Part 58 (2/2)

Pulling back, my eyes wide, I tilt her back to see that she is crying.

Lucy does not cry.

”What the h.e.l.l? Why are you crying?”

She shakes her head and then smiles. ”I'm just so f.u.c.king proud of you, Jace, so proud.” I smile as she brings me in tight, kissing my cheek. ”You did the right thing-crazy, but the right thing.”

”I did the only thing,” I say into her hair. ”I love her, and she will never feel alone again in her life.”

Holding me tightly, Lucy laughs. ”And to think, we all thought you were such a spoiled brat. When really, you've grown into a good man.”

Grinning, I squeeze her. ”When you have three older siblings beating you into a good man, it tends to happen.”

She laughs and then pulls back. ”You know they are gonna rip you apart.”

I nod. ”I know.”

”But you don't care?”

”Not even a little bit. All I care about is that girl in there, the one who's having my baby.”

I'm not kidding.

But I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared what my brothers will think. I respect them too much not to be worried, but I know they'll support me.

Well, I hope so at least.

As I head into my old room, I shut the door to block out the sounds of the three women I love cracking up. It's been a great afternoon, eating, laughing, and them getting to know Avery even more. She fits in perfectly, not that I didn't expect her to, but it's great how my mom and sister have welcomed her with open arms. I didn't think they wouldn't, or even that they would be upset with me. I knew my mom would freak out, but I knew, no matter what, she would support me. That's my mom. She does that.

But Jude and Jayden, I'm nervous.

Sitting on my bed, I look around the room that I shared with Jayden my whole life. Somehow Lucy and Jude got their own rooms. I loved sharing with Jayden, so I didn't mind. He might not have felt the same, but we did it with ease. Two brothers, two best friends. I just hope he doesn't freak out too much.

Going into our group chat, I type out a quick message.

Me: You two busy?

Jayden: Just got out of practice. What's up?

Jude: No, what's up?

I call Jayden first.

”Hey.”

”Hey, hold on, let me call Jude,” I say and he agrees as I add Jude to the call.

”What's this about?” Jayden asks as it rings, but I don't answer him.

”Yo. What's up?” Jude says and I clear my throat.

”Gotta tell you guys something,” I say and Jude laughs.

”You're gay.”

”Your d.i.c.k fell off and your v.a.g.i.n.a is growing in nicely?”

”Oh, that is more like it, huh, Jay? I'm so happy you're finally a girl, Jacey.”

”Aw, your nickname can become your real name.”

I want to be mad, but these are my brothers.

”Dumba.s.ses, shut up,” I bark and they both laugh.

”Wait, you're okay?” Jayden asks, his voice filling with concern. ”Your leg is good, right?”

”You told me you were good,” Jude says, his voice hard and worried.

”I'm good,” I promise. ”It's not that.”

”What, then?” Jayden asks.

”Avery is pregnant.”

Silence. I'm answered with silence.

”You dumba.s.s. Condoms, Jace, condoms,” Jayden yells.

”Didn't we tell you this? Wrap it up. s.h.i.+t,” Jude exclaims and I shake my head.

”I did, dumba.s.ses.”

”Then how?!”

”I'm a beast. My boys made it through latex.”

”That's not something to be proud of,” Jayden says and I scoff.

”Just sayin' I'm not dumb. I used the stash in the drawer, but I guess they didn't work.”

”What? In the first drawer?”

”Yeah,” I say, confused by Jayden's tone.

”Dude, those are old. I never used them 'cause Jude left them,” Jayden laughs.

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