“Oh my God, you didn’t throw them away?” Jude laughs. “I didn’t use them either ’cause they were Malkin’s,” he says, speaking of the captain before him.
“You sick bastards, why didn’t you throw them away?” I ask and they both laugh.
“Why didn’t you check the expiration date?” Jayden asks. “Cocky shit, thinking your sperm is strong. Please.”
“Loser,” Jude says and I smile. “But shit, dude, now you’re really stuck. And you can’t leave, ’cause if we thought her dad would ruin you before, he really will now if you leave his daughter pregnant. Jesus, Jace.”
“I’m not leaving her,” I say sternly. “I married her.”
More silence.
“You did what?” Jude roars as Jayden just laughs.
“Jesus, this guy. Bay, Jace married Avery. She’s pregnant.”
When my sister-in-law yelps in surprise, I just shrug. “I love her, guys, and I hope you’ll both support me.”
“Well, duh, dumbass. But shit, you go big, don’t you?” Jayden laughs and I grin.
“Always.”
“Good Lord, information overload over here. Man, are you sure?” Jude asks.
Jayden agrees. “Yeah, really, this is huge.”
“Yeah, I’ve never been so sure about anything in my whole life.”
“Then we’re behind you, buddy,” Jayden says after a long moment of silence.
“Yeah, I mean, she’s great. I’m nervous, but I trust you know what you’re doing.”
“I do,” I promise and Jude laughs.
“Man, did Mom freak?”
“You know she did,” I laugh and Jayden follows suit.
“This is insane.”
“Yeah, but it’s right,” I decide and they both agree.
“Well, I don’t know how Jude feels, but I’m proud of the man you’ve become, Jace. You’ve really stepped up and grown.”
“Thanks, bro.”
“I agree, but don’t fuck up. If you’re doing this, you’re doing it right and you’re gonna love that girl for the rest of your life. We may have been raised by a shit guy, but we aren’t him, you hear me?”
“Yeah, I hear you,” I say around the lump in my throat. I always knew I had the best family in the whole entire world, but having the support of the two men I look up to so greatly, too… I can’t even. It’s overwhelming.
“And remember who your favorite brother is when you’re naming my nephew,” Jayden says and I smile.
“Don’t you mean your niece, Jay? Since you’re a sissy.”
“Whatever, Judeifer. You’re the girl.”
“Did you just say my name like Lucifer? You dick.”
“Well, you are the devil himself!”