I started to stand up. Now, I was fucking scared. But Avery shoved me back down on the stool. “No, you should be sitting, Uncle Austin.”
“Uncle?” I snorted. “I’m not—wait.”
Avery’s eyes watered and she gave us the biggest smile. “Yeah. You will be.”
Dallas’s mouth dropped. Our mother burst out into tears and rushed around the kitchen counter, pulling Avery into a huge hug. Shock rattled my whole system, then warmth spread through me.
Avery gave Dallas a hug, everyone talking over each other. I rushed to her, pulling her into my arms as the tears started to fall.
“I’m so happy for y’all,” I cried. “Fuck. I’m so happy.”
I released her and went to Mateo and Levi, giving both of them bear hugs. There were so many tears and laughter and all I could feel was how much I loved everyone in this room.
Avery wiped her eyes. “Okay. I have to go to Evie, June, and Madi now. Like ASAP. So y’all stay here and chat and stuff.”
Our mom was still crying and gave her another hug. “Sweetie, I’m so happy. You’re going to be an amazing mom. Levi and Mateo will be great dads. This is beautiful.”
“I’m in shock,” Dallas sniffled.
“Can we tell people?” I asked. “Obviously I won’t spoil this for Evie, but Matthew and Nick . . .”
Avery’s brows immediately raised. Dallas, Levi, and Mateo all stared at me.
“You can tell them,” she said. “Yourboyfriends.”
“I mean I’m not?—”
“Dating Nick,” everyone finished.
“Yet,” Mom snorted.
I sighed, but whatever. They could think what they wanted.
Mateo’s smirk was a little too smug. “Yeah, go tell your boyfriends. I’m gonna go into town with Avery.”
“I’ll hang out,” Levi said. “If that’s okay.”
“Of course it is,” Mom said. “I’ll make you a salad. Dallas, sit. I’ll make you one too.”
“Okay, if you insist. I should eat before June and Madi call me screaming,” he chuckled.
We all hugged Avery and Mateo again then she hightailed it out of the house, ready to go tell her friends. I sat back down on the stool, wiping my eyes.
“I think this calls for celebrating,” I said, looking over at Levi.
“It does,” Dallas agreed.
“Come over tonight?” I asked. “I’ll grab beers. We can make some good food.”
“Yes,” Levi agreed. “I’d love that. I’ve been worried sick about Avery, she’s been throwing up so much.”
Our mom made a sound. “Oh boy. Yeah, I had a lot of morning sickness too. Did you get her ginger ale?”
“We . . . did not think about that.”
She let out a low whistle and put out the two salads for Levi and Dallas. “I’ll make you a list, honey. Do you know how far along?”
“A few weeks,” Levi said.
