Page 128 of The Merger

“No. I’m going to call Mom and then tell the others,” Gannon says.

“Then at least tell me if it’s a boy or a girl.”

I grin. “We’re not telling anyone.”

“Except me,” Tate says deadpan.

“We’re not tellinganyone,” I say, repeating myself.

“I won’t say a word,” Tate says. “If you don’t want to have to say you told me, just say pink or blue.”

“We’re not telling you,” Gannon says. “Damn.”

“That’s some bullshit.” He returns to the fridge and gets a water, downing the whole thing. “Okay, now that I’m hydrated and can think, let’s be clear about something. I’m not giving up my weekly lunches with you. And I still need you to wingwoman me.”

“Excuse fucking me?” Gannon says, ready to fight.

“He means that he wants to use me to help him get girls,” I say, laughing. “Settle down.”

“And I fully expect to be included in this baby’s life,” Tate says. “I want full access.”

“You can’t come in here and make demands,” Gannon says, holding out his hands.

“You’re trying to steal my girl!”

Gannon smirks. “She’s my girl, fucker. Watch your language.”

“I’m going to go call my mom,” I say. “Can you two not kill each other while I’m gone?”

Tate glares at Gannon. “We’ll try.”

Gannon ignores him, kissing my cheek. “Love you.”

“This is ridiculous,” Tate mutters as I walk away.

My heart’s overflowing as I sit in the breakfast area. Tate might be dramatic, but he’ll calm down. I was nervous about telling him despite knowing he’d be excited. But now that it’s out in the open, I wish we would’ve done it sooner because the feeling of this baby bringing people together fills me with a joy and peace that I didn’t know existed.

I whisper a prayer as I call my mother.

“Hey, sweetheart,” she says. “How are you?”

“Hey, Mom. I’m good. What are you up to?”

“Honestly? I’m kind of in the dumps. This rain has just sucked my life force, I think.”

My stomach twists. “Well, I might have some news that will help that.”

“You do? Good. Gimme.”

I run my finger around the jade pot. “Mom, I’m pregnant.”

“What?”

I pull my phone away from my ear as she shrieks.

“You better not be messing with me,” she says. “Tell me you’re serious.”

“I’m serious.” Tears wet my eyes. “I’m having a baby.”