Page 64 of A Play for Love

“So great, Mom,” Stefan spoke with a hint of sarcasm.

“When do you need to be out of your house?” Sebastian asked.

“Two weeks. It was a cash offer, and the buyers wanted in immediately. As far as I’m concerned, the sooner the better. So, Simon, I will stay with you and Grace for two weeks until Gretchen moves out.”

“Why me?” he asked.

“Because I birthed you.” Her brow arched.

“You can stay with Charleigh and me, Aunt Barb,” Christian spoke.

“Thank you, Christian darling, but I’ll be staying with Simon.” She smiled.

“Speaking of birth, Mom,” Sam said. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“What is it, darling?”

“Julia is pregnant.”

She blankly stared at him for a moment. “Oh. A failed vasectomy?”

“Yep.” He brought the bottle to his lips.

“Same thing happened to Linda and Ronnie Smith. Except Mr. Smith got his assistant pregnant instead of his wife.” Her lips formed a smirk. “Stefan, you two had it done on the same day by the same doctor.”

“Yes, Mom. I’m aware.”

“You don’t need to worry about him. Simon bought him a sperm check test kit. He’s good.” Sebastian chuckled.

“What the fuck, douchebag?” Stefan reached over and slapped his arm.

“Congratulations, Sam.” Aunt Barb kissed his cheek. “I know it wasn’t planned, but sometimes the greatest gifts in life aren’t. After all, the four of you certainly weren’t.” She patted his cheek. “I’m going to Shaun’s to congratulate Julia, tell the girls my good news, and see my grandchildren.” She stood up and headed toward Shaun’s house.”

“You okay, cousin?” I smiled at Simon.

“Do I look okay?” He finished his beer, threw the bottle in the sand, and grabbed another.

“Shit. I can’t believe she’s moving down the street.” Conner laughed.

“She birthed me? What the fuck?” He shook his head. “This is Dad all over again.” Simon pointed at all of us.

“Dad was actually right here,” Sebastian said. “At least she’ll be down the street.”

“Yeah, and if something happens to her, we can be there in a flash,” Jackson said.

“She’s constantly going to be in our business,” Stefan said. “She already is now, but it’ll get worse with her living so close.”

“She’s making a fresh start,” I said. “Look at it this way. We can ship the kids over to her at any time. All of them.” I smiled.

“Good point,” Sam said. “Really good point.”

“Two full weeks, bro.” Stefan grinned as he patted Simon’s shoulder.

“Shut up, douchebag,” he grumbled.

“Okay. Let’s play some music,” I said as I grabbed my guitar and strummed the chords.

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