Page 106 of Gorgeous

“Come inside,” I say, pulling away.

My mom places a kiss on my cheek and moves inside the house. I hear, “Mama Jameson!” and then she’s hugging Theo, squealing as he spins her around. I want to be annoyed that Theo has a better relationship with my parents than I do, but I can’t. All I can do is smile at the best friend who’s managed to penetrate through my defenses and become my brother.

“Son.” Dad’s touch draws my attention away from Mom and Theo. “Dad.” Extending my hand for a gentlemanly greeting, he takes it and pulls me in for a hug, clapping me on the back a few times. “Good to see you again, Cade. You look … happy.”

I nod, staying silent. I’m afraid my voice may come out gravelly and well, less manly. So I go with a nod over his shoulder.

I am happy. Happier than I’ve been in a very long time.

Hours pass with several more guest arrivals. Lawson and Nicole are huddled close on the couch, laughing at the bullshit coming out of the guys’ mouths but more noticeably are the two newcomers that come to see Breck. Another Christmas gift from Anniston, Jess and Milos both flew out here to spend Christmas with Breck. The only family she claims. I never realized how much Breck relied on their friendship until seeing her with them, her face lit up, a gorgeous smile stretched from dimple to dimple … she’s absolutely stunning.

And happy.

“So, all of you guys are single, right?”

Jess is hilarious. She’s given Hayes a run for his money in smack talking. I think I even saw him blush at one of her crass remarks. Milos is calmer, and I nearly made a mockery of myself when I growled as he greeted Breck with a hug. He took it in stride, said something in Croatian I didn’t understand, but apparently Breck did because they both laughed and patted me on the back like it was a good try or something. I’m still not a huge fan of Milos, but so far his hands have kept to himself. A safe route for him.

A glass clinks several times in a row, drawing our attention to the heart of our family.

Anniston.

“I just wanted to say thank you all for being here today and celebrating our first real Christmas together as a family. Our lives have changed tremendously in two years. It hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve persevered together.” Anniston catches my eye. “Just like we always have. Theo and I are so grateful to call you family—”

“Speak for yourself, Ans.” Anniston cuts Theo a look of promised death if he says shit like that again. “Fine, I like you assholes a little bit,” he amends.

With a sigh, Anniston picks up where she left off. “As I was saying, we are so grateful to be sharing this day with all of you since …” She looks at Theo. For support? Surely not. When has Ans ever needed moral support? My stomach clenches with a sense of doom. I knew being happy would not last long. “Since we are opening the new quarters to house more guys today.”

Whew.

We all clap and give a few dog-like barks in honor of the new space.

“I am happy to announce that even though I’ll be sad to not see his face every morning” —she flashes me a teary smile—“I’m honored that he’s agreed to take over the new barracks. Congratulations, Major Jameson, you have been promoted to commander.”

Everyone claps and whistles while Breck squeezes my hand in celebration. Breck and I are moving out today. It’s only into another building on the property, but it seems monumental. I’ve struggled with the idea for months, but Anniston pushed, like she always does, and gave me the encouragement I needed to do it.

I’m ready to lead another team.

I’m ready to give back to others. I owe it to Drew and Bennett and the rest of my fallen team.

I owe it to Anniston.

I owe it to myself.

“Quiet down.”

Everyone shushes and gives Anniston the floor once more. “I couldn’t be prouder of you, Cade.” She takes a deep breath and looks around the room. “I have one more announcement to make before we open gifts.” A tear falls down her cheek, and Theo stands, wrapping her in his arms. “We’re gonna have a baby.”

Silence.

“I’m pregnant,” she tries again.

Silence.

“Congratulate us, fuckheads!” We all clap after Theo’s demand, Breck and my parents more excited than anyone. But for me and the guys … we’re all terrified. Is this the end for us? Will Anniston want to get out of the lifestyle we have to raise the baby in a more normal environment? The thought has me nauseated.

Anniston breaks the awkward congratulations. “I know what you’re thinking.”

I highly doubt it, but damn if it doesn’t make me feel shittier for being selfish and not wanting her to move on and have a life without us.

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