“What baby?”
He scoffs and nods at the bride and groom. Jasper’s grin could be seen from space as he whoops and lifts Elsie into his arms, swinging her around like crazy before putting her back on his feet. He drops to his knees and kisses her completely flatstomach with absolute adoration in his eyes. Guess the cat’s out of the bag then.
“Yeah, because that’s normal behaviour for a married man who isn’t about to become a dad.”
“How the hell did you know? I swear Elsie and I were the only ones…”
“I know things.” He shrugs.
“And yet youdon’tknow that buying a switchblade for a baby is completely inappropriate,” I snap.
He laughs and grins at me.
“Not considering who the baby’s mum is.”
Okay, touché motherfucker, I’ll give him that one. Elsie will probably be over the moon with this freaky gift, but each to their own I guess. I know she’ll equally love all the designer shit I’ve been buying for my unborn godchild too. It’s not a competition, but I’m totally gonna smash it.
“Bought any sharp stabby implements for your own child yet?”
“She’s not mine.”
“You treat her like she is. Told the mum you’re in love with her yet?”
“We’re taking things slow,” he quips.
“So slow she doesn’t know how you feel.”
“Like I said. S-l-o-w.”
“I want to meet her.”
“No way.” He shakes his head vehemently. “She’s exactly your type.”
“Um I think you’ll find Elsie is the one who likes women…well, liked. I have no idea where she stands on that now, she only seems to have eyes for Jasper and his freakishly dark nipples…ugh.” I shudder.
“I meant, for The Order. I’m trying to get out, not bring more people in. She’s exactly what you’d want.”
“A couple more years, I promise. You’re practically out anyway.”
“I want it official. I’m not going to make a move with a kid involved until I can guarantee everyone’s safety.”
“That’s fair. It won’t be long, I promise.”
“I’ll hold you to that,” he vows before walking away.
Elsie giggles and calls me over, and I congratulate Jasper before posing for a million photos. By the end my face hurts from smiling so much, but I can’t help it. Every single smile is genuine today.
“Can I have this dance?” Monty asks, holding out his hand to me.
“You can.” I take his hand and we move onto the dance floor.
“The Knox foundation has officially been approved today.”
“Are you serious?” He nods at my question, and tears spring to my eyes. “That’s amazing news.”
After my petty – yet catastrophic – stunt when I was trying to get kicked out of Knox Academy and I publicised everyone’s records, I really did feel remorseful. I wanted to find a way to not only undo the damage that I caused, but to help future students too. So from now on, every student that enters Knox Academy has their records sealed by a team of our experts. No one besides us has a copy, not even the courts, and no one will ever be able to get their hands on those records. It’s a way for every student to truly have a fresh start.
Along with that, I wanted to start up a foundation for students who graduate – but whoaren’teligible to join The Order – so they’re not thrown back into the world with nothing but an education. The foundation will help make sure they have housing and job opportunities. As well as anything else that they need to make a new life for themselves.
