Page 139 of If You Love Me

Lexi exhales what seems to be a steadying breath and smiles. “I appreciate that, and that you’re in a difficult position.”

“Even though this review is a pain in all our asses, mostly yours, I’m still glad you took the steps you did to safeguard yourselves. I also love the two of you together, and off the record, so does the rest of the team.”

“Thank you. That means a lot.”

Her expression shifts to chagrin. “I’m sorry for how salty I was with both of you when I initially found out.”

“We understand it threw you for a loop,” Lexi replies.

“It did,” she agrees. “But I’d also just found out I was pregnant, and I was trying not to barf every five minutes.”

“Oh my gosh! Congratulations! That’s fantastic news. How far along are you?” Lexi hugs her. “I’m so sorry we caused you added stress!”

“I’m used to stress. You should have seen me last year with Dallas and Hemi.” She chuckles and rolls her eyes. “We passed the eleven-week mark and heard the heartbeat yesterday, so we’re in the clear to share the news with our friends,” Shilpa explains.

“What news?” Hollis appears, carrying another box markedkitchen.

“Is it finally sharing time?” Hemi’s eyes light up as she hugs Shilpa from the side.

“It is.” Shilpa is all smiles.

“Let me get everyone together.” Hemi calls the group into the room.

The rest of the guys put their boxes down, and the girls come out of their rooms to join us.

Ash is beaming as he puts his arm around Shilpa and announces, “We’re having a baby!”

The room turns into a flurry of excitement and congratulations, and not for the first time, I consider what it would be like to start again, with a partner this time—how different it would be, how much I’d love to have the chance to do this with Lexi.

Post baby announcement, we set up all the food on the kitchen island, buffet style, and everyone grabs a plate. After they’re loaded up, we sit in the formal dining room. The table is huge, but it’s still a tight fit.

Callie is between Peggy and Dred, talking a mile a minute. Fee is sandwiched between Tally and Tristan.

“Fee seems okay,” Lexi observes.

“She does,” I agree. But she’s been moody and quiet the past couple of days. She could be putting on a brave face because of our company.

“This team is so special.” Lexi dabs at her mouth with her napkin.

“Yeah. It’s a great group. Everyone looks out for each other.” I kiss her temple.

“They really do. Not every team is like this.”

“There’s a reason I wanted to finish my career here.”

When everyone’s plates are empty, Peggy taps her glass with her fork. “Before we have cake, it’s time for presents!” She pushes back her chair, and Hollis and Tristan do the same, following her out of the room.

Callie’s mouth hangs open. “Presents? Whose birthday is it?”

“We’re celebrating the new move,” Dred explains.

“Oh wow. I think I like moving parties!”

That earns a collective chuckle from the table.

Peggy, Hollis, and Tristan return with stacks of boxes.

Most of the gifts are for the girls’ rooms, to make them feel more like home. Fee unwraps the lava lamp she’s been in love with forever, and Callie is thrilled about the giant axolotl to go with her small one.

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