Chapter 37
Miles
“Mama, we’re home,” I shout as I open the front door to my family’s house.
“About damn time,” River complains all the way from the family room.
Penny tenses beside me.
When I look at her, her eyes are already glossy.
Fucking River.
“Boss,” I murmur as I brush the back of my hand against her cheek, “he didn’t mean it in a bad way.”
“But I’m the one who made us late,” she says in a small voice.
“Well, you needed extra time. So what?” I shrug. “If he’s in a rush, as usual, he can go fuck himself.”
That finally earns me a laugh. “You’re so bad. Poor River.”
“Poor River? Poor me!”
We walk farther into the house, and suddenly we’re surrounded by tiny humans.
“Hey, baby girl,” I greet Sage as I scoop her into my arms.
“Hey, asshole. Hey, Penny,” River says with Indigo in tow.
“Language, Uncle Riv,” Indigo scolds him in the most adorable voice ever.
I burst out laughing.
River winces.
“I’m sorry if I made you feel bad, Penny,” he says more gently. “I was just giving Miles shi—” He catches Indigo’s stare. “A hard time.”
“Penny, dear! Welcome, welcome.” Mama hurries toward us, drying her hands on her apron. “Come in.”
Penny smiles shyly, but her cheeks are noticeably pink.
“Are you blushing, sugar?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
Her face turns beet red.
“Miles,” she grits out through her teeth.
“I guess it’s different showing up as the girlfriend instead of the family friend,” River says with a shrug.
“Sugar?” Mama gasps. “Lord, have the dearest mercy. Did my son finally admit he’s head over heels for you?”
Penny grins. “Oh, Mrs. MacAllister, we seriously need to catch up.”
“Stop with that Mrs. MacAllister nonsense,” Mama says, looping her arm through Penny’s. “It’s Joss or Mama.”
I love how Mama makes Penny feel included.
“By the way,” Penny says quietly. “I’m not sure if Miles mentioned it, but my parents are joining us.”
“The more the merrier.” Mama beams. “I’m looking forward to meeting them.”
Penny shoots daggers at me over Mama’s shoulder.
I mouth a silent sorry.
She rolls her eyes like I’m a lost cause.
Fair.
“Hey, brother.” Rain walks over and hugs me carefully.
When I look down at her stomach, my eyes widen.
“Oh, shut up,” she groans. “I know I’m huge. I’m about to pop.”
“Really?” I ask.
“Yeah, we’re on his schedule.” She rubs her belly lovingly.
“What about you?” I ask Ruin as she joins us.
“Two more months,” she says calmly before turning to her children. “Indigo, Sage. Go find Daddy. I think he needs help.”
Indigo’s eyes widen as he squirms down from River’s arms. “Sagie, let’s go.”
The twins sprint off toward the backyard.
“They’re fucking adorable,” I blurt out.
“Have you guys picked out names yet?” I ask, unable to stop staring at Sage and Indigo.
“Our son’s name is Freddie. In honor of grandpa.” Rain’s smile softens.
“We landed on Rowan,” Ruin adds.
“Speaking of…” Rain trails off, exchanging a look with Ruin.
Then both their eyes land on me.
“Yeah,” I admit. “Penny’s ten weeks.” My sisters shriek so loud I swear the windows rattle.
“I fucking knew it!” Rain shouts, thrusting her hand in front of River. “Pay up.”
“I knew it too,” Ruin argues.
“Ha! But you weren’t fast enough.” Rain sticks her tongue out.
“What are you guys talking about?” I ask, completely lost.
“When we went to see Penny after you guys came back from your getaway,” Rain explains, “she was acting weird.”
“Very suspicious,” Ruin adds.
I stare at them.
“Yeah, women notice things,” they say at the same time.
“Anyway,” Rain grins. “I’m so excited for you brother. Someone finally got you by the balls.”
“Yeah, yeah. If I wasn’t so fucking happy, I’d tell you both to fuck yourself.”
“Watch it, Miles,” Xander says as he appears and wraps an arm around Rain’s waist.
I shake my head and laugh. “I’m going to go see if Mama needs help,” I say, jerking a thumb toward the kitchen.
“Oh, please,” Ruin says. “Penny doesn’t need any saving.”
“That’s true,” River adds before narrowing his eyes at me. “But did you notice someone’s missing?”
I frown.
“Merlin,” he says, like it should be obvious.
“Come on now. He’s in the middle of the season,” I say, defending Merlin’s absence.
“Yeah, but ever since he said he needed to muddy his name, he’s been distant. I’m worried,” River admits, concern written over his face.
“I’ll reach out,” Xander says easily. “I need to find out who his agent is, because that sounds more like a PR stunt and anything related to the sport.”
“Yeah, okay. Thanks,” River says, releasing a long breath.
“Now we just need to get your head out of your ass,” Ruin says as she hooks her arm through his.
“Not again,” he whines.
The doorbell rings.
“Showtime,” I say, clapping my hands.
“Mr. and Mrs. Levine, welcome,” I greet as I open the door.
I offer Penny’s dad my hand, and he gives me a firm handshake while her mom opens her arms for a hug.
“Thank you so much for having us,” she says sweetly. “We’re thrilled to finally meet you and your family.”
“We’re happy to have you.” I step aside to let him in. “Penny’s been looking forward to this.”
I guide toward the family room.
“This,” I say as kids sprint around while adults laugh over each other, “is pure MacAllister chaos.”
Mrs. Levine beams. “Ah, I love it. Reminds me of my family.”
“Miles, where are your manners?” Granny scolds from her armchair.
“Granny, I didn’t even see you there,” I say as I lean down to hug her.
“Yeah, yeah. Leave the sweetness for Penny.”
Mrs. Levine laughs beside me.
“I’m Freya MacAllister, but everyone calls me Granny.”
“I’m Ed, and this is my wife, Sussie,” Penny’s dad says politely.
“Come sit with me,” Granny says, motioning them toward the formal living room.
I trail behind them like a scolded puppy.
Definitely need to step up my game.
The formal living room has enough couches to fit an army, and somehow every single seat ends up occupied.
“Would you like something to drink while we wait for supper?” Granny asks.
They both nod, and I disappear into the kitchen.
“Boss, your parents are here,” I say as I press a kiss to Penny’s temple.
“That’s what I figured,” she says with a smile. “But I got distracted helping your mom.”
She hugs me quickly before going into the living room.
“Mama, please come meet them,” I say as I start loading wine glasses and the champagne bottles I brought earlier onto a tray. “We can finish supper later.”
Mama’s eyes shine with emotion.
“Oh, Lord.” She presses a hand to her chest. “If this is to celebrate what I’m thinking, here come the waterworks.”
I kiss the top of her head. “Let’s go before you ruin the surprise.”
A soft laugh escapes her before she takes a couple of calming breaths.
“Everyone, please come to the living room!” I shout while trying not to let the bottles hit the floor.
I’m shaking with anxiety at how our families are going to take the news.
Once the glasses and bottles are safely on the coffee table, I walk over and stand by Penny’s chair.
I look down at her, silently asking her if she’s ready.
She gives me a blinding smile.
“We’re grateful everyone was able to be here today,” I begin, but my wise-ass brother interrupts me.
“Well, it’s not like we don’t see each other every week,” River mutters.
“River,” I warn, “what I’m trying to say is important.”
He starts retying his ponytail like he suddenly has somewhere else to look.
“As some of you know, Penny and I have been in a situationship for the last six months.” I grin when Penny rolls her eyes. “And things kind of came to a head when she almost married someone else.”
Mama and Granny both freeze in horror.
“We can explain that disaster later,” I rush to say. “But what we really wanted to share is that Penny officially moved in with me. We’ve finally admitted how we feel about each other…” I reach for her hand. “And this November, we’ll be adding a baby to the family.”
I wait for my words to sink in.
When they do, Penny’s mother shoots up from the couch.
“Oh my goodness, Penny Bean.” Her voice trembles as she rushes toward her daughter. “Did I understand correctly? Am I going to be a grandma?”
Penny laughs through watery eyes. “Yes, Mami. I’m ten weeks pregnant.”
The room erupts. Cheers. Gasps. Crying.
Mama wraps me in the biggest hug of my life.
“My boy,” she whispers tearfully. “I’m so happy for you both.”
“I can’t say I’m surprised, with the way these two look at each other,” Granny says from her chair, and everyone laughs.
“Penny, darling.” Mr. Levine looks completely stunned. “You were pregnant with Miles’s baby and still going to marry Easton?”
I feel Penny tensing, and anger floods my system.
“With all due respect, Mr. Levine,” I say carefully, “we didn’t find out she was pregnant until after we left the club.”
My words seem to appease him slightly.
“But under no circumstances,” I continue firmly, “am I going to let anyone make Penélope feel judged or ashamed for what happened.”
Penny moves closer to my side while her mom shoots her husband a warning look.
“We’ve talked through everything,” I say.
“We understand why she felt trapped into marrying that asshole. We’re committed to each other, we’re excited for this baby, and we wanted to share that happiness with the people we love.
” I hold his gaze. “If you can’t accept that, then I’m going to ask you to please leave. ”
“Besides my wife,” Mr. Levine says after a tense beat, “I don’t think anyone has ever put me in my place so eloquently.”
A few uneasy laughs break through the silence, but the tension still hangs thick.
“Penny,” he says more gently, “I’m sorry if my questions upset you. I guess, with everything that has been going on, the news took me by surprise.” He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly. “Especially because you never talked about wanting marriage or children.”
Penny’s shoulders sag slightly.
I inhale deeply, already preparing to rip this guy a new one, but she starts speaking before I can.
“Yeah, Dad. I never thought I wanted something serious… something real… until Miles.”
She looks up at me with a smile so beautiful it knocks the fight right out of me.
“The pregnancy news hit me like a blow to the gut at first. I’m not going to lie,” she admits with a small laugh. “This definitely wasn’t planned, it’s probably not the best way to start a relationship.”
A few people laugh softly.
“But Miles gave me the time to think things through. He never pressured me.” Her hand slips into mine. “And I’ve never been happier, Dad.”
I kiss the top of her head and whisper against her hair, “I fucking love you, boss.”
“We’re excited,” she continues softly. “Becoming parents wasn’t part of the original plan, but that doesn’t make this baby any less wanted or loved.”
Her arms wrap around my waist while mine settle around her shoulders.
A wet spot starts soaking through my shirt, and I silently curse her father for making her cry.
“We’re so incredibly excited, Penny,” Mama says as she walks out toward us.
Then, suddenly, Penny is swallowed into a giant hug between Mama, Mrs. Levine, Rain, and Ruin.
I exhale slowly, relief hitting me hard. My family is so fucking supportive.
“It seems like my mouth isn’t connected to my brain today,” Mr. Levine says sheepishly. “I’m sorry, darling. I was surprised, that’s all. But I’m happy for you.”
Penny breaks away from the group and throws herself into her dad’s arms.
“Thank fuck,” I murmur.
“How about we toast for the happy couple and the new addition to the MacAllister clan?” Gio says, popping open one of the champagne bottles.
“I hope you brought sparkling apple juice for the army of pregnant women in this family,” Rain says dryly.
I throw my head back in laughter. “I got you, sis. Be right back.”
I glance at Penny one more time to make sure she’s okay before heading toward the kitchen.
As the room fills with chatter, teasing, and celebration, one thing becomes clear.
This life I never thought I wanted?
It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.