Page 55 of Bullied Pregnant Mate

"Would you like to come to a barbeque we are having at the fire station tomorrow? Ayden throws one at least once a month, and all the girls will be there. If you feel up for it."

I wasn't sure. I had yet to really meet and chat with anyone. I saw them but had never spoken with them for a long time. Wendy was the only one I’d really spoken to. Wendy and Poppy had stopped by to see me a couple of times at the house.

I looked around the house, knowing I had done nothing but spend every waking moment here that I could. Maybe getting out would do me good. If I wanted friends, it would require me to leave the house and venture out. And from what I'd heard, the guys and girls were worth it.

"Sure," I said, feeling my stomach tense, but I forced it down. This was good. This was a step in the right direction. Lucas and I needed to be on even ground for the baby, if not for ourselves.

Chapter 22 - Lucas

I was nervous as I stood outside with the guys. Gina said she was going to come a little later after she finished a few things online. So, I came earlier, hoping she didn't decide not to come at all.

"You look green," Cayden said, cracking a beer next to me. Cayden took a swig of it, raising an eyebrow at him. "You look like someone punched you."

I glared at him. "I do not."

"You do," Owen said, opening the cooler next to them.

I took a deep breath in, hoping it helped. I switched my beer into my other hand and sighed. "I just want to make sure she has a good time when she comes. You all can be a lot sometimes."

"Wow, we're seeing a different side of you," Owen said with a smirk, cracking his drink open.

"Oh, shut up," I grumbled, looking towards the parking lot—still no sign of her.

I looked at the girls, who were all sitting at the picnic table chatting already. The kids were playing ball in the grass while Ayden got the grill going. We had everything set up outside, even though there was a possibility of it raining.

"So, how are things between you two now?" Cayden asked, raising an eyebrow. "Did you guys talk about the baby yet?"

"We're fine," I said, unsure how else to describe it. We had yet to talk about the baby. I knew we would have to, but I didn't think either of us were ready. I figured maybe if she got out of the house and relaxed a little, we would be able to.

I spotted her vehicle pulling up and swallowed, watching as she got out. She was wearing a long white dress. She had pulled her hair up into a messy bun and walked down the sidewalk towards us.

I headed for her, watching her eyes bouncing around, taking everyone in.

"Hey, did you get everything that you needed done?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I just have a few things left. Looks like it's going to rain, though."

I nodded. "Once the food is done, we are going to eat it upstairs."

She nodded, and I wet my lips. "Do you want me to introduce you to all the girls?"

She nodded, and I waved a hand, letting her walk first. I could feel her nervousness and hoped it would calm.

We walked over to the table, where Wendy smiled. "Gina, so glad you could join us."

I was confused, and it must have been written on my face because Wendy smirked. "Oh, don't look so shocked, Lucas. I'm married to Ayden. I get to know everyone in Honeyville."

"And what exactly does that make me?" Ashley asked with a laugh.

"We ran into each other the other day and had brunch," Gina said, giving us a tight smile.

"It was nice. I'm glad Lucas invited you." Wendy said, holding her gentle smile. I knew all the girls were easygoing, and I figured Gina could use some good friends, and they would all be perfect.

"Well, you know Wendy. She's married to Ayden. Ashley is married to Owen," I pointed towards Owen, who was standing beside Ayden. Ayden made a face at him, so Owen likely said something to him.

"And Laura is married to Miles," I said, Laura glaring at me now.

"You know you're still on my shit list, right?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at me.

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