Page 128 of Crossing Lines

“Now is not the time,” Stella says.

“You’re right,” I say, holding up the test. “Because you’re pregnant.”

“Preg—”

“What—”

“Holy shit,” Elodie says, grabbing the test and staring at it. “How?”

“Well,” I drawl. “If you don’t know how babies are made, we really should’ve given you the sex talk before you got married.”

Elodie bursts into laughter, her joy spilling over, but then her eyes glisten with tears that threaten to spill down her cheeks. And then she’s caught in a mix of emotions, laughing and crying all at once. Aria, Stella, and I become a whirlwind of hugs and squeals, each of us fighting to be the first to congratulate her.

A bang sounds on the bathroom door.

“Elodie?” Hunter calls out. “Are you okay?”

I whip open the door, pull him inside, and close the door on Evren’s, Jake’s, and Zeki’s faces with a wink.

Hunter sees Elodie’s tearstained face and immediately rushes to her. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying? Are these happy tears?”

“Yes,” Elodie says and holds up the test.

Hunter takes the pregnancy test in his hand, his gaze darting between Elodie and the little stick, as if trying to process the reality before him. Then, a huge smile bursts across his face, lighting up his entire being. “Seriously?” he asks, his voice filled with disbelief and wonder.“I’m going to be a dad?”

“Surprise,” Elodie says, a little unsure, a little wobbly.

Hunter picks her up and spins her around. “This is the best fucking surprise I’ve ever received.”

“Yeah?”

“Of course.” He places her on the ground and touches her abdomen. “I can’t wait to be a dad.”

Someone bangs on the bathroom door, again.

“Nina,” Evren says, “if you don’t open this door right now, I’m going to break it down.”

“That’s hot.” Aria whistles, impressed, staring at the door.

“I’d like to see that happen.” Stella also turns her attention to the door, as if waiting for him to actually break through.

“He’d do it too,” I say, opening it. “But I don’t want Elodie to lose her deposit on this place.”

“What is going on in here?” Evren demands, looking me over. “Are you okay?”

“I’m great,” I say. “Elodie is pregnant, and Hunter just found out.”

Another round of hugs and congratulations happens from the guys before we find our way back outside and onto the dock. With our legs hanging over the edge, we all watch Elodie and Hunter give each other secret looks when they think we aren’t looking.

“Do you want to join us for a drink next week?” Hunter asks Evren and Zeki.

“Where there’s alcohol,” Zeki says, “there’s me.”

Hunter grins and asks Evren, “And you?”

“Sure,” Evren says easily and Hunter stares at him in disbelief. “What?”

“It’s just you’ve never said yes,” Hunter says slowly, like it’s obvious.

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