"I never saw that show," Mo says, slumping back in his chair.
"We were probably still overseas when it aired." Hudson rubs his hand over his heart, and I know immediately he's thinking about his brother. Every time he does it, I get a pang for Jake too. When this pregnancy is over, I'm going to get a tattoo tribute to my brother with angel wings too.
"Well, I can see if it's available to stream. I think it would be good for you to watch it and make sure it's something you are comfortable with doing."
"None of us is that comfortable with our lives being exposed for other people's entertainment," Elijah says. "But we understand the benefit to our family, so we'll do it."
I sigh, dunking my cookie into the creamy milk and taking a bite. Damn, it's good to eat comfort food. "I’m sick of seeing my name associated with Marcus’s trial. There is too much speculation about our relationship. I just really want to be able to control the narrative. I hate that we even have to consider this shit, but without the positive publicity, I might as well just give up."
"And that's exactly what we don't want to happen," Asher says, reaching across the table to take my free hand. "Singing is important to you. It makes you happy. And just because you've shacked up with seven men and found yourself in the family way doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to carry on doing something you love."
"It's not going to be forever," Ben muses. "It'll just be for one season, right? To change perceptions."
"Exactly," I say. "Just one season. But only if you guys are one hundred percent on board. I love singing, but I love you guys and our future daughter more."
As I say it, I rest my hand protectively over my belly. We decided to find out what we were having so I could better mentally prepare for it. I'd already had enough surprises, and it feels good to be able to plan for her.
My brother's girlfriend Sandy's having a baby girl too, so I'm sure they'll be the best of cousin friends. It couldn't have worked out more perfectly.
"Blueday has sent a list of ideas for what the production company can film." Pulling the folded paper from my pocket, I smooth it out on the table and scan over it. "House hunting, shopping for the crib, a night out…" I pause for a moment and shake my head. "Can you believe they have the audacity to put in brackets that I can only be seen drinking water?”
"I guess they think a mocktail could look like you're pregnant and drinking alcohol," Jax says.
Making a growling sound, I poke the list. "They literally think I can't tie my own shoelaces."
"Don't stress the small stuff," Mo says, rubbing my back. "What else is on the list?"
"A day at the spa with Sandy."
"Do you think she'll go for that?" Connor asks.
"I have absolutely no idea. How about this one? Movie night at home."
"What? They want to film us watching TV?"
I snort, reaching for another cookie. "I guess they think they'll catch some foot rubs and cuddling. Maybe a popcorn fight. We'll have to think of ways of making our ordinary life more interesting."
"Our ordinary life rocks," Jax says. "Don't you worry. I'll make everyone laugh, and it'll be fine."
"Better warn the production company to bring a wide-lens camera," Asher says. "To capture all of Jax's huge head."
There's some good-natured jostling, and while Connor is telling them to grow up, I fold the paper and put it back in my pocket because Jax is right. It doesn't matter what the production company films, it'll be fine because we're awesome together. If they capture nothing but our real relationship, it'll do exactly what we need it to do: show the world that we're normal, despite our unconventional relationship.
"Anyway," I say, trying to interrupt their shenanigans. "I'm meeting up with the Reverse Harem Ladies Club. It's my first time."
"Well, you must be way more qualified than any of the others," Connor laughs. "Aren't they all in smaller groups?"
"It's not the number of men that counts," I say, raising my eyebrows. "It's what they do that counts."
"Then you're definitely the queen of that club." Hudson comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, pressing warm kisses to my neck.
I put my hand up quickly. "Don't start with all of that," I say. "I just spent half an hour washing off the mess you made of me this morning. I don't have time to do it all over again."
"You love our mess," Jax says.
"That is absolutely not the point," I say. "I do not want to be late."
I leave my men at home and am accompanied to the cute café where I'm meeting up with Sandy and her friends by Mr. Wright and three of his team. Since the stalker was captured, Blueday has decreased the number of bodyguards who have to follow me around, but four still draw so much attention. I'm looking forward to a time when maybe one or two will be enough. Mr. Wright actually apologized for not taking Marcus more seriously. Over time, they’ve actually become more like friends, which is just how it should be. I guess the fact that I have seven huge boyfriends is enough to make them buck up their ideas up too.
The café is as cute as I imagined and I'm the last to arrive, despite aiming to be early.
I'm used to heads turning whenever I go anywhere so it’s no surprise to see people staring. I guess my look is so distinctive that even when I'm wearing sunglasses, it's easy to make me out. Thankfully no one asks for an autograph or a selfie, and I make it to the last vacant seat at the table.
"Luna," Sandy says, standing to hug me. "I'm so happy that you made it."
"I've been looking forward to this so much," I say. "It's the only normal thing in my calendar right now."
"Normal?" one of the women at the table snorts. The rest laugh, but it's not in a mocking way. More self-deprecating. "It's been a long time since anyone called us that." She holds out her hand. "I'm Connie, by the way."
"Nice to meet you." The rest of the women introduce themselves. There's Natalie, who's in a harem with three men, Connie, who has four firemen husbands, Melanie, who's shacked up with five cowboys, and Sandy, who's bagged six men. Hudson was right. I am the queen of this club.
"So you hit the jackpot," Natalie says, tucking her blonde bob behind her ears as though she's readying herself to hear some major gossip. "Seven men." Shaking her head, she makes a whistling noise, which I’m not sure is appreciative or overwhelmed.
"Seven," I say proudly.
"How do you do seven?" Melanie says. "Five is mind-blowing. Like, seriously. I'm so tired right now. They're just on me all the time. A girl needs some personal space sometimes."
"You're only feeling like that because you have a new baby," Connie says knowingly. "Once you're past this stage and feel a little more like yourself, you'll be back to loving all the attention."
"I just feel like there is someone permanently interested in my boobs. They're just always out. I'm like a cow." She hangs her head mournfully, and we all burst out laughing.