Free On the Outside Looking In (Wrong Reasons) by JL Paul Page B

it.”
    “Thanks,” I said as I stepped inside, removing my coat and scarf.  Collin took them, tossing them on an empty chair before taking me by the hand and leading me to the kitchen. Once again, the usual gang was there, gathered around the table.  My heart leapt and fell at the sight of Spencer – and Jessica.
    “Hey,” I said, sitting in the chair Lucas indicated.  “What’s going on?”
    Collin slipped into the seat next to Bailey and draped an arm around her shoulders.
    “Well,” Bailey said, hands wrapped around a mug of tea.  “We just wanted to tell you something.”
    My heart picked up an extra beat.  I sent up a silent prayer, hoping that we wouldn’t rehash all that had happened over the summer.  No need to beat a dead horse.
    Jessica’s wriggling attracted my attention.  She sat beside Spencer, smug look on her pretty face.  Her eyes met mine and I noticed a glint of triumph.
    “What’s going on?” I asked again, a tad of anxiety leaking into my voice.  “Is everything okay?”
    “We’ve been trying to keep something quiet for a while,” Bailey said.  “But, we figured it was time to tell.”
    My eyes widened as I shoved my shaking hands under the table.  “Is something wrong?”
    Bailey lifted her head, her eyes finding mine.  She smiled.  “I’m pregnant.”
    Silence hung in the air for a brief moment before my heart heaved a relieved breath.  “Wow.  That’s great!” I said as I gave her a hug.  “Congratulations.”
    “Thanks,” she said, a touch of red in her cheeks.  “It wasn’t planned, but, well, it is what it is.”
    Collin grinned as he stood up to accept my hug.  “Yeah, it was a surprise but I’m excited.  We both are.”
    “When are you due?” I asked.
    “May,” Bailey said.  “We’ve known for a couple of weeks but didn’t want to tell anyone yet.”
    “I understand,” I said.  “I guess most people wait until they’re about three months before telling anyone.”
    “We finally told our parents tonight,” Bailey said.
    “What did they say?” I asked.
    “My dad was shocked,” Bailey said with a smirk.  “But he finally came around.”
    “My parents were happy,” Collin added as his eyes shot over my head to his twin.  “They want a wedding, though.”
    “They’re getting one,” Lucas said.
    Turning quickly, I looked at Irelyn who was fidgeting in her chair, her lips pressed together.  She stuck out her left arm, wiggling her fingers.  “Lucas and I are engaged!”
    My eyes grew wider than a tire.  “Wow, a lot is happening!”
    “We were holding off telling our folks about the baby,” Collin said.  “And then Lucas popped the question.  We told Mom and Dad about the baby and then Lucas told them about the engagement.”
    “Smart plan,” I said, beaming.
    “I am so glad that they finally told,” Jessica said, taking Spencer’s hand.  “I was so afraid that I’d slip and tell someone.”
    I managed to keep the expression on my face, not letting it fall and reveal anything other than happiness.
    “So, a baby in May,” I said, keeping my tone light.  “When’s the wedding?”
    “We’re shooting for the end of June,” Irelyn said, reaching out to grab my hand.  “I want Bailey to be able to fit into a dress.”
    I laughed, fighting a hurting heart.
    “And,” Irelyn said, squeezing my hand.  “I want you to be in the wedding, too.”
    Lifting my free hand, I covered our joined hands.  “Of course.  I’d be honored.”
    “Great,” Lucas said, rising from his seat.  He opened the refrigerator and started passing out beers.  I took one even though I wasn’t crazy about the taste, and toasted the happy couples.
    “I can’t wait to go dress shopping,” Jessica said, taking a long drink from her bottle.  “What are you thinking about, Irelyn? Any ideas?”
    “No, not really,” Irelyn said.  “I haven’t really had time to think about it.”
    “You will,” I said.  “You can start