Chapter 20 Mckenna #2
Concern washes over Allegra’s expression as she continues to watch me closely. It’s as if she knows something is amiss but she can’t put her finger on it.
“Are you okay, Kenny?” Derek prods, wrapping a comforting arm around Allegra.
Mav clears his throat and I thread my fingers with his. “Yes, I’m okay,” I say slowly.
“Don’t tell me you guys are going to throw some lavish wedding and expect us to fly—” Levi starts.
“Shh!” Allegra cuts him off.
“I’m pregnant,” I admit, squeezing Mav’s hand. “Mav and I are having a baby.”
I glance up at Mav to find him beaming at me, his expression exuding joy. I smile back before turning my attention to our friends.
Stunned silence greets me. Allegra’s eyebrows are pulled together in confusion, Derek’s mouth is ajar, Levi looks horrified, but Jameson…Jameson is grinning.
He’s the first person to move, closing the space between us and wrapping me in the biggest hug. He lifts me gently off my feet, pressing a kiss to my temple.
“You’re going to be one hell of a mama, Kenny,” he says.
A rush of emotion swells inside of me at the sincerity in his tone, at the happiness in his expression.
He places me back on my feet and Allegra throws her arms around me, hauling me into another hug. I grip her tightly and we rock back and forth, squealing. Over her shoulder, I watch Jameson envelop Mav, hugging him tightly and slapping his back.
Shouts of glee and warm congratulations ring out.
“I didn’t see that coming,” Levi admits as he hugs me. “I one-hundred percent did not see that coming. Damn, Kenny.” He kisses my cheek. “You good, mama?”
“I’m good, Levi,” I answer truthfully. “For the first time in a long time, I may actually be great.”
Levi grins at me and the shadows that perpetually cloud his eyes lighten for a heartbeat.
“Do we really have to bowl now?” Allegra asks, her eyes darting around the group. “Don’t we want to go…celebrate?”
“And skip bowling?” Mav clasps his chest in horror. “What kind of a team player are you, Allegra Rousell?”
“A shitty one,” Levi laments, smirking at A.
She smacks him in the stomach and Derek flips him the middle finger.
“At least one game,” I say. “I’ve actually been looking forward to this.”
“That’s because you’re good at it,” Levi grumbles.
“The best,” Mav agrees.
“Come on, guys,” I continue. “I’m just happy to be doing something normal with you all.”
“Oh, all right,” Allegra acquiesces. “But then, let’s go out for dinner. We have so much to discuss.” She reaches for my hand. “Baby names, nursery themes, your due date. Did you tell Nova and Ivy yet?”
“No,” I laugh, loving that she’s as excited as I am. It feels good to be swept up in something happy and loving. It feels even better to connect with one of my best friends again. “I haven’t even told my parents.”
Jameson’s eyes gleam at this news. As if he needed the assurance that he truly is the most important person in Mav’s life—the man he goes to first for all things, always.
“Can we tell Ivy and Nova before your parents?” Allegra asks, wrinkling her nose.
Levi chuckles. “It’s not your news to share, little sister.”
“Please, Kenny,” Allegra continues. “I can’t keep a secret as happy as this one.”
“We’ll call them at dinner,” I agree.
“Yes!” she squeals, squeezing my hand. “Okay, let’s get bowling over with.”
“Jesus, A, it’s as if you don’t even want to be on The Bowling Tones,” Mav accuses.
She snorts and flicks a dismissive wrist. We all hear what she’s not saying—I don’t.
I fight the urge to laugh and move to pick up my bowling ball.
“Are you sure that one isn’t too heavy?” Jameson calls out.
“You’re still healing,” Mav reminds me, hurrying to my side.
“I’ll bowl for you if you’re tired,” Levi offers.
“Seriously?” Allegra gapes, her eyes darting around the guys. “If all it takes is getting knocked up to have you all dote on me, maybe I’ll let you put a baby in me.” She looks at Derek.
“I’ve been begging for a while now, Stellina,” he replies without missing a beat.
“Ew,” Levi groans.
“Ahh! Do it. We can be pregnant together,” I gush.
Derek’s smile widens into a grin.
Levi looks horrified.
“We’re going to lose our lanes!” Mav laments, pointing toward our reserved lanes that are still devoid of a score.
“Fine,” Allegra huffs, grabbing a bowling ball and moving toward the lane. “I’m bowling.” She tosses the ball down the lane and we all watch in stunned silence as the pins crash and— “Holy shit! That’s a strike!” Allegra turns toward us, her arms raised overhead.
Derek beelines toward her, scooping her into his arms. “Hell yeah, it is!”
“I’m a great bowler!” Allegra announces. “How’s that for team morale, Maverick?”
Mav grins and flashes her a thumbs-up sign. “We’re lucky to have you, A.”
“Damn straight you are,” she agrees.
I chuckle as Mav wraps an arm around my shoulders and kisses me sweetly. Then, we settle into our bowling lanes and bowl two games.
It’s fun and silly, easygoing and casual. It reminds me of my college days at UCLA, before I crossed paths with Bran. We laugh and cheer and enjoy each other’s company.
And when we’re done bowling, we go out for dinner to celebrate the best news I’ve ever shared.