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CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

CONFESSING ALL THE THINGS

PENN

I’ve known we’ve had a lot of screen time lately in our friend group. The guys have been on my ass about it, joking that Addy and I are basically living in a rom-com.

Which, okay, fair.

But we’ve settled into this crazy, wonderful life. Married. Parents to Sam and Winnie. And now…

A baby.

Which is why we’ve gathered everyone at Serendipity.

Greer and Wyndham are behind the counter, scooping ice cream like pros.

The place smells like sugar and chocolate, and the pastel walls are glowing under the warm lights.

The shop is technically closed, but when I asked Greer and Wyndham if we could rent the place for the night to have this little party, they acted like that was ridiculous.

I want them to hear the news too, so I’m happy they’re part of this.

Once everyone has arrived and has their ice cream of choice, the place is packed out with our family and friends…our framily, as Bowie calls us. There’s a quiet roar as everyone chatters with each other. The kids are laughing and getting more hyper as the sugar high sets in.

“All right, you guys,” I say, dinging my sundae dish. “I know you’re probably sick of my little announcements…”

Henley leans back in his chair and smirks. “Always gotta be center stage…”

“Well, this time Addy’s center stage,” I say, squeezing her hand. “We’re having a baby.”

There’s exactly one full second of stunned silence before the room erupts into chaos.

“What the?—”

“Shut up!”

“Are you serious?”

“Oh my God!”

Sam is the first to hug us and Winnie is right behind him. Henley jumps to his feet. Tru shrieks, clutching his arm. Rhodes yells and pumps his fist in the air, while Elle bounces in her seat. Sadie and Weston are laughing so hard they’re almost crying.

Bowie just sits there, looking stunned. Poppy gasps and Becca beams and yells, “Baby brother or sister!”

Greer and Wyndham clink their shake glasses.

“I knew it!” Greer says, laughing. “Did I not call it?”

“Yes, ma’am, you sure did,” Wyndham says.

We’re tackled with hugs and congratulations and it takes a while for things to die down again.

Tru holds her hands up, her face lit like she’s ready to explode. “This is the best news!” she says. Then her smile turns sly. “And…we have some news too.”

Our heads all whip toward her.

Henley grins. “We’re pregnant.”

“What the hell is happening?” Rhodes says, wiping his eyes.

“You’re kidding,” Elle says, clutching her stomach.

Rhodes clears his throat. “Actually…” He slides his arm around Elle’s waist. “We were waiting to tell you this…but…we’re having a baby too.”

“WHAT?” I yell.

“This is like a pregnancy flash mob!” Sadie says, wide-eyed.

Weston glances at her and she gives a slight nod. “Well, since we’re all confessing things…”

“Shut the front door!” Addy yells.

Sadie grins. “Yep. We’re pregnant too.”

We all lose our freaking minds. The kids dance around and we all pound each other on the back and hug and laugh and cry. Tru is laughing so hard, she’s doing one long wheeze.

Weston is the closest one to me, and I hug him, leaning back to look him in the eye.

“Would you have ever believed this would be us when we first met?” I ask.

“Not a chance in hell,” he says. “But I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

“Me either.”

And then Poppy gasps and lets out a long moan. Her eyes go wide, and she presses a hand to her belly. “Ohhhh,” she moans again.

Bowie’s next to her within a second. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“I think—” Her face twists in pain. “I think it’s happening.”

“You’re kidding.” Bowie pales.

Greer drops a spoon and it goes clattering across the floor.

“Oh my God,” Elle shrieks.

“Everyone to the car!” Weston yells.

“We can’t all drive her!” Sadie argues.

“I’ve got it,” Bowie says. He looks ready to pass out, but he starts moving her toward the door.

She winces and grips his arm, shuffling alongside him.

He looks at Tru and Elle and then around the room.

“Can one of you take Becca home after this? I’ll call Mrs. McGregor and my mom when we get to the hospital. ”

He looks at Becca and Poppy talks softly to Becca, who’s nodding.

“I see you when baby comes,” she says.

Poppy hugs her and then Becca hugs Bowie.

“Do you need us to take Jonas? We can take him too,” Sadie says.

“That would be great. Mrs. McGregor can put him down for the night while we—oh shit, Poppy…” Bowie looks at Poppy in horror when she doubles over. “Tell me what to do.”

“Get me to the hospital,” she says through gritted teeth.

“Right. On it,” he says, blinking rapidly.

She grips his face with both hands. “Now,” she says softly.

That snaps him into gear. He moves her a little closer to the door.

“Oh no…ahh. My water just broke,” Poppy says. “I’m so sorry, Greer and Wyndham!”

“That’s what bleach is for,” Greer calls. “Don’t you worry. Go have that baby!”

“Whew, I feel woozy,” Bowie says.

“Not today, Fox,” Poppy says, grabbing him by the collar.

Weston yanks open the door, and Bowie and Poppy stumble through it. We tell them to drive safely and let us know when the baby arrives…and if there’s anything we can do to help. When they leave, it’s suddenly quiet.

Addy and I stand there in the doorway, shell-shocked.

“Did that just happen?” she whispers.

“I think so.” I wrap my arms around her.

“I cannot believe this.” She looks up at me.

“Five babies,” I say, waving my hand. “A baby tonight and then four all at once. What kind of baby epidemic is this?”

Addy starts laughing and so does everyone else. Pretty soon, we’re all in a state of hysteria.

“It’s going to be absolute pandemonium,” I say, holding my stomach. It hurts from laughing so hard.

“Imagine when they all hit puberty at once,” Elle says.

“And start driving…” Tru adds, looking horrified.

“Aw, maybe they’ll ride to school together,” Sadie says. “And share clothes.”

“Oh my God, what if they date each other?” Elle says, eyes wide. “Aw.”

Rhodes has Levi on his shoulders and he bumps my shoulder with his. “You don’t mess around, Penn Hudson.” He smirks. “I like this look on you.”

I let out a long exhale and give Levi a high five.

“Thanks, man,” I tell Rhodes. “I never knew what I was missing. Now I can’t imagine how I survived without them.” I tilt my head toward Addy and the kids. I shake my head and start laughing all over again. “All these babies. What the fuck?”

“Our Single Dad Players meetings are gonna be lit ,” he sings.

“Yeah, about that name…”

Not even two hours later, we’re back home when Bowie sends a text to the group chat.

Bowie

He’s here. Elias Hayden Fox. Poppy’s doing well. And Elias is healthy and perfect and freaking huge. 12 pounds, 8 ounces, 22 inches long.

A picture comes through and he’s adorable.

Rhodes

Good God. Poor Poppy. And that’s amazing. Another little Fox to love. Or should I say, big Fox? He’s so cute!

Henley

That is one fine boy. So happy for you guys.

Weston

That was so fast! Wow, he’s perfect.

Bowie

It was too fast for Poppy to get an epidural. She is my hero.

He reminds me so much of Jonas! I can’t wait to see him. Give Poppy our love and get some rest. Love you guys.

Bowie

Love you too. I’m still reeling about all the baby news. Excited our new slew of kids will grow up together too.

Henley

I still can’t wrap my mind around it. Best day ever.

Weston

Yeah, Penn is right. There’s definitely something in the Luminary coffee.

I’m chuckling as I crawl into bed. Addy smiles up at me.

“What is it?”

“Did you hear from Poppy?” I ask.

She holds up her phone, showing me a picture of Elias.

“Isn’t he just the best?” She sighs.

I lean over and kiss her before working my way down to her stomach. I slide my hand over her stomach and place soft kisses there.

“It’s hard to believe there’s a little baby tucked away in there,” I say.

“I think it hasn’t fully sunk in,” Addy whispers. “But I can’t wait, Penn. Every day with you and Sam and Winnie…I feel like I’m on this huge adventure where I can’t wait to wake up in the morning to see what life will bring. I’m ready for whatever comes our way.”

I smile up at her. “Me too. As long as we’re together, I’m ready for anything.”