Oh, this is so exciting!" my mom said as she wiped her eyes, "Our first grandbaby to the family!"

I smiled at Alyssa and Damon, "Congratulations. You're going to make wonderful parents."

Alyssa smiled back at me, "Thanks, Ash."

Most of the time when I left my parents, I felt a pit in my stomach for no particular reason. This time, I felt happy as I left. I was going to be an aunt.

This will be really good for our family. Healing, even.

Kori seemed especially happy for me when I told her that I was going to be an aunt.

"Oh, it's the best," she said, "Being an aunt is wonderful."

The next day at work I was telling Grace that I was going to be an aunt when Kori walked into the department. She walked over to Grace and I, and gave us a look that said, "Why aren't you doing any work?".

Sometimes it's quite funny having my girlfriend be my boss.

Grace seemed to know the look, because she said, "Kori, Ashley was just telling me that she's going to be an aunt! How exciting, right?"

Kori looked at me and said, "That's really exciting, congratulations, Ashley."

It's always so weird hearing her call me "Ashley" at work and not "Ash".

I smiled at Kori, like she wasn't the first person I had told this news to and said, "Thanks, Kori. I appreciate it."

Kori held my gaze for a split second, however before she could say anything, Lisa walked up to the department and said, "Kori, there you are! I need your help with something. Can we go to your office?"

Kori glanced at me before saying to Lisa, "Of course. Let's go."

Kori gave Grace and I a small wave, and then her and Lisa walked off together. Lisa's blonde ponytail bounced as she walked with Kori, and I stared after them for a split second.

"What do you think is the verdict on them?" Grace asked me, "Together or not? I sense some tension there, but mostly from Lisa. I'm not sure how much Kori seems into it."

Ha. Fair assessment.

I shrugged, "I feel like we may never know. But my guess is that you're pretty spot on there."

Grace nodded and smiled, "I usually am. I think I have a sixth sense for these things."

About a half hour later, I got a text from Kori that said:

Come to my office when you can.

I got up from my desk, and just to cover my bases, I said to Grace, "Going to make some coffee in Kori's office. Be right back."

Grace gave me a quick smile and nodded, and I was off to Kori's office.

When I got to her office and closed the door behind me, she handed me a cup of coffee already made.

"I know you use making coffee in my office as an excuse to come here," she said to me, "So, I made you a coffee already. With oat milk creamer."

I smiled at Kori, "Let's see if you made it sweet enough."

Kori rolled her eyes and smiled at me, "All the sugar in the world couldn't make your coffee sweet enough, Ash."

I laughed and then took a sip, "It's good. Perfect, actually. Thank you."

"Good, I'm glad I was able to make it sweet enough. Now, for why I texted you. I told Lisa that I'm dating someone."

"Did she make another pass at you?"

Kori nodded, "She did. She asked me if I wanted to come to her place after work for a glass of wine. I told her that I was dating someone."

"How did she react?" I asked Kori.

"She didn't seem pleased, honestly. In fact, she seemed kind of annoyed. Oh well. I don't want her to feel like she can just flirt with me at any given time anymore."

"That tells me what kind of person she is, if she got annoyed. Typically you should be happy for someone if they get into a relationship."

"Yeah, one would think, right?" Kori shook her head.

Kori then sighed and said, "I wonder how long it'll take before the entire office knows that I'm with someone. Word travels fast here, and Lisa has a big mouth."

It took two days for Grace to inform me that Kori had a girlfriend. First thing on Wednesday morning, she sat by my desk and said, "Guess what?"

I looked at her, "What's up?"

"Kori has a girlfriend. I heard it through the grapevine."

My body immediately grew warm, and I said, "Oh, good for her."

"It's not Lisa, either. Apparently, she told Lisa she's in a relationship."

I looked at Grace, playing along, "Oh really, it's not Lisa?"

"Nope. A mystery woman, I guess," Grace laughed.

That mystery woman is literally who you're speaking to.

I chuckled, partially out of nerves, "I guess so."

"Oh, I forgot to mention yesterday! We're all going out for happy hour. You'll join us, right?" Grace asked me.

"For sure," I nodded, "I'll join you guys."

"Lewis asked Kori if she wanted to join. I'm guessing she'll say no, but we'll see," Grace shrugged happily.

After Grace started to do her own work, I texted Kori asking her if she was going to join happy hour.

She texted me back: Would you like for me to come? Just say the word and I will.

I texted her back: Of course I would!

A few minutes later, Lewis said out loud, "Kori just messaged me on Teams, she's coming to happy hour."

With that, I smiled to myself.

I drove to The Spot right after work to meet up with my department, and we all got seated at a round table. I ordered a drink, and patiently waited for Kori.

She was the last to arrive, and she said, "Sorry I'm a few minutes late, guys."

"It's quite alright, boss," Hassan joked, "We know you're a busy lady."

Kori chuckled, "That I am."

She then sat on the other side of the table, directly across from me, and said, "Hi, Ashley. Hey, Grace."

Grace was sitting right next to me, and she smiled at Kori and said, "Hi."

"Hey Kori," I said, "Glad you could join us."

Kori gave me a quick smile and Lewis then started talking to her.

After a couple of drinks, I was surprised that Kori was still sticking around. However, she seemed to be having a nice time.

Grace seemed to get tipsy off of just one drink and was talking up a storm.

To my surprise, she looked at Kori and said, "So! Kori, I heard you have a girlfriend."

Grace, what are you doing?

I glanced at Kori to see how she would react.

Hassan spoke, "Not gonna lie, I heard that as well."

Kori was calm as she nodded, "That's true. I do have a girlfriend. Word travels fast around the office."

Grace clasped her hands together and said, "I'm happy for you, Kori! You deserve someone great."

"Thanks," Kori said, "She is really great, I will say that."

I had to keep from smiling to myself as I said to Kori, "That's sweet."

Kori looked my way and nodded, and I swore she was trying to not smile my way.

"What's her name?" Grace asked Kori.

"That's enough questions," Kori said to Grace in a light hearted tone, "You know I'm dating someone. Leave it at that, alright?"

"Okay, okay," Grace laughed, "Keep your secrets, Kori."

Kori left happy hour not much longer after that, and after she left for the night, Grace asked me, "I wonder if my interrogation about her dating life made her leave?"

I laughed, "I don't think so, Grace."

As I was driving home a little while later, Kori called me.

"You're on your way home, I presume?" she asked me.

"I am. You know, I thought Grace was pretty out of line tonight."

"I think she might've been a bit tipsy," Kori responded, "But I agree with you. Wasn't the most appropriate. Then again, it is Grace."

"True," I said, "Grace is a gossiper. Why I am nice to her but try not to tell her much."

"Good strategy when it comes to her," Kori said, and she then added, "Listen...I really think we should discuss coming forward with our relationship to HR, at least. I know you'll very likely have to switch departments, though. Tell me what you think."

"It's fun having our relationship be a secret, but it's growing increasingly difficult," I said to Kori, "I think that's a good idea. You don't...you don't think either of us would get fired, right?"

"I'd say there's about no chance of that happening," Kori said, "You're a great worker who can easily be transferred to another department, and well, they're screwed without me, to put it bluntly."

"Alright," I said to Kori, "We'll be forthcoming with our relationship. I think it's time."

"Same here," Kori responded.

I just really hope there's not backlash from this.