“It really is,” Anna agrees. “Normal does not begin to describe us.”
“Well, I think this is pretty normal for us,” Corey says.
“Trust me when I say I’ve got you beat,” Sandy sighs. “The majority of you don’t know Paul in person.”
“Paul?” Bear asks. “Who’s that? Is that a friend of yours, Sandy? Do I get to meet him?”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” Corey says.
“Why?”
“Because the world isn’t ready for such a cosmic revelation,” Sandy says. “It’s best to just wonder what could have been.”
“And because the monologuing back and forth would kill us all,” Corey says under his breath.
“What?” Bear asks sharply.
“Nothing,” Corey says, smiling wide.
I turn back to Dom. Rob’s gone. I didn’t even hear him go. It’s only Dom and me now. Well, almost. I’ll just ignore the six people on my computer screen behind me for now. I need to get my legs working again.
“You knew,” I say simply.
He nods.
“Aw,” Sandy and Corey sigh.
“How?” I ask, though I already know.
“I know you, Ty,” he says. Of course he does. And of course he knows. I just needed time. But it’s been long enough, I think. It’s time to make plans.
“So sweet,” Anna says with a sniff.
“I’m standing,” I tell him. “Not right this second. But… you know. I think I’m standing.”
Dom smiles. “That’s good.”
“This is so special,” Creed says in a fluttery voice. “Seriously. Is it weird for me to want to scream that you guys should kiss? Goddammit, Anna! Your pregnancy hormones are contagious!”
“What?” Bear asks. “Is that possible?” He sounds slightly pa
nicked. “How in God’s name are we ever going to have a baby when the donor will keep infecting us with hormones?”
“Creed’s just being dramatic,” Otter reassures him. “They’re not contagious.”
“Watch out, Bear,” Creed says. “You’re going to find yourself crying for no reason and things like watching Dominic and Tyson fall for each other right in front of you will make you want to dance and sing and tell the world how much you love it and everyone in it.”
“I can’t dance!”
“Creed, you’re not helping,” Otter sighs.
“But it’s just so easy!”
“I’m going to have to sing?” Bear cries. “Have you heard my singing voice? I sound like a baby seal being clubbed with a bike horn!”
“That’s probably not the best analogy to use in the present company,” Corey says. “Ty’s a hippie, after all.”
The PETA rage descends. “Do you know how many baby seals are murdered each year, just so uppity bitches can wear…”