Page 150 of Not In The Contract

The laughter started up again, mostly from Hayden, who enjoyed watching Cam get owned in front of everyone.

“First of all,” Alex raised her voice to get the others to quiet down, “I think it’s disheartening to know you guys are out there placing bets on us.”

“Oh, please. Pot calling the kettle a raging hypocrite.” Reid tipped her champagne glass to Alex.

Alex pretended not to hear that one, and slipped her arm around my waist, pulling me closer.

“Devon and I are starting a family.”

The gasps were more pronounced this time. Tamera punched the air and whooped out loud before laying a fat one on Katya’s cheek.

I caught Cameron trying to check out my belly and I decided to end the guessing game.

“We’re going to adopt from foster care,” I said. “There are so many kids who could use the love we have going around. And that includes all of you, too.”

I looked up at Alex and saw her eyes misted over. But she wasn’t looking at me. Following her gaze, my eyes landed on Jamie, still in the doorway of the kitchen, her lower lip trembling as tears streaked her cheeks.

“You mean… You mean I’m going to be an aunt?” She sniffled.

And that was it. There wasn’t a dry eye after that. Even Katya was emotional when she came over to congratulate us.

“I can’t believe you managed to keep this from me.” Tamera hugged me so tightly I could barely breathe. “I’m so mad at you, but so damn happy for you.”

I rubbed my neck with relief when she finally let me go. “I didn’t keep anything from you, Tam. Alex and I only spoke about it this morning.”

She gave me a knowing smile. “Yeah, but I know you, Dev. This has been on your mind for a while. Percolating… The way you usually do with the big stuff that matters.”

My best friend knew me too well.

I could do nothing but shrug. “I guess I didn’t want to jinx anything by bringing it up too soon. Also, you’ve had your own thing going on.”

I motioned to Katya, who’d moved across the room to talk to Elliot. Tamera bit her lower lip, her gaze lingering on her girlfriend a little longer than necessary.

The warmth in her eyes was arresting when she looked back at me. “I’ve never been so in love, Dev.”

“I know, I can tell.”

She pulled me in for another crushing embrace. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not your person, okay? Please don’t ever think that.”

This time I crushed her back, my heart overflowing with love for her. “Never. And the same goes for you. Especially now with things changing even more…”

She pulled back, her hands on my shoulders as she looked deep into my eyes. “Changing for the better. And I’m going to be with you every step of the way.”

“Can I borrow you for a second?” Taylor came over to us, tugging lightly on Tamera’s elbow. “I have a question about that new software you helped roll out at the office last week. I know we’re off the clock, but-”

“Time is a construct, and we make hay while it shines,” Tamera replied brightly, following Taylor to go talk in private.

I looked over and saw Alex giving Jamie the warmest hug. They were in a good space, and that elevated the space Alex and I found ourselves in.

“So, what do you think, my love?” she asked once the party was in full swing and the merriment was flowing. “Not too bad for a couple of people who used to dance around their feelings, huh?”

“Not bad at all.” I snaked my arms around her neck and pulled her in for a kiss. “I’d say it’s pretty amazing.”

Yes! There will be more from this group of friends. Taylor's story is up next. While you’re waiting, I’ve got two exciting offers for you!