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I see Mercedes rushing towardsblond hair and those eyes that look just like her dad’s Her father, Spike, is in a different club It took a bit of adjusting, but she’s pretty muchto her

She stops in front of es! How are you?"

"I’ you well?"

She nods, cheeks flushing "He always does"

Jacknoise

"You shut up," Mercy says to hi hiet love"

Jack gapes at her; I burst out laughing

"I thought ould be good as sibling in-laws, but you’re just ahis ar her ar in "You love me, bro"

He rolls his eyes

"I’ll leave you two to it, I’ to find Mom"

I walk inside the club house and doabout I walk into the kitchen, where I know all the ladies will be preparing for the cookout tonight I’ht, my mom, Ash--who is Phoenix and Quinn’s mom; Jaylah--Jack and Diesel’sas they prepare salads

"Ladies," I say, walking in

They all stop talking and look to s "You look radiant"

I shake h "Only you could cos "What can I say? I’ me "You look really happy What’s happened?"

"Is it a boy?" Mo wide

"Tell us," Jaylah continues

"Tell us now," Ash demands

"Tell us if you want," Pippa says softly, always the soft, quiet spoken one

"No, Pippi," Mom says fondly to her little sister "No, she h and slide my backside onto the kitchen counter

"That’s nasty, I hope those pants are clean," Mo as she walks past

"Yes, Mother"

"Tell us!" Jaylah cries "The anticipation is killinga hand up "Seriously"

"There’s a h her lashes, studying me

"He’s just a friend"

They all squeal in unison

"They’re never just friends, honey," Moirls can be friends all the time"