Page 84 of Resilient Rhythms
Jameson pops a bottle of champagne and passes out flutes, skipping Levi and Maverick on account of their time in rehab and me on account of my pregnancy.
“Allegra.” He passes her a flute.
She fumbles it, almost dropping the glass.
Derek lunges for it, catching it in time. But he doesn’t pass it back to Allegra. Instead, he stands awkwardly with a champagne flute in each hand.
The chatter of our little group quiets as eyes turn toward Derek and Allegra. Their eyes hold, a silent conversation passing between them.
“Uh, is everything okay?” Levi asks.
“Yes,” Derek bites out.
Allegra sighs, giving me an apologetic glance.
“What is it?” Mav presses.
“I didn’t want to say anything, not when this is your night and we’re celebrating news we’ve waited for, for ages…” Allegra trails off, turning to look at me.
Understanding dawns and I squeal. “Holy shit, A. You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”
My friend nods and I scream, rushing to wrap her in a hug. “Are you serious?”
“We’re going to be pregnant together,” she replies. “Our babies are going to be besties.”
“This is the best news!” I cry out. Again, we rock from side to side and squeal.
“Not as good as Bran going to prison,” she counters.
“Fuck Bran. This is so much better,” I assure her.
“I’m sorry, Kenny. I just found out a few days ago. Derek and I weren’t going to say anything tonight and?—”
“I’m glad you did.” I cut her off. “We’re all together and now, we have more good news to celebrate.”
She pulls back to look at me. “You sure?”
I beam at Allegra. “I’m so thrilled for you.”
“Well, I feel like we should also tell you that we’re getting married next month,” Derek announces.
“What?” Levi barks, looking between his best friend and his little sister.
“Surprise!” Allegra gushes.
“You didn’t get my sister a ring?” Levi accuses.
Derek flips him the middle finger.
“It’s at home.” Allegra blushes. “We really weren’t supposed to do this tonight.”
“I’m so damn happy for you, A,” Mav says, wrapping her in a hug while I embrace Derek in congratulations.
Levi hugs his sister next as Jameson and Derek exchange words.
“How amazing is this?” Mav whispers, his eyes dancing.
“Our littles are going to be best friends,” I repeat what Allegra said.
