Chapter Twelve
Ellis
It’s snowing today, but not the thick, wet snow we usually get. It’s a light, fluffy snow like the kind you see in movies. The lawns we drive by all look like Christmas cards even though most holiday decorations are gone now.
I sit in Brody's passenger seat, smoothing my hands over my sweater dress. The knit is soft and forgiving, but there is no mistaking my bump anymore. My body makes the announcement before I even have a chance to open my mouth these days.
Beside me, Brody keeps one hand on the wheel, his shoulders relaxed. He looks completely at ease, like we’re just heading out for a casual night out instead of driving to his friend’s house, where my friends will also be. We haven’t told them about the baby yet…
“Brody,” I say, breaking the silence. “I think we need to talk about what we’re actually saying tonight before we walk through Saint and Presley’s door.”
Brody flicks a glance toward me, an amused smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. He reaches across the console, wraps his fingers around my hand, and brings it to his lips for a quick kiss.
“What’s there to plan? We walk in, we drink their expensive wine—or mocktails in your case— we eat good food, and we hang out with our friends.”
“But it’s not just hanging out,” I say, my voice tightening.
“Not only do they not know about the baby, but they don’t know about us.
Unless you’ve told them. Aston and Eva will be there.
Liam and Alie. Saint and Presley. I’ve known Alie and Presley since we were kids.
Alie and I went to the same horse camp in the summers.
Eva and I have been friends even longer.
Brody, these girls know my entire life. They know my family, they know my history, and until about four months ago, they probably still think I’m with Dylan! ”
Brody’s hand tightens around mine, his posture stiffening just enough for me to notice at the mention of Dylan.
“Well, he’s an idiot,” Brody says evenly, his eyes fixed on the road. “And you’re with me. That’s all they need to know if that’s all you want to tell them.”
“I know, and I want them to know we’re together. But…” I breathe, turning my palm to interlock our fingers. “When they see my belly, the timeline will be a little obvious. Eva will ask questions for sure.”
I swallow, looking down at our hands. The truth of my pregnancy—that Dylan is the biological father, even though Brody is stepping in every way that matters— has only been shared with my family. The rest of the world doesn't need to pick apart the messy details or the calendar dates of my life.
“Ideally, I don’t want to talk about Dylan at all tonight,” I say, looking at Brody. “I don’t want them asking about him, and I don’t want to explain anything until I know you and I are on the same page. Right now, I just want this baby to be ours. But I also can’t lie to my friends.”
Brody stops at a red light. He turns his head, his eyes locking onto mine with a gravity that makes my breath hitch.
“Ellis,” he says, his voice dropping to that deep rasp that always settles my nerves. “He is ours. Period. You don’t owe Eva, Alie, Presley, or anyone else an explanation. If anyone asks an uncomfortable question, you tell them we’re together, and I’ll handle the rest. Good?”
A wave of warmth floods my chest, loosening the knot of anxiety in my stomach. “Okay,” I whisper.
“Good,” he says, stepping on the gas as the light turns green. “Now, are we telling them what we’re having, or are we keeping that in the family for a little longer?”
“I think we tell them. I’m excited to talk about him. The sticky part is just the details of how he came to be and how we got here. He’s the fun part.”
Brody lets out a booming laugh. “He is the fun part. And I’m proud as hell that we’re having a boy.”
“Okay, then,” I breathe. “We tell them we’re together, we’re having a baby boy, and keep it simple for now.”
“Yep, simple,” Brody echoes as we pull into the driveway. “Oh, hey, did I tell you that Alie is pregnant too?”
“No! I haven’t talked to her in a while, but I’m surprised Eva hasn’t mentioned it since I talk to her more often. I’ll have to ask Alie about it today.”
“She’d probably be helpful if you have any questions about the pregnancy or what to expect.”
“For sure,” I agree, looking out the window as we pull up to the house.
Saint and Presley’s home is breathtaking. Pine trees and immaculate landscaping surround it. Warm light pours from the arched windows, and as Brody parks next to Aston’s truck and Liam’s SUV, the faint sounds of music and laughter drift out into the night.
Brody rounds the truck, opening the door and offering me his broad, calloused hand. As I step down, he pulls me flush against his side and tucks me under his arm. Before we reach the steps, his arm slides around my waist, his palm resting over the side of my bump in clear, possessive declaration.
I take a deep breath, lean into his warmth, and let him push open the heavy oak door.
The entry is warm and grand, and echoes with the sound of a house full of kids.
“Vaughn! You made it!”
Saint walks out of the great room, a glass of amber liquid in one hand, looking every bit the dominant team captain he is on the field.
Beside him is Presley, stunning as always; their kids—actually Saint’s nephew and niece he got guardianship of when his sister and her husband died—run around them, chasing Alie and Liam’s daughter, Sera.
“Sorry we’re late, traffic was a little slow with the snow falling,” Brody starts, stepping into the room.
He takes off my coat and his, and hangs them on the hook in the hallway.
Presley is frozen in place. Her eyes go from Brody to me, widening dramatically, then dropping to my waist where my dress hugs my pregnant belly, and Brody’s hand is anchored.
Standing beyond the archway, glass of wine in hand, are Alie and Eva. Aston and Liam stand near the fireplace, but as the silence falls over the room, all four of them turn to look.
“Ellis?” Eva gasps, her jaw dropping so far I worry her wine might slip through her fingers. “Wait … what’s … Ellis?”
“Oh. My. God,” Alie gasps, stepping forward, her eyes darting between my face, my belly, then to the tight end whose arm is wrapped around me.
For about three seconds, the room is completely silent except for the kids as they tumble into a pile of cushions on the living room floor.
Brody doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t pull his arm back, and he doesn’t look remotely embarrassed by the spectacle we’re causing. Instead, he pulls me in closer, a proud, unbothered grin spreading across his face.
“Hey, guys,” he says, casually. “You all know, Ellis.”
“Brody Vaughn, what is happening right now?!” Presley shrieks, breaking the spell. She smacks Saint in the chest, then marches straight to us, her eyes wide with shock and excitement. “Are you … are you two … together?!”
“We are,” Brody says firmly. He looks down at me, his eyes shining with a warmth that makes my heart do a backflip. “We’ve been together a while now.”
A collective, deafening explosion of noise erupts through the house.
“I knew you were up to something!” Liam roars from the great room, throwing his hands in the air before coming over to us. “She’s the girl you mentioned a while back that you were kind of seeing. You sneaky bastard!”
“Dude, Brody!” Aston laughs, walking over to give Brody a bro-hug before shaking his head. “I can’t believe you kept this from me. We’re together like all the time.”
“Like you kept Eva from us?”
“Well, that didn’t last long. Clearly this has been going on for a while?” Aston points to my stomach.
Saint chuckles, shaking his head as he looks at Brody. “Congrats, man. Truly.”
While the guys heckle Brody, the girls descend on me like a whirlwind of silk, perfume, and squealing.
Presley pulls me into a fierce, warm hug, careful not to squeeze me too hard, then pulls back to look at my face. “Ellis! I cannot believe this. You look absolutely stunning, but —oh my god, when did this all happen?”
Alie hugs me next, her eyes practically tearing up with happy shock. “We’ll be pregnant together!!! Yay!” She squeezes me, then pulls back to look at my face. “I’d heard a rumor that you and Dylan broke up, but I hadn’t seen you to ask. And now you’re with Brody, and you’re pregnant.”
Before I can respond, Eva wraps her arms around me, holding me tight, then steps back, her sharp eyes scanning my face with curiosity. “Ellis, this was a nice move, honestly. Dylan was a prick, but wait! When did you guys break up? Before Brody or … is there an overlap? No judging! Just curious.”
The air in my throat tightens for a fraction of a second.
I feel a broad hand settle over the small of my back. Brody steps behind me, his massive frame creating a wall of support against my back. His fingers brush against my hip, a grounding reminder that he’s right here with me.
I look Eva in the eye, keeping my expression soft and unbothered.
“Dylan and I ended things months ago,” I say smoothly, letting my voice carry the polished authority I’ve been known for. “Best decision I’ve ever made. Brody and I are completely focused on our future and this baby, and honestly, I haven’t thought about Dylan in a long time.”
Which is true.
I don’t technically answer who the biological father is. I don’t give any dates. I simply close the door on my ex and lean into the man behind me.
Eva blinks, reading the subtle boundary in my tone, and immediately softens, a supportive smile breaking across her face. Of all the women here, she knows me best. “Well, fuck him then. Because you look happier than I’ve ever seen you. Seriously, Ellis. You’re literally glowing.”
“Totally,” Alie agrees, reaching out to gently lay a hand near my bump. “Can I … ?”
“Oh, yes, of course. And Alie! Congratulations to you and Liam too,” I smile.
“Thank you, we’re so excited,” Alie beams, then touches my belly, her eyes lighting up. “Oh, Ellis. You’re what, close to twenty weeks or so?”
“Yes, exactly,” I say proudly.