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“A favor? Did you hack into their system?”
“I didn’t, but I got what I was after.” He doesn’t have an ounce of guilt.
Of course he doesn’t. This is Talon.
The man who has promised to give me everything in his power. Even if it includes questionable methods.
“I’m too happy to be mad at you.”
“Now can we get a beer?” Chase grouses.
“Yes! You can all get a drink and I can sit by drowning my jealousy because I’m incubating a human.”
“Sounds good to me.” Bex winks.
Talon takes my hand, leading us all back outside.
The roar of catcalls, whistles, and cheers stops me in my tracks.
Silver and blue balloons are tied everywhere. Tinsel and swirl streamers hang from the cabana, reflecting across the patio deck. A huge ‘congratulations’ banner is hung across theroofline. And right in the center of the bar is a picture of Talon and me.
The crowd has grown. Abe, Maddie, and Lucas stand together, all smiling wide. The band has arrived, all the parents, Drake, Sam, Addie, Carson, and in the middle is April and Mark.
I’m too stunned to move.
“W-w-what? How? When?” I stutter, taking it all in. “We were only inside for five minutes.”
“Guess you know what was in those bags and boxes.”
I glance at Talon, who again isn’t surprised. “You knew about this, too?”
“Babe.”
That’s all he says as if it’s the universal answer.
“I can’t believe you! This is supposed to be a party for Max.”
“No, this is a party for you. Just because you are getting married quicker than the speed of light, doesn’t mean you don’t get a proper celebration.”
I stare at Bex, realizing she is the mastermind behind this.
“I am such a ditz. How did I miss this?”
“Because we are a team of stealth experts. And it’s called pregnancy brain— you are incubating a human.” She throws my words back at me.
“Are we celebrating the engagement or the baby?”
“We have many months ahead for the babe. This is for the engagement. And you better enjoy it because this may be the only one we can plan.”
I throw myself at her. “This is all I ever could want. Thank you.”
She squeezes and pulls back with a sheen in her eyes.
Talon tucks me to his side. “Ready?”
“I hate being the center of attention.”
“You can handle it.”