Chapter 47
Chapter Forty-Seven
Zoe
“I’m confused,” Lily says as she steps onto the balcony where I’m already sitting, drinking some lemonade and practicing my speech.
“Hi,” I greet her with a smile. “Wine, lemonade . . . margaritas?”
She frowns, narrowing her gaze. “I’m not sure what’s more alarming, that you’re in Max’s penthouse settled as if it’s your place or him saying, ‘Babe’s outside on the balcony waiting for you.’” Lily attempts to imitate his voice but fails miserably.
“He sounds nothing like that,” I point out, trying to lighten the mood.
She gives me an unamused glare. “Seriously, you’re going to discuss my poor imitation skills instead of telling me why my husband’s best friend is calling you babe ?”
I take a deep breath, fidgeting with my glass. “It’s a term of endearment. Not sure why he referred to me as babe. Though, he’s tried ‘baby’ too, but it’s not working well. Especially when in seven months our baby will be born and that’ll be ‘baby’ so . . .” I shrug as if saying, What can you do? It’s all complicated, so just go with it .
“A baby?” she shrieks, her eyes widening. “You’re telling me you’re having a child with Maximillian McCallister? Zoe Isabella Harper, are you pranking me?”
I shake my head, remaining calm because she’s freaking out enough for the both of us.
“You know that crying, feeling like I have no energy, and everything else?” I ask, hoping she calms down and doesn’t ask her husband to take Max down. My baby needs a father and I’m fond of Max—and his kisses.
“Yes, and we’re all concerned. You went to the doctor and haven’t told us what happened.” Lily sighs, her expression softening. “We’re giving you space, but also researching specialists, just in case . . .”
“I’m pregnant,” I say calmly and tell her about the appointment, and the tests, and show her the sonogram with the picture of my little one.
“I’m going to be an aunt.” She starts sobbing and hugs me tightly. We both end up a sobbing mess, hugging each other and laughing through our tears, the weight of my secret finally lifting off my shoulders.
Relief washes over me. Lily’s okay with it, and that’s pretty much all I care about. Mom might freak out and demand I marry—Dad will support her because that’s what he does. Then, Cleo is going to make a big deal out of it and make it all about her because she can. My brother will ignore me and probably send something if there’s a baby shower.
Then . . . well, then there’s Max’s family. Audrey will be elated just like Lily, but I’m afraid of her mother. She’s going to go Grandmazilla on me—if that’s even a term.
“Though, I’m happy for you because I know how much you want a family.” Lily clears her throat. “Umm, can you explain the whole Max is the dad thing? I mean, you can barely stand each other. How did you go from I can’t be close to him to I’m having his baby?”
I laugh, a mix of nerves and genuine amusement bubbling up. It’s easy and yet complicated to explain our relationship. She listens, engrossed with the story, sipping her wine.
“Why didn’t I notice the chemistry between you two?” she asks, her eyes widening as if now that I’m telling her she can see the chemistry, the sexual tension, and everything that was happening while Max and I were teasing each other.
And that’s when it hits me. This is probably why I’m having a hard time believing Max that he’s in love with me, because he’s good at hiding his feelings and acting like nothing affects him. He hides behind bad jokes, teasing, and pranks all the time. It’s easier for me to believe that there’s nothing between us.
“When are you telling our parents?” Lily asks, pulling me from my thoughts.
I shrug, my stomach knotting at the prospect. “I haven’t thought that far ahead. I only wanted you to know. The rest is extra and will have to happen soon. But we know how things are going to develop, don’t we?”
She nods, a sympathetic smile on her face. “Cleo is going to make this all about herself.”
“Exactly. I really don’t have the bandwidth for her.” I groan, rubbing my temples.
The glass door slides open, and Ethan appears, his expression a mix of amusement and concern. “So, what do you want me to do with him, Lil?”
Lily laughs, her eyes twinkling. “Max told you?”
“Yeah. My best friend is going to be a father.” Ethan runs a hand through his hair. “I just don’t understand why I didn’t see it. Cal and Jacob mentioned he had a crush on her a few months ago, but I thought they were just ganging up on him.”
I feel a warmth spreading through my chest. “Let him live,” I say, my lips curving into a smile. “I’m kind of fond of the guy, and he’s the father of my child. That’s a pretty important role if you think about it.”
“Congratulations on the baby, Zoe,” Ethan says, his expression softening. “He’s a good guy, even when sometimes you want to toss him from the tallest building.”
“Says the guy who owes me his life,” Max chimes in, stepping onto the balcony with a tray of food. His eyes meet mine, concern etched on his face. “Everything okay?”
I take a deep breath, my heart racing. “Yeah. I think we’re ready to tell the rest of the world.” My voice comes out a little hesitant, but I remind myself that this is great news, and I also have Max’s support. I reach for his hand, squeezing it gently.
“Then let me video call Jacob and Audrey so we can tell them too. We’ll figure out our parents later—or maybe I’ll have Aud tell Mom.” Max grins, his eyes twinkling mischievously as if he just found a new secret weapon.
Max quickly sets up the call, and soon Jacob and Audrey’s faces pop up on the screen. “Oh, a three-way call with the siblings. Is everything okay? Mom, Dad?” Jacob asks, his brow furrowing with concern.
“They’re fine, but maybe give a call to Mom this week—or at least this month,” Max says, glancing between his siblings.
“I just texted her earlier today,” Audrey says defensively, her lips pursing. “What’s happening, Maxie?”
He clears his throat, his arm tightening around me. “I . . . We have some news,” Max announces, settling next to me.
“Hey, Zo,” Audrey greets me with a smile.
“Hi.” I wave.
“Hey, Zo,” Jacob growls. “Don’t tell me, this asshole convinced you to elope, and you two are married? Good luck telling Mom she missed her favorite son’s wedding.”
“Mom doesn’t have favorites,” Audrey interjects, rolling her eyes. “She’s an equal opportunity meddler. So what’s the news, Max? You’re finally dating the perfect woman for you? I approve.”
“Zoe and I are having a baby,” Max says, his voice a mix of pride and nervousness.
“You what?” Audrey’s eyes widen, her mouth opening slightly.
“Wow, I knew you two were doing it, but a baby . . .” Jacob looks taken aback. “Congrats? I mean, I’m happy if you are, and I’m welcoming the nephew?—”
“Or niece,” Audrey interrupts, her face lighting up. “This is big. Are you two happy?”
Max and I exchange glances, a warmth spreading through my chest. Now that he’s next to me, I feel . . . hopeful and even happier about this little one. “We are,” we both say in unison.
“Shotgun being godmother,” Audrey squeals, bouncing in her seat.
“I don’t think so,” Lily argues, leaning into the frame. “I’ll fight you for it.”
“Well, they’ll have to have more children and give you one. This one is mine,” Audrey claims, her tone playfully possessive .
Lily looks at me and I shrug, suppressing a laugh. “You two are going to have to work hard toward convincing me who’s the best one for the godmother title.”
Jacob chuckles. “Congrats, guys. This is amazing.”
The conversation turns lively and fun, filled with congratulations and playful banter. Max doesn’t leave my side, and I rest my head on his chest, feeling at peace for the first time in weeks. This is okay, maybe for now this is enough. Tomorrow we’ll have to look into what we want from each other, life, and the future. Today, I just enjoy the moment, surrounded by the warmth of family and the promise of new beginnings.