She brings the phone back to her face. Then her eyes widen and her nose crinkles in disgust.
“What photo are you up to?” I ask curiously.
“Us at the altar at some cheap chapel.”
“I didn’t give a shit where we got married…”Just that we did. “That place was the closest to where we were.”
“That’s a nice photo of me and the girls.” She peeks up at me. “I’ve been meaning to ask you, is Ava pregnant? She didn’t drink that night, and every time I’ve made drinks, she’s asked for mocktails.”
“They haven’t formally announced it, but I think she is. It’s only a matter of time before everyone catches on, if they haven’t already.”
She swipes again and peers down at her hand, then narrows her eyes at me. “I can’t believe I got a tattoo.”
Even if we break up, she’ll always have that on her skin to remind her of me.
“What are you smiling at?” she asks, suspicion lining her voice.
“Nothin’.”
She pauses, searching my eyes before going back to the phone. “Good Lord, I look drunk. You got me when I was down. These photos remind me ofThe Hangover, but the tame version where at the end of the movie, they’re going through all the photos of that crazy night.”
* * *
After our morning run,I catch Ava’s SUV coming up the driveway. “I’ll meet you two inside,” I say to Sophie and Rage. I wait off to the side and watch as the vehicle parks. Reaper gets out, gives me a nod, then goes to Ava’s side, opens the door for her, and holds out his hand so she can get down and onto the ground safely.
“When are you going to tell everyone Ava’s pregnant?”
Both their heads whip up at me. Ava goes pink in the cheeks, and Reaper shakes his head at me. “You miss nothing!”
“It’s obvious to anyone paying attention.”
Reaper and Ava walk toward me. “I was worried about telling anyone… I didn’t want to jinx it,” Ava says.
I put my arms around her. “Congratulations.”
She sniffles. “Thank you.” She starts blinking rapidly. “These damn hormones!”
I shake hands with Reaper. “Congrats, pres.” He smiles a genuine smile. I can see how proud he is.
“Oh! That reminds me.” Ava turns back and pulls something small out of her bag. She peels off the back, goes to the driver’s side, and sticks it to the driver’s side window.
“What sticker did you just put on your car?” I ask.
She nods her head at the sticker, as if happy with it. “It says, ‘Don’t park too close… I’m chunky!’”
“Beautiful, I love your curves,” Reaper says.
“Well… I’m gettingcurvierby the day.”
He gives her an adoring smile. “Well… I suppose it’s time to tell the rest of the MC now and show them bub’s scans.”
We go inside and Reaper gets everyone together in the dining room. We all stand around, with Reaper and Ava at the front. Reaper clears his voice. “Me and Ava have some news.” They pause and gaze at each other before he speaks. “Ava’s pregnant.”
Squeals, gasps, and cheers echo around the room. The women all rush to Ava. By Zara’s and Elena’s lack of surprise, I gather they already knew. Reaper steps over to the men, where there’s a round of congratulations and handshakes.
“Give me a look at the baby’s first selfie,” Axle says loudly. Ava hands him some images.
“Boy or girl?” I ask, raising my voice over everyone talking.
