Page 59 of Summer Nights

"You can go play with your brothers." Ivy waved in the direction of our beach court.

Elena approached us with a glass of lemonade for Ivy. "You have some explaining to do."

"That's my cue to go," I said as I jogged toward my brothers who were still deciding on teams. We usually did youngest versus oldest, which had gotten more competitive over the years. Shep and me split up to make the teams even. This time, I was on Hudson's side.

Hudson threw the ball at me. "That went well."

I cradled the ball in my hand. "Yeah, Mom and Dad seem happy."

"I think they're used to surprises these days. First Luna leaves the business and gets engaged to that ex-military man from Maryland?—"

"I wouldn't say that to Axel's face." He was big, and I wouldn't want to tussle with him.

Hudson continued, "Then Dalton knocked up Oakley."

"Hey, watch your mouth. That's the mother of his child."

Hudson grinned wide. "You're growing up, brother. I like it."

I groaned. "I'm never going to be as boring as you though."

Hudson raised a brow, then gestured for me to serve. "That's all you got?"

"I'm going to bring it on the court." I smirked, moving into position. I immediately clocked Ivy seated next to Elena, who was talking a mile a minute. I was sure Elena was grilling Ivy about me. I hoped Ivy was saying good things.

I served the ball, feeling content that everything was falling into place for me.

Chapter Fifteen

Ivy

I was dreading this conversation. Elena would be hurt that I hadn't talked to her about Cooper being the father of my baby. I wanted to confide in her earlier, but I'd promised Cooper we'd do it together.

Elena leaned in to hiss, "Why didn't you tell me your baby daddy was Cooper?"

"We promised not to say anything to anyone until twelve weeks."

Elena groaned. "Since when can't you confide in your best friend? The one who bought you the pregnancy test, I might add."

I looked at the volleyball court, wondering when I'd started to think of Cooper as my partner in this. "When you're pregnant and the daddy tells you not to."

Elena's brow furrowed. "Was that his stipulation or yours?"

"I was worried about a miscarriage, and the doctor said most people wait."

"You're feeling better about becoming a mother?" Elena asked softly.

"I've come to terms with the idea. It wasn't how I'd planned it, but I'm going to be okay."

"You hadn't planned for it at all."

I chuckled. "I wanted to see Rae and Duncan grow up and get them through college first."

Elena frowned. "You can't put your life on hold for your brother and sister."

Was living life having a baby, or did she mean meeting someone and falling in love? "I'm doing that now. Whether I like it or not."

"Cooper seems happy about it. He was grinning the whole time everyone congratulated him."

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