Page 164 of Jace
In the end, we both won.
Vivian unlocked her ex’s handcuffs when we set him free on a dark bridge. He snot-cried apologies to her, then ran away, tripping in his yellow Crocs before stumbling up and bolting as if his life depended on it.
It did.
It does.
Because I won her heart for life. I won the picture of me and Vivian, surrounded by our kids and grandkids on the beach.
But first, I have to ask her for the honor.
And the wheels are in motion.
Mom and Sasha are shopping with Vivian. Mom’s treating her to any designer dress she desires before Vivian meets me here at Delta’s to embark upon our ice cream date.
Through Axel, I reached out to Vivian’s best friend, Harlow. They’re lawyers. They know each other. Axel’s impeccablereputation is the only reason Harlow’s giving me a chance after I told her who I really am. I had to put my balls on the line, swearing I’d never hurt Vivian.
Literally.
Harlow’s a blonde ballbuster in lace.
My call to Vivian’s mom was much easier. Sweet, actually, how I could hear her happy tears. Just like her daughter. I found her number in Viv’s phone and told her our story.
Of course, she’s dropping everything to join us today.
“Okay, I can’t wait anymore.” Vale charges my way, peeling the gooey mask off my face. Focused on my forehead, she rubs the residual slime into my skin.
But… she’s biting her trembling lip.
“Aw, is my vicious vamp gonna cry?”
“Shut up,” she mumbles, swiping my slick nose. “I’m just in my luteal phase.”
“What is that?” Delphine drops my hand, done with my manly manicure.
“Emotions before my period.” Vale sniffs.
Wren tilts her head. “But you never get emotional before your—” Suddenly, she claps. “Oh my god! You’re pregnant too?”
I grin at Vale. “Are you?”
God, if she and Vivian are bump buddies like Wren and Ruby called themselves when they were pregnant, it’d be way too fun.
Me and Nash, packing heat and wearing baby carriers. Vivian and Vale doing… whatever new moms do. Letting us rub their feet, I guess.
“It’s too soon to tell, but we started trying, so…” Vale smiles, blinking back tears before intently focusing on me. Licking her thumbs, she smooths my eyebrows. “Let’s just get you engaged. I got Vivian the bouquet you wanted. And a cake just like the movie. And sixteen candles, and… and…” She gasps a happy sob. “Oh, Jace.” Flinging her arms around my neck, she squeezestightly. “You finally get the love of your life too. We’ve been waiting so long.”
We?
Yep, she’s pregnant.
Carefully, I hug her back. Can’t fucking fight my smile. “Alright, Wednesday. You’re snotting on my new shirt.”
She laughs into it before pulling away. “Yeah, well, now you don’t look so fucking handsome.”
“Y’all need to stop.” Ruby sniffles, swiping under her eyes. “We got all pretty for these pictures, and now we’ll look like raccoons.”
“Speaking of…” Zar’s phone buzzes. He checks it, grinning. “They’re on their way.”
