Page 31 of Agony of Our Regret

My lip wobbled, but I pulled myself together. Those were the very last words I expected.

“How far along are you?” Audrey asked.

Luca answered while I took deep breaths to compose myself and let their reaction settle in.

Their enthusiastic support unlocked something inside me, and suddenly, I believed I could do this—have a baby and my own family. It wasn’t a scary, bad thing, but something to celebrate.

I hoped everyone we told was this supportive.

SEVEN

Luca opened the front door,and I rushed inside looking for Renea. I asked the guys to be ready early so we could get to the Castellos’ house before the rest of the guests. Gavin thought that meant thirty-minutes. I clarified two hours, although I wasted one of those changing a dozen times.

My bump was getting bigger now, I still fit in my clothes, but I had to get creative in covering it without being obvious. The guys tried to convince me only I or someone who knew could see the change, but I didn’t believe them.

I felt like a whale.

The only thing that made me feel better was giving myself time to settle in and speak with both of their moms before everyone else arrived.

Okay, just Sky and Noah.

“Well, hello,” Bruce greeted, as I paused in the open living area.

“Hi.” I gave him a quick hug. “Where’s your wife?”

He chuckled. “Where’s that enthusiasm for seeing me?”

“Don’t take it personally, Dad. She’s on a mission.” Luca patted Bruce’s shoulder as he moved past us and opened the fridge.

“She’s still getting ready,” his dad finally explained.

“Thanks.” I turned to find her, but Gavin blocked me.

“Don’t we have something to tell Bruce first?”

My shoulders slumped, and I spun around. “We’re pregnant,” I blurted in a deadpan voice.

Bruce laughed again. “No, please. Keep the excitement down.”

I sucked in a breath and calmed myself. “Sorry, I was so focused on making sure we got here before anyone else that I kind of slipped into a one-track mind.”

“She’s nervous,” Luca clarified, and handed me a glass of water and sliced limes.

“About telling me or about seeing the guys?” Bruce asked.

I stared into my drink. “Both.”

“Well, Renae told me about the baby, and we couldn’t be happier for you all. He or she will be the most spoiled—and loved—child ever.”

I blinked several times. “You’re going to make me cry.”

His face fell. “What did I say?”

Gavin side eyed me. “She cries at everything lately. A commercial had her sobbing this morning, and it wasn’t even the ones with sad animals or sick kids. It was for arthritis medication.”

“They were in pain, and now they’re not!” I defended.

Bruce grinned. “I remember the mood swings all too well.”

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