“Depends who you ask.” I gave a small, fake laugh. They weren’t having it.
Tucker placed a hand on my thigh, trying to calm my nerves.
I let out a deep breath and spoke. “I went to see my dad.” I stared at my feet.
“Well, that's… news, but why?” Cam asked.
I stood up and faced them so I could see their reaction when I said it. “I’m pregnant.”
Cam paled while a smile grew on Tuck’s face.
“Bu- but birth control,” Cam muttered.
“Yeah, I guess I’m part of the point one percent that it fails on.”
Tucker stood, wrapping me in a hug. “No wonder you’ve been so sick. Also, explain Chaplin’s clingy ass. Cats can sense that type of hormone shift, apparently.”
Cam was still catching up on the news. “I’m going to be a dad?” he asked, finally looking me in the eyes.
“You both are.” I shrugged, tears brimming in my eyes.
“I guess it's probably time I introduce you guys to my grandmother, huh?” Tuck said, kissing me on the forehead. I smiled up at him, nodding.
Cam stood up quickly, tears running down his face, and joined our embrace. We stood there together, letting the world around us become distant. When we pulled apart, very excited Cameron asked, “If it’s a girl, can we name her Hazel?”
EPILOGUE
DAX
Fuck. This. Shit.
I was not one for lovey-dovey shit, but watching my best friend propose to his girlfriend had me crying in his little sister’s bathroom. It was a mix of happiness and jealousy.
I stared at myself in Harper’s bathroom mirror as they celebrated their engagement. I splashed my face with cold water, willing the ache in my heart away. I fucking missed her. I missed Lena. The time we spent together was so magical, but it wasn’t nearly enough. I knew what I wanted, but I didn’t want to hold her back. I didn’t want her to regret staying in Sawyers Cove with me if she truly wanted to be in Oregon.
I couldn’t let myself spiral. Not here, anyway. I sighed, drying my face with a paper towel. I muttered to myself, “Keep it together, Deacon.” Then headed back out to celebrate with my family.
As I joined them in the kitchen, Cameron clasped me on the shoulder. He was drunk and uttered the sentence that changed my life.
“I guess now it’s your turn to fall in love,huh?” He patted my shoulder again before sauntering off and pressing a kiss to Tucker’s cheek.
Little did he know I was truly, madly, and deeply in love with his cousin. And I think it was high time I did something about it.
* * *
Future note to self: Never buy a plane ticket during the holidays. The things we do for love.
It was the day after Christmas, and within the span of eight hours, I bought a plane ticket and was in Portland. This whole “confess your love to Lena” could go one of two ways. Either she feels the same and comes home with me, or tell me to fuck off. I am hoping for the former.
I was thankful to know where she stayed, but it felt weird showing up unannounced. This seems more and more like a bad idea. I was definitely too old for this shit, but I needed to say this face-to-face.
I took a rental car from the airport straight to her apartment. When I got to her apartment, it took me ten minutes of pacing to finally knock.
I knocked and then waited.
And waited.
And waited.
