Page 77 of About That One Night
“Congratulations on the baby, Zoe,” Ethan says, his expression softening. “He’s a good guy, even when sometimes you want to toss him from the tallest building.”
“Says the guy who owes me his life,” Max chimes in, stepping onto the balcony with a tray of food. His eyes meet mine, concern etched on his face. “Everything okay?”
I take a deep breath, my heart racing. “Yeah. I think we’re ready to tell the rest of the world.” My voice comes out a little hesitant, but I remind myself that this is great news, and I also have Max’s support. I reach for his hand, squeezing it gently.
“Then let me video call Jacob and Audrey so we can tell them too. We’ll figure out our parents later—or maybe I’ll have Aud tell Mom.” Max grins, his eyes twinkling mischievously as if he just found a new secret weapon.
Max quickly sets up the call, and soon Jacob and Audrey’s faces pop up on the screen. “Oh, a three-way call with the siblings. Is everything okay? Mom, Dad?” Jacob asks, his brow furrowing with concern.
“They’re fine, but maybe give a call to Mom this week—or at least this month,” Max says, glancing between his siblings.
“I just texted her earlier today,” Audrey says defensively, her lips pursing. “What’s happening, Maxie?”
He clears his throat, his arm tightening aroundme. “I . . . We have some news,” Max announces, settling next to me.
“Hey, Zo,” Audrey greets me with a smile.
“Hi.” I wave.
“Hey, Zo,” Jacob growls. “Don’t tell me, this asshole convinced you to elope, and you two are married? Good luck telling Mom she missed her favorite son’s wedding.”
“Mom doesn’t have favorites,” Audrey interjects, rolling her eyes. “She’s an equal opportunity meddler. So what’s the news, Max? You’re finally dating the perfect woman for you? I approve.”
“Zoe and I are having a baby,” Max says, his voice a mix of pride and nervousness.
“You what?” Audrey’s eyes widen, her mouth opening slightly.
“Wow, I knew you two were doing it, but a baby . . .” Jacob looks taken aback. “Congrats? I mean, I’m happy if you are, and I’m welcoming the nephew?—”
“Or niece,” Audrey interrupts, her face lighting up. “This is big. Are you two happy?”
Max and I exchange glances, a warmth spreading through my chest. Now that he’s next to me, I feel . . . hopeful and even happier about this little one. “We are,” we both say in unison.
“Shotgun being godmother,” Audrey squeals, bouncing in her seat.
“I don’t think so,” Lily argues, leaning into the frame. “I’ll fight you for it.”
“Well, they’ll have to have more children and give you one. This one is mine,” Audrey claims, her tone playfully possessive.
Lily looks at me and I shrug, suppressing a laugh. “You two are going to have to work hard toward convincing me who’s the best one for the godmother title.”
Jacob chuckles. “Congrats, guys. This is amazing.”
The conversation turns lively and fun, filled with congratulations and playful banter. Max doesn’t leave my side, and I rest my head on his chest, feeling at peace for the first time in weeks. This is okay, maybe for now this is enough. Tomorrow we’ll have to look into what we want from each other, life, and the future. Today, I just enjoy the moment, surrounded by the warmth of family and the promise of new beginnings.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Maximillian
We agreedto tell our parents later, but I had to have a heart-to-heart with my parents. Mom takes the news well enough, but she wants to meet Zoe—even though she’s met her several times before.
I’m pretty sure she’s going to try to convince Zo that we have to get married right away. We agreed to have dinner with her on Saturday. Audrey and Liam are coming from San Diego. Jacob managed to wiggle his way outof the family dinner.
We’re still not living together—she’s not that easy to convince, but I’m doing the whole dating thing. Like this morning, she allowed me to pick her up so we could have brunch with her family. Yes, on a Friday because apparently, they can make the time for it. I’m pretty sure it has something to do with Cleo working, and she won’t be able to invite herself.
“You’re here early,” Zoe says as she opens the door, her hair still damp from the shower.
“I’m on time.” I wink at her before pulling her into my arms and kissing her softly. “I missed you.”
