Page 51 of The Decoy

“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.

“Do you know what you’re having?” Presley asks, her hands clasped together in front of her chest. “Or are you waiting to find out?”

I glance over my shoulder at Brody. He’s looking down at me, a proud smile on his lips. He gives me a nod.

“Yes, we know,” I say, turning back to everyone. “We’re having a boy.”

“A boy!” Liam yells. He points a finger at Brody. “Another boy in the group! It was starting to feel like we’re getting outnumbered here.”

“A mini Vaughn,” Aston says, smiling. “God help the girls in the New Jersey school system.”

The women immediately erupt into a fresh wave of questions and planning.

“Okay, so a boy,” Presley says, grabbing my hands. “We should plan a baby shower. Alie, Eva, and I will take this over. Now that it’s off season, we all have time.”

“Wait,” I blink, laughing as they practically drag me toward the sofas in the living room. “Ladies, I haven’t even finished picking out what I want. Of course my mother has designers flying in from Europe, but I’m not even close to picking out what I want yet.”

“Ohhh…Molly bringing in the big guns.” Eva laughs, sinking into the sofa next to me. “We should definitely co-host with your mom. It’ll be the event of the spring!”

“Good God.” I groan. “Let’s not encourage her any more.”

“Oh, yes, we definitely will.” Alie winks.