A/N — Happy New Year! I didn't quite get this story done for 2023 so see y'all in 2024. I have a couple of other things coming down the pike as well. xoxo — kals
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Chapter 7: Mike and Maddie
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"How did Clay propose?" Courtney asked, holding Ashley's hand up so that she could admire the rather-larger-than-Maddie-expected-diamond that now took up a huge chunk of Ashley's finger. Maddie had already gotten a good look at the sparkler, leaving her wondering whether Clay had an undisclosed trust fund, before retreating to Mike's side. She was feeling rather tired, something Mike must have noticed as his arm slid gently around her waist.
At Courtney's question, Ashley looked at Clay, who seemed more relieved than happy. Given that he was on vacation with Ashley's family, Maddie wondered what Clay would have done had Ashley said no, for whatever reason. Maddie suspected that the reality of the situation hadn't quite hit Clay until they were actually here. As though she were thinking the same thing, Ashley reached for Clay's hand. "We were on the beach and Clay was so nervous. He actually got down on his knees, but the sand was so hot that I made him get up. And then he gave me the ring."
Tears were welling in Ashley's eyes as she retold the story, her gaze then dropping to her hand before she moved to wrap her arms around Clay's waist. Mike's voice dropped as he turned towards Tom. "You don't seem very surprised."
"Clay asked for my blessing," Tom admitted.
"And you gave it?" Mike asked, eyebrow lifting.
Tom rolled his eyes. "Ashley was going to do what she wanted, with or without my cooperation."
Sasha laughed. "I knew something was going on. You're terrible at keeping secrets, Tom." Sasha then turned a speculative glance in Mike and Maddie's direction. "Although I guessed that it had something to do with you two, rather than Ashley."
Maddie narrowed her eyes at Sasha just as one of the Taylor brothers appeared with champagne and glasses. Sasha merely smiled as she took a glass of bubbly. Maddie sighed, looking up at Mike. "I think the jig might be up."
Mike's eyebrows shot up so high that they almost disappeared. "I thought that you wanted to wait?"
"Ha, I knew it!" Sasha exclaimed, drawing the attention of half the people gathered.
Taking Mike's hand, Maddie gave it a quick squeeze, making sure that he knew she wasn't upset at being outed. After all, they did plan to start telling people. They just hadn't planned to do it immediately after Ashley and Clay's announcement. For half a second, that gave Maddie pause, before she realized that it was too late. Everyone was already staring. "Mike and I were just telling Tom and Sasha that we're expecting a baby in July."
"Congratulations!" Courtney was the first to reach them. "So many babies! Kara's due in April, I'm in June, and you in July! It's so exciting. Does anyone else have an announcement?"
"Not us," Sasha announced, draining her glass.
"Thank God for that," Sam muttered, before looking at Ashley.
"Not me," Ashley replied, giggling as Clay turned slightly green. "One announcement is enough."
"I agree," Azima said firmly. "Wolf and I have no other announcements."
As one, the entire group seemed to look at Kat, who wiggled a finger at Ray. "You aren't allowed to even think about babies until I get my honeymoon."
"Got it," Ray replied, leaning in to give her a kiss and quick slap on the butt.
"Time for toasts," Wolf said, lifting his glass. "To Ashley and Clay. Cheers." He nodded in their direction, before draining his glass and holding it out for a refill. "As for the rest of you, good luck with Operation Repopulation."
Later that night, snuggled in their hotel bed, Maddie rested her head on Mike's chest. "I feel a little bad, stealing some of Clay and Ashley's spotlight. Do you think they're upset?"
Mike snorted. "I heard Clay tell Ray that he didn't plan to propose until our last day here, but he was such a nervous wreck that Ashley got pissed and started yelling at him."
"Really?" Maddie found herself laughing. "And he still proposed?"
Mike tugged Maddie a little closer. "Guess he figured it was now or never."
She shifted her head until she could meet his eyes, hers glowing. "Or maybe love just makes asses out of all of us."