Page 81 of Exposed

“I’ll ask if he recommends anyone else,” I suggest, then type my question into the private chat. While we’re waiting for him to answer, hopefully soon, I break the news about Simon’s grandparents going after full custody of him.

“That’s atrocious,” Shyla laments. “I’m glad you’re going to stop them.”

“Yeah, but I have to find dirt on them. We’re waiting to hear back from my lawyer to see if Simon’s biological mom will testify about them being unfit guardians.”

“That’s her word against theirs. You need hard evidence,” Noah advises.

“We could hire a private investigator to dig into their pasts and see if there’s anything there,” Deacon says.

“Would that hold up in court?” Pepper asks.

“I’ll look into the laws for admissible evidence,” I say, because we need to know for Pepper’s case as well.

“You guys are here on vacation. Let us take you to the beach,” Pepper says to my friends from Denver.

“If we wanted to go to the beach, we could’ve gone anywhere. We’re here to support you guys,” Deacon states.

“I’m totally content to stay here and put my feet up while we research how to help you,” Hope grins.

“Oh yeah?” Deacon asks.

“We didn’t want to announce this on your wedding day, but Noah and I have something to share,” Hope starts.

“Shut the front door,” Shyla squeals excitedly and covers her mouth.

“Noah and I are having a baby,” Hope exclaims.

My living room erupts with cheers, and we take turns hugging the happy couple.

Deacon has tears in his eyes as he pulls Noah in for a bear hug. “You’re going to be the best dad.”

Hope wipes tears from her eyes.

“I’m so glad you two are like brothers again,” she says to Noah and Deacon, and they both pull her into their hug.

Noah and Deacon were like brothers growing up, connected by Deacon’s brother Shane. Then the unthinkable happened: Shane, Noah’s best friend and Deacon’s older brother, was killed in Afghanistan while he and Noah were deployed. It took years for Noah and Deacon to find their way back to each other, but they’re stronger than ever now.

“Thanks, man,” Noah hugs Deacon back. “That means a lot.”

The first time I met Noah two years ago, he was a broken, haunted shell of a man. Now, thanks in part to my best friend Hope, he’s thriving again.

We go out to eat and to the beach to celebrate, then back to my house.

“Noah, you’re going to be a dad. Hold Simon,” Deacon announces as we walk into my living room.

Noah is imposing with his tall stature and broody demeanor, but he turns into a bundle of nerves at Deacon’s words.

“I’ve never held a baby before,” Noah mumbles.

“Nothing to it,” Deacon grins. “Sit down.” Deacon points to my sofa, and Noah reluctantly obeys with a shaky breath.

“He can tell if you’re nervous, just like animals can,” Deacon notes.

“You’re kidding.” Noah raises his eyebrows.

“They’re perceptive,” I agree.

“Go for it, Noah,” Hope croons.

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