Page 133 of Almost Beautiful (Beautiful 3)

Liis thought about that. “You make a good point. But we’re still going to strategize, think of every possible scenario.”

“Deal,” I said. “Thank you.”

She closed her eyes and shook her head, frustrated. “Don’t thank me for this. This is … Just don’t thank me.”

We finished the dishes in silence, and then Jim called us into the living room. He held two bottles of champagne, walking around as he filled everyone’s cups.

I held up my hand. “I’m good, Dad, but thank you.”

“You’re not going to drink to your graduation?” Travis asked.

“I’m stuffed, and champagne will make it worse.”

“You want something else?”

I glanced at the liquor cabinet, then shook my head. “I have water. I’m fine, but thank you, baby.”

Jim held up his glass. “To my favorite nephew, Shepley and our darling America, my favorite niece—”

“Your only niece,” she teased.

“And still our favorite,” Jim said. “Shepley, you have always been the peacekeeper. Without you, I don’t know where Travis would be. You’ve always understood him in ways no one else did. You’re loyal, caring, and steadfast. You are good to your girl, to your friends, and family. You have become an outstanding man, and we couldn’t be prouder.

“And America, you are the apple of Shepley’s eye, you light up every room you walk into. You are a fierce protector of those you love. We love you both, and we’re more than just lucky that Shep’s brought you into our family. We’re better for it.”

“You’re damn right,” Jack said, raising his glass higher.

We all took a sip, and Jim held up his whiskey glass again. “And Abby … the Maddox family’s first daughter. Our little ray of sunshine. The woman who is the glue that keeps us all together, organizes our holidays, and makes sure her old dad takes his vitamins. We love you, Abby, we’re proud of you, and if my sweetheart were here, Diane would say … congratulations, our darling. You’ve outdone yourself.”

“Here, here!” Travis said, lifting his glass higher.

Everyone took a sip, and then I raised my glass. “Jim, your words, as always, are perfection. Please allow me to add a bonus toast to my best friend.”

“Bonus toast!” Trenton yelled.

I looked to America. “You came with me to Eastern State to keep me on the straight and narrow, and you shoved me at one-hundred miles per hour into Travis Maddox.”

Thomas choked out a laugh, making the rest of the family burst into laughter.

Travis frowned. “Hey …”

“We’ve studied together, walked to class together, eaten lunches and dinners and brunches together, we’ve happy-houred together, cried together, and fell in love together, and these last four years with you, and this family, have been the best of my life thus far. You’re sharp as a tack, you’re undeniably loyal, and you’re going to be one hell of a teacher. Congratulations, my sweet, sweet friend. The world is most definitely better that you’re in it.”

America’s eyes were filled with tears, and then she led everyone in taking another sip.

“And,” I began again, “you’ll all have to forgive me. I borrowed this next toast from my husband.”

Everyone groaned, again moderately offending Travis.

“Hey!” he said.

“Please forgive me for the language, but …” I held up my glass. “To douchebags! And to girls who break your heart.” I pressed my palm to my chest, looking apologetically at Travis. I could tell he was worried where this was going, so I allowed the tiniest of smiles to soften my expression. “And to the absolute fucking horror—when you loathe being the center of attention—of announcing to your entire family … that we’re having a baby.”

The room was silent, and then all eyes were on Travis, who was standing with a confused look on his face.

“We’re … You’re …” he stuttered.

I nodded, beaming. “I’m pregnant.”