“You think you’ll ever date again?” Zen asks.
I poke them. “Seriously?”
“Maybe we ease into that kind of inquisition?” Laney says.
“No, no, it’s okay,” Emma says. “Everyone knows I always wanted the husband and the kids and the picket fence, right? Legitimate question.”
I wrap an arm around her and squeeze.
Laney does too on the other side.
“At least I’m getting part of it,” Em says softly.
Zen nods. “That’s a kick-ass white picket fence outside. Or it will be. Once we build it.”
“No,” Em says even more softly. “Another part.”
I freeze.
Laney makes a strangled noise.
Zen squints at Em.
“Something happened on my runaway-moon.” Em’s whispering so quietly now that we’re all leaning in to listen. “Someone, more accurately. Someone good.”
“Emma,” Laney gasps. “Spill. Now.”
The men all turn to stare.
“It’s over,” she says quickly. “It was one of those we’re both going through hell after super rough break-ups kind of things. Mutual support, you know? But I…brought home…an unexpected souvenir.”
I cannot actually speak.
Laney’s mouth is a perfect O.
Zen gasps and grabs my shoulder like they’ll fall over if they don’t.
Em fans her shiny eyeballs. “This is a good thing. It’s a really good thing. I think—I think this is how I’m supposed to have my own happily ever after. Just me and a baby.”
“You don’t know who he is?” Laney whispers.
“I do. I’ll let him know. But I don’t think—I don’t think he’ll want to be involved. It’s…complicated. And honestly, it’s probably better this way.”
“Oh my god, Emma,” I breathe.
The men are still staring.
My eyes are getting hot.
“And this is a good thing? You’re sure?” Laney asks.
Emma smiles through tears. “Honestly? This is the very best thing. If I can’t have everything I wanted, this is what I wanted the most.”
“Your kid is going to have the best aunts and uncles ever,” Zen says reverently. “Can I be an honorary auncle? Please? Please?”
“Of course,” Emma says.
“Who. The fuck. Do I need to kill?” Theo asks.
Em laughs. “Sit down and shush.”
“Not kidding, Em. I have a get out of jail free card with the sheriff. I will absolutely use it for murder.”
“I can research how to make a body disappear,” Grey says.
“Already done,” Decker offers.
Grey blinks at him.
“I’m a novelist, dude. You don’t even want to know what my search history looks like.”
Lucky and Jack both drop to a knee, then get into a shoving match.
“I was going to make an honest woman of her.”
“Asshole, shut up. I’m making an honest woman of her.”
“Get up, both of you,” Theo orders. “What do you think this is, the 1950’s? Em, tell me which house in town you want me to buy you, and it’s done.”
Emma sniffles again. “I love you guys. All of you.”
“We’re here for whatever you need,” Laney tells her.
“Including disposing of these yahoos so you can do motherhood your way,” I agree.
Theo’s still glaring, but we all know he’ll come around.
The triplets will show up for anything she asks. As will Grey and Zen. And the entire town.
It’s what we do.
Always.
“You’re sure the father won’t want to be involved?” Laney asks Em.
She nods, but not without hesitation. “I’m positive. It’s for the best. It truly, truly is.”
“But you’ll tell him?”
This time, there’s no hesitation in the nod.
“You’re having a baby,” I whisper.
“I’m having a baby,” she whispers back.
We all burst into tears.
Tears of absolute joy.
She’s right.
Her wedding was a disaster, but it led to so many happily ever afters. And as all of the men surround us for a giant group hug, I know the next part of our stories will only get better.
No matter what complications and unexpected wrenches come our way.