Out of nowhere, Stacey looks at Sienna and says, “You’re knocked up again,” as she sips her water.
Sienna looks panicked. “Fucking hell. Is it really that obvious?” I knew already because the signs were there, and I told her to take a test. “Look, we just found out, so we weren’t going to say anything.”
“I found out, too.” Isla squeals and stuns the group.
Wait what? Isla is pregnant too?
“You too?” Sienna asks Isla. They both jump up and hug each other excitedly.
“You guys keep getting knocked up at weddings. It’s like it is some kind of powerful aphrodisiac or something. Damn rock stars and their potent sperm,” I tease.
“Your time will come soon,” Olivia tries to reassure me.
“I know, my little ladybug. I’ve started to speak to some agencies about looking into adoption, as an unmarried gay man, it doesn’t look good. Plus, there’s a part of me that would love to have at least one child who shares my genetics. Because, let’s be honest, look at me, all this needs to be in the world.” The girls all laugh.
“What about a surrogate?” Stacey asks.
“That’s my next step. I think that’s going to be the easier option. It’s going to take some time to find the right woman,” I explain.
“Well, this is exciting, D.” Stacey smiles.
“Enough about me. It’s all about you?” I tell her.
“I can’t believe how much Oscar has changed,” Isla comments. “Never knew someone under the age of sixty who loved to garden as much as he does. He was chatting with Dad about buying a farm or something down in Malibu.”
A farm? Wow, Ragnar has really taken to this life.
“Yep, he sure does. He said he wants somewhere outside the city for the kids, but really, it’s for him.” Stacey smirks. “He’s taken on the role of guardian so well with them. Especially the girls, they seem to confide in him way more than me.”
“He’s always so good with Easton.” Isla smiles.
“He is such a good uncle, but he can always give him back. He’s stuck with these ratbags,” Stacey teases.
“He looks like a natural,” Sienna states.
“It’s not at all how we saw our life turning out,” Stacey says, going quiet for a moment as she plays with the label on her beer. “I mean, we never spoke about getting married or even having a family, life has pushed the fast-forward button, and we’re getting married and instantly have five kids.”
“So, no little Vikings in the works then?” I tease.
“Hell, no, Derrick. We have all the family we need. Plus, I have teenagers. Like, I have no idea what they talk about half the time. They make me feel instantly old.” The group chuckles. “This teen world is so confusing. I mean, it doesn’t feel that long ago that I was one. Apparently, this is all in my head because I’m very much older.”
“Well, either way, you and Oscar are doing brilliantly,” Vanessa states. “The fact that everything you have been through has brought the two of you closer together.”
“In a strange way, it has. It’s very much made us re-evaluate things,” Stacey says.
“So, no more play in The Paradise Club?” I ask. Which has Stacey shushing me. “That’s such a mum thing to do.”
“They don’t need to know anything about that life. I can’t imagine we’ll go back there for a while anyway.”
Wow, I’m surprised. “So, you’re going vanilla?” I ask.
“There will never be anything vanilla about us, Derrick. Because we may not go to …” Stacey quickly looks around to make sure no kids are about, “… sex clubs. Doesn’t mean we do missionary all night.”
“Having a family changes things,” Olivia pipes in. “For Axel and me, we have hit pause on The Paradise Club as it doesn’t fitinto our life at the moment, but it doesn’t mean we won’t ever enjoy it again.
“Good to see my naughty little princess is still there,” I tease, giving Olivia a high-five.
“Things will eventually settle down for you and Oscar. Don’t worry if things don’t go back to the way they were. You’re both living your new normal,” Olivia explains to her.
