Page 79 of Mr. Perfect

“You have to answer my question first,” Ree said.

“Jude and I have been talking and working through things.”

“With or without clothes on?” she asked. Had they been face-to-face, Ree would’ve been leaning forward and waggling her eyebrows. Nothing was off limits between them. They told each other everything.

“Both.”

Ree let out a delightful squeal and followed it up with a lengthy giggle. “It’s about time,” she said breathlessly.

“For you to tell me what upset you last night,” Felix said.

“Oh, Fee. I was calling you because I have exciting news. The absolute best news.” Ree sniffled, and Felix knew she was crying.

Thank God they were happy tears, or he’d be driving to Atlanta to fuck somebody up. Ree was a badass and didn’t need men fighting her battles for her, but he’d happily stand beside her.

“What is it, Ree?” There was only one thing left in this world Ree wanted. Felix was terrified to hope.

“I’m pregnant,” she said before squealing again. “We went in for our physicals and were expecting the results to tell us how difficult it would be for us to conceive together. When the doctor walked into the room with this big smile on her face, I assumed the outlook was good. Then she said, ‘I have great news. You don’t need my services.’ I told her we most definitely did and reminded her that we’d been trying to get pregnant for eighteen months. The doctor smiled and said, ‘And you finally did it. Congratulations.’”

Felix’s heart swelled and tears stung the back of his eyes. “This is the best news ever. I’m so happy for you and Stephen.”

“Felix,” Ree said, her voice thick with emotion. “Stephen told me about the conversation he had with you during your birthday dinner. Do you have any idea how much I love you?”

“As much as I love you,” Felix said as tears spilled down his face.

“Well, if you and Jude finally stop dicking around—” Ree laughed. “Okay, maybe I have that backward. If you and Jude start dicking around and build a life together, I would happily be your surrogate if you want to have a baby.”

“Ree, I don’t know what to say.” He’d never thought of himself as father material before, but he could easily picture Jude cradling a newborn against his chest.

“Thank you is a good start,” she said.

“Thank you.”

They talked about all the baby plans they were making even though she was terrified. Ree spoke of relying on her faith to get through the anxieties. Felix wasn’t the praying type. Maybe it was because he never considered himself worthy of God’s love or His mercy. He would pray for her, Stephen, and the baby.

Ree moaned on the other end of the connection. “Oh, yeah, right there, baby.”

Felix snorted. “Um, should I let you go?”

“Stephen is paying up the foot rub he owes me for betting against me. I told him it was only a matter of time before you and Jude found your way back to each other. Haven’t I been saying this since our freshman year?”

“I think you’ve mentioned it once or twice.”

“Ree is all-knowing.”

Felix laughed so hard he nearly dropped Jude’s phone in the pool. “Ree is also talking about herself in the third person.”

“Gross. Oh, not you, baby. Dig your thumb in my arch again. Oh! Ohhhh. Felix, I gotta go. These pregnancy hormones are intense.” She lowered her voice. “Some of them make me happy, and Stephen even happier, if you know what I mean.”

Felix laughed. “Attagirl.”

They said their goodbyes, then Felix set the phone on the concrete next to him. Jude joined him a few moments later, carrying two cups of coffee. He handed them both to Felix to hold while he sat down and dangled his legs in the pool too. Felix passed the cup with creamer and sugar to Jude and kept the black coffee for himself.

“Your house is beautiful, but this is my favorite part.” Felix looked at the lush landscaping surrounding the pool. “It’s so peaceful.”

“Maybe too peaceful. Attack peacocks would add a nice flair.”

Felix laughed. “I could bring Pete and Pearl over for a visit.”