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Owen stood to greet them.
Holden smacked Owen’s shoulder. “Something you’re not telling me, man?”
I’d never seen Owen turn so red. I didn’t want him to have to lie to his friend. And I suspected he was about to—for my sake. So I intervened.
I got up off the couch. “I’m pregnant, actually...”
Lala gasped.
Holden’s jaw dropped. “What? I was only kidding.” He turned to Owen. “Holy crap.”
I handed a sleeping Hope to Lala. “Before you say anything else, I need to explain that the reason we haven’t said anything is because there’s a chance Owen’s not the father.”
Owen shut his eyes momentarily, then wrapped his arm around me in solidarity.
“We’re awaiting DNA test results,” I added, “and we’re going to tell everyone once we know for sure.”
“It hasn’t been easy keeping it from you guys, but that was the best decision, given the circumstances,” Owen said.
“I need to put her down for this. Hang on.” Lala disappeared into the nursery while the three of us stood in awkward silence.
Holden’s mouth was hanging open.
Lala returned and patted my arm. “Are you okay?”
“Not really.” I smiled slightly. “But I will be.”
“May I ask who the other potential father is?” Holden asked.
“Robert Valentino.”
His eyes widened. “The actor?”
Lala gaped.
I nodded. “He and I have dated on and off for years. It started before he was famous. He’s never been my boyfriend. But we slept together shortly before I came to New York.”
“And then she met me...” Owen shrugged.
I nodded. “Thus, the situation we’re in. This wasn’t something I wanted. I don’t understand how it happened because I was careful. But nothing is foolproof.”
“I get it.” Holden held out his palms. “You don’t owe me any explanations. It was only by the grace of God that I got lucky over the years and never had an accident myself. You can only be so careful, and shit happens.” He shook his head. “Not that thepregnancyis shit. It’s…wonderful. I mean, congratulations.”
“Thanks.” I chuckled. “I think.”
Holden turned to Owen. “I can’t believe you’ve been holding on to this.”
“I was hoping I’d be able to give you guys good news. You know, joining your ranks and all. But I don’t know if it’s gonna turn out that way.” He pulled me closer. “I’ve made it clear to Devyn that I’m all in regardless.”
After a moment, I tried to make light of the situation. “Well, you and Lala certainly got more than you bargained for tonight.”
Lala sighed. “I can’t believe this.”
“You’re telling me.” Holden laughed. “Owen is the last of the guys I ever thought would have a kid.”
Owen chuckled. “Believe me, no one is more surprised about this than me, man.”
“I won’t say anything to the guys,” Holden promised.
