Page 116 of Wicked Love

I offer a small grin. “I’ll handle it.”

There’s a buzz and my hair falls in piles to the floor. By the end, I’m left with stubble so short it barely registers as hair. The change is drastic, and in the mirror, I hardly recognize myself.

I’ve officially lost that bet.

When I step into Luminary Coffeehouse, Clara doesn’t even ask me to dance because she’s stunned speechless.

“Mornin’, Clara,” I say, as if nothing is out of the ordinary.

When I walk back to our room, the guys are already there waiting. The reaction is immediate. They all yell in shock, staring at me.

“Holy shit!” Penn blurts, nearly knocking over his coffee.

Rhodes grips the edge of the table and then stands, slowly coming over to slide his hand over my head. “You…you buzzed it all off. Does this mean what I think it does?”

Weston shakes his head as he comes over to feel it too, his eyes shining bright. “Congratulations, motherfucker.”

Henley comes over and we share a bro-clasp and hug.

“Settle down,” I say, when I back up. “I haven’t asked her to marry me,” I pause, knowing how badly I want her in my life permanently. “Yet. Hell, I still haven’t gotten her to agree to moving in with me…although I hope to tonight. Again.” I shrug, smiling sheepishly. “But I’ve still lost the bet, because I am so far gone on this girl.”

They erupt in whistles and dramatic pounding on the table. Rhodes looks personally vindicated and the rest of them are grinning like they’ve won too.

“I knew it,” Rhodes says.

I laugh, shaking my head. “I never thought I’d be here, guys.”

“You deserve it more than anyone,” Weston says, and the rest of them add their agreement.

Penn taps The Single Dad Playbook that’s lying on the table, and I sit down, opening it up.

I can hardly believe I’m going to be a dad again.

In a way, it feels like starting over

because I’ve been past the baby phase

for such a long time.

And maybe because I’m older now too,

I’m appreciating it all the more.

I’m soaking up every moment.

With Tru. With the girls. With you guys.

Because I know now how fast the time goes.

So read the extra bedtime story,

Linger at the dinner table,

Take all the pictures…

Time is a vapor.

~Henley

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