Page 31 of Rolling with the Single Daddies

I step away, open the car door, then the glove box, revealing more envelopes.

Avery hands Bella to Diego, motions for me to get out of the way, and grabs one of the envelopes, flipping through the hundred-dollar bills. “How much were you prepared to give him?”

“Whatever it took. He may be able to put a dollar amount on his sperm, but you’re the real prize. You’re priceless.”

Avery smirks and hands me the envelop. “That makes me two P things?”

“What?” Diego and I ask simultaneously.

“Priceless and pregnant.”

As Diego quickly pulls the two of us into an embrace, careful not to squish Bella, he plants the shortest kiss ever on Avery’s cheek, then keeps his face turned away. I’m sure he’d deny it, but I saw his eyes get a little shiny.

“Best feeling ever, isn’t it Diego?” I kiss Avery’s cheek and rest my forehead against hers.

“I’m officially a dad, hell yeah!” His voice cracks. “I love you so much, Baby—as in you, Avery, but also you, baby.” Diego sniffs as he pulls back and rubs the back of his hand over his eyes before lowering it to Avery’s belly.

“You’re the dad? How do you know you did it?” she asks.

“I just know. And even if I’m wrong, nobody’s going to tell me this baby isn’t mine.”

I can live with that. “Agreed, no matter who the father is, we’re all in this together. I love you, Avery. Let’s go home to celebrate.”

A mischievous grin crosses Avery’s face. “Or, we can drop Bella off with my brothers since they’re already watching Evie, and we can head to the shop and try out some cigars.”

Why would she suggest that? “That’s too much like work besides, you’re pregnant—”

Diego stands from putting Bella in her baby seat. “Trust me, she’s going to show you the fun side of cigars.”

Epilogue

Avery

I stand behind the counter of our cigar shop, my heart fluttering as I arrange the large-ring-gauge cigars by band color, then re-sort them by length, and then again by girth.Perfect!

The thunderstorm rages outside, but in here, it’s just me and my wild anniversary-of-the-day-we-met idea. I’ve sent the staff home early, claiming it was due to the weather, but really, I just want privacy for what I have in mind.

It’s been a whirlwind of a year, with so many huge events happening right out of the gate, I won’t fault them if they don’t remember the significance of the date.

I have a big reveal though. After our emotional agreement to get married, Diego, Bane, and I had a little talk. We decided that we should remain fully committed, but wait and make sure we want to officially tie the knot. Or more accurately, Bane and I decided that. Diego had no reservations.

Today is the day I tell them that I’m ready.

The roar of thunder overtakes the chime from the bell above the door.

Bane and Diego hurry in, stripping off their jackets and hanging them on the coatrack. Bane appears concerned, while Diego’s full of curiosity.

Bane asks, “Is everything okay, Avery? Why are you here? Why is the door locked?”

Diego’s lips curl into a knowing smirk. “Where’s the staff?”

“Everything’s more than okay and I’ll answer your other two questions in a second, when I explain why I sent the staff home,” I reply, unable to keep the mischief out of my voice. “Only an hour left anyway. Now, enough chit-chat. Pick a cigar, boys. We don’t have all night— Nikki and Beatrix can only watch the kids for so long.”

Bane’s eyebrows shoot up, realization dawning on his face. We told him about the time Diego and I had fun with cigars, but we haven’t done it since. Life’s been busy even though I re-quit the roller derby team.

I lean forward, my palms flat on the counter. “Motherhood isn’t going to steal my fun. I hope that being a daddy hasn’t stolen yours.”

Diego doesn’t hesitate. He steps up to the counter, his eyes roaming over the selection. “Not a chance.” He picks up one cigar after another. “I have to admit… When you first bewitched me with your banter and sassiness, I wanted to beyourDaddy.”

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