Ride or Die (Rejects Paradise 4)

“What?” Casey gasps as Milo watches me with wide eyes, completely speechless. “So … you’re having a baby?”

“I, umm … technically, I guess.”

Charlie narrows his eyes, still as confused as ever. “What’s that supposed to mean.”

I let out a sigh, and as Colton steps into my side, I find the strength to say the words out loud. “It means that once this baby is born, I’ll be giving it to a family who’s been wanting this a lot more than I do. I only just turned eighteen, and right now, the thought of being someone’s mom is kinda terrifying. I’m not ready and the fact that it’s half Jude’s …”

“Don’t,” Milo says, stepping to me and pulling me tightly into his arms, knocking Colton right out of the way. “You don’t need to explain or justify your decisions to us. Just know that we support you completely. Whatever you want or need is yours.”

Spencer steps in and joins the hug, and before I know it, every single one of them are crowding around me, huddled in and squeezing me tight.

Charlie's amused laugh comes from the back of the group and I can’t help but hear the nervousness in his tone, probably doing the math to make sure it’s not his. “No wonder she’s been such a moody bitch lately,” he chuckles, immediately followed by a low groan when Colton’s fist slams into his arm.

Drix’s head pokes over my shoulder, and I narrow my eyes at her shit-eating grin. “So, I’m just putting it out there that Hendrix is a fucking awesome name, you know, if you felt that way inclined.”

I laugh as the others all start making their own suggestion, offering their names up like a Thanksgiving turkey. “I don’t think I get to pick the name,” I tell them. “That would be up to his or her new parents. I wouldn’t dream of taking that away from them.”

A sniffling sounds behind me, and I look back to find Mom standing with Roman at the back door, watching us all huddled together. She instantly gives me a warm smile, and as the pride shines through her eyes, I find myself walking straight into her arms. “That’s your final decision?” she asks. “You want to adopt?”

“Yeah,” I say a little nervously. “I hope you’re not upset with me.”

“Not at all, sweetheart. I’m proud of you. You gave yourself time to really think about it, you considered all your options, and then you made your decision based on what would be best for the baby. You’re giving a gift to a family that they will never be able to repay. You’re so selfless and loving, and I’m so damn proud to call you my daughter. Your daddy would be proud of you, and so will your boys, even Nic.”

Tears well in my eyes, and I crush my face into her neck, her words meaning the absolute world to me. I stand in her arms, both of us clinging onto one another until we’re finally ready to pull apart.

Mom gives me a wide smile, before clutching my chin between her thumb and pointer finger. “Look at you getting me all emotional when I was supposed to be coming out here to brag about the incredible honeymoon that I'm about to go on.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Sorry, stealing the show has always been a gift of mine.”

“Don’t I know it,” she laughs.

“Ugh,” Drix grumbles from behind us. “Are you old farts still here? Get lost. Go and celebrate your honeymoon already so we can party in your house and trash it every night for six weeks.”

Roman’s eyes go wide, looking at his daughter first and then at me before going full circle and gaping at his new wife.

Mom instantly laughs. “Oh, chill out,” she tells him. “Hendrix stirs you up so easily, and you fall for it every time.”

Roman shakes his head, playfully glaring at his daughter, but the love shining out of his eyes is unmistakable. “Alright,” he says. “You kids behave. I’m stealing my wife and getting out of here before you get yourselves in trouble, and I have no choice but to stay. You have my international numbers and the neighbor’s. Call them if you get yourself in trouble, and if in doubt, you can always check in with the security or call the police. Stay safe, you hear me?”

“Yes, Dad,” Drix grumbles.

Mom looks at me. “That goes for you too, young lady.”

“Mom, I’m more than capable of taking care of myself.” Colton scoffs, and I roll my eyes as Mom chuckles at his reaction. “Fine. I’ll be a good little girl who sits at home and watches Netflix every single night. I’ll have absolutely zero life until you get home.”

“That’s more like it,” she says, going in for another hug, only Roman pulls her away and throws her over his shoulder.