Page 51 of Keeping Penny

That had everyone laughing again.

“But I’d like it said that I’d prefer my kids to be teachers, or engineers, or librarians…something way less dangerous.”

“But without people like Nate and Tate and everyone who wears the uniform, people who have special skills, others like us might not be here right now,” Zita said softly.

“I agree. And I’m in a position of knowing that better than most,” Laryn said.

“Right, so…two babies, check. Gender?”

“Boys, definitely,” Laryn said firmly. “What do I know about girls? Nothing.”

“What about one of each?” Mandy asked.

Laryn paused. “Oh, that might be nice too.”

“If you have girls, we’ll all help,” Penny said.

“Of course we will!”

“Spoil them rotten.”

“Manis and pedis all around!”

Laryn rolled her eyes. But then smiled at everyone. “You’re all the best. I think if I didn’t have you guys, I’d be freaking out way more than I am at the idea of having this kid.”

“You’ll be great. And Casper will be a fantastic dad,” Mandy said.

“Yeah. He will.”

“Anyone need a refill?” Zita asked, as she headed back into the kitchen with her empty glass.

The next few hours were filled with more laughter and good-natured ribbing, and Penny couldn’t remember the last time she’d had such fun. Around midnight, Laryn drove Mandy to Buck’s apartment on her way home, and Jen headed to her own apartment in the building.

Penny had gotten a text from Pyro much earlier, saying Bowie had crashed and promising he’d bring her home in the morning. It said a lot about how into the man Penny was, and how much she trusted him with the most important thing in her life, her daughter, that she’d agreed.

After saying good night to Zita and getting ready for bed, Penny lay down and picked up her phone, needing to check in on Bowie one more time.

She sent a text to Pyro, not wanting to wake him if he was sleeping.

Penny: Everyone’s headed home. All okay there?

She got a text in return almost immediately.

Pyro: Hope you had fun. Bowie’s good. Been asleep since around nine-thirty. I put her in one of my shirts, and she said she loved it so much and that she hoped I didn’t want it back because it belonged to her now. lol

Penny chuckled. She could see her daughter claiming Pyro’s shirt. But that wasn’t a very nice thing to do…to simply take someone’s clothes because she liked it. She’d have to have a talk with Bowie when she got home.

Penny: Thanks for looking after her tonight.

Pyro: It wasn’t a chore, Pen. I love her. She’s amazing.

His words made Penny feel all melty inside. And she knew it wasn’t just the vodka making her emotional.

Pyro: I’ll bring her home around eight in the morning. Is that too early? I figured we could grab some food on the way over and all have breakfast together.

Penny: She’ll probably be up earlier.

Pyro: That’s okay. I’m an early riser. You going to be up? Or do you need me to keep her longer? Did you overdo the drinks?