Page 102 of Rex

“Everyone ready? I’ll go knock on the door and let him know,” Ava asks as she walks toward the door.

As soon as Ava’s done speaking to whoever opened the door, she jumps back, and Axel comes careening out the door. He rushes toward Bailey at breakneck speed but slides to a stop and sits carefully next to her, placing his hand on her belly, speaking quietly to her.

The other men file out of the room, most looking at me and then laughing again, and I just grin back. Rex pulls a chair next to mine and drops down into it. Pulling my face toward him, he kisses me. Pulling back, I smile when I see the laughter in his eyes.

“You didn’t tell me that’s what you were up to? Good God, woman, I would have helped!” he informs me with a wide smile.

“I didn’t want him to take it out on you,” I murmur.

“We’re going to the hospital to bring our new angel into the world,” Axel shouts with a smile so big it’s got to be painful.

Bella hands him the bag she retrieved when he stands, and then he carefully helps Bailey up. Holding onto his arm, they make their way across the room and toward the door.

“We’ll see you soon, little bug. Pops and Grandma Trudy are going to bring you to the hospital to meet your baby brother orsister,” Axel says before bending deep and dropping a kiss on his daughter’s head.

Little Alex waves happily, then turns and runs straight to Petey. He picks her up, whirling her through the air before hugging her tight.

“Well, shit. Look at that, folks. Axel’s water broke too,” Pooh says, then points at Axel’s jean-clad ass which has a huge wet spot in the center from the couch.

The room bursts out in laughter, but Axel simply looks over his shoulder and makes a kissy face at Pooh. Catching my eye, his smile disappears.

“I expected an elbow or two thrown with purpose. Instead, all you accomplished was to make every one of the members jealous of my beautiful… well, you know. I have no shame in my game, Aria. After seeing all that’s me, you have to settle for a plain one. That’s gonna hurt! Ha! Joke’s on you!” Axel says, and I can hear him laughing all the way down the sidewalk.

Looking toward Rex, he instantly holds his hands up.

“I’m not buying tinsel to make my junk look like a Christmas tree. No way. Get used to undecorated, my lovely Aria,” Rex states emphatically.

“What just happened?” Ava asks. “Axel was calm! He didn’t lose his shit like we all thought he would!”

“I’m going to be so rich!” Craig shouts while doing a funky little happy dance.

“You bet against everyone? You thought he’d be calm?” Ava asks.

“Damn straight I did! Not going to make money betting with everyone else! I ran a book on this, and waaalllaaaaa! I just made some serious bank! Start pulling out those wallets, people. If not paid today, the interest rate is huge,” Craig says with an evil snicker.

I laugh at Craig’s antics, but I laugh harder when Rex pulls out his wallet in resignation.

“Well, I’m not paying you a cent yet. Axel might lose it during the delivery. You haven’t won yet, Craig,” Trigger states, and several nod in agreement.

“Okay, that’s fair. Interest starts after the baby is born. But, in the meantime, does anyone know where Gunner is? Because if he’s gathering random items again, I just made a small fortune off a few of you right now,” Craig asks.

I look around and don’t see Gunner anywhere. I watch everyone else do the same, and only Craig is grinning widely. Just then, Gunner comes skidding into the room, wildly looking around. In his hands are several grease rags, an empty saucepan, a set of tongs, a charging cable, and a winter jacket.

“Knew I could count on you, Gunner. Pay up, bitches,” Craig gloats and starts making his rounds of disgruntled people, with Ava handing out the biggest payoff. She shoots a disgusted look at Gunner, and he stares back, probably wondering what he’s done wrong this time.

We all pitch in, get the food put away, and the room straightened before leaving for the hospital.

Once there, our large group is directed to the correct waiting room. A nurse comes out and gives a quick update, saying thingsare going quickly and well, and we settle in for the wait. I’m sitting on a short couch beside my mother while Rex stands next to me, back against the wall.

Cash steps into the middle of the room, Livi at his side beaming, and says he has an announcement. Everyone settles down instantly, even the kids.

“Livi and I didn’t want a big deal made over us, so we went to city hall this week and got married. We also applied for her to adopt Liam since she’s been his mom all along. Wanted it to be official, though.”

The room stays silent for a few beats. Then everyone starts cheering. Hugs and handshakes are handed out to both of them. A dirty look from a nurse at the desk because of the noise we’re making quiets us immediately but doesn’t stop the celebration of their announcement.

“I can’t believe you did that and survived the Aunts’ wrath,” Pippa says with a leery look sent toward the Aunts.

“Neither of us are that brave, Pips. The Aunts were our witnesses, along with James, Lars, and Terry. We just wanted to get married and didn’t want a big deal over it. Just something small and private. I hope we didn’t hurt anyone’s feelings,” Livi explains in a soft voice.

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