Page 79 of Forever

Jacob, Scarlett, and Sophie had already started playing in the family room. And all my friends gathered around the kitchen island. I wasn’t sure why I’d gotten a bottle of champagne, since Brooklyn couldn’t drink it. But we were celebrating and it was the first thing that came to mind. I popped the cork and started pouring glasses.

“What exactly are we toasting to?” Mason asked and lifted up his glass.

“Yes, what in the galaxy could we possibly be toasting to?” Tanner asked and winked at me. “Because I sure have no idea.”

But he did already know. Somehow.

“Well, Brooklyn and I have chosen a date for our wedding.” I smiled down at her.

“Friday November 25th,” Brooklyn said. “ThisNovember.”

Kennedy squealed. “I’m so happy for you guys!”

Brooklyn smiled.

Mason raised his eyebrows. “Congrats, sis.” He pulled her into a hug.

She laughed. “Thanks, Mason.”

“Moving fast, Sanders,” Rob said. “What, are you pregnant or something?”

Daphne elbowed him in the side.

“Ow, woman.” He tickled her side back in retaliation.

She almost spilled her champagne as she burst into a fit of giggles.

I smiled as I stared at all our friends. “Actually…yeah,” I said. “Brooklyn’s pregnant.”

Everyone was quiet for a moment.

“Oh my God, Matt!” Penny said. She ran around the kitchen island and threw her arms around me as Kennedy almost knocked Brooklyn over with a big hug.

I’d been a little worried to tell Penny. I knew she couldn’t have more kids and I knew how badly she wanted more. But I should have known she’d be happy for me. She was one of the kindest people I knew. And I felt those damn tears in my eyes again.

“And Brooklyn.” She turned around and hugged Brooklyn too. “I’m so happy for both of you.”

Rob was just about to take a sip of his champagne, but then stopped. “It is yours, right?” he asked.

“What the fuck, Rob?” Mason said.

“It’s a valid question. Sanders only just came back.”

I knew it was mine. When Brooklyn first told me she wasn’t sure she could have any kids, I’d been worried she was pregnant with Miller’s child. But she’d assured me that wasn’t possible. I hadn’t even let the possibility cross my mind.

Brooklyn cleared her throat. “It’s definitely Matt’s.”

“But like…are you 100% sure?” Rob asked.

James hit Rob in the back of the head.

“Why does everyone keep hitting me?” Rob shoved him away.

“I’m so happy for you guys,” Bee said.

“And I’m glad everyone finally knows now,” Nigel said.

Everyone turned to Nigel.

---