Chapter 59: News

Ace Rhodes.

Sitting at my desk in my office, I focused on the stack of paperwork in front of me. Well, maybe "focused" wasn't the right word. It was more like I was staring blankly, half-heartedly trying to conquer the never-ending tasks. My thoughts were occupied by a certain blonde not 100 meters away from me.

God, I was becoming pathetic.

Alex, on the other hand, was lounging on the couch, scrolling through his Instagram feed as if his life depended on it.

Just as I was about to begrudgingly pick up my pen and pretend to work, my phone chimed with an incoming call. I picked it up and raised an eyebrow as I saw Noah's name on the screen. With a sigh, I answered it, putting on my most exasperated tone. "What do you want now?"

Noah's voice came through the line, and I could almost see the grin on his face. "Damn. Good to know you’re still an ass. Anyways, got a second?"

I rolled my eyes, knowing that this was bound to be something trivial yet time-consuming. "Make it quick. I've got a mountain of work to tackle here."

Noah's chuckle came through the line. "Right, right, Mr. I’m-a-self-made-millionaire.”

“Multi-millionaire,” I corrected and I could practically hear Noah’s eyes roll from my end.

“So here's the thing – Emily and I were thinking that it's about time we had a little get-together. Dad’s here too. Nothing fancy, just dinner at the house. But there's something we wanna tell you and dad."

I leaned back in my chair, my annoyance deepening. "Noah, we're all adults here. Can't you just tell me what this is about?"

There was a pause on the other end, and then Noah's voice took on a more exasperated tone. "Look, it's not something I can explain over the phone, okay? Can you come over tonight?"

I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration. "Alright, fine. I’ll be there."

Noah's chuckle returned, and I could hear the smile in his voice. "Great. You can go back to your brooding now.”

"Of course. See you tonight." I hung up the phone and let out a long sigh. Just when I thought I could have a peaceful evening and maybe invite Isabelle over, something like this had to come up.

Alex looked up from his phone, raising an eyebrow. "Why the long face?"

I shrugged, "Noah wants me over tonight. Apparently, he and Emily have something to tell me."

Alex feigned hurt, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. "And what about me? I'm offended that I'm not invited."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "You can come along if you want."

He waved a dismissive hand. "Nah, I've got a date tonight. But I'll be waiting for the juicy details."

I shook my head, “Date? You? Pfft, yeah, okay.”

He grinned unapologetically. "Sometimes I just wanna wring your neck, Ace."

I raised an eyebrow and tilted my head to the side, “Just sometimes?”

Alex flipped me off at that and I winked and turned my attention back to the laptop screen when he spoke again.

“So when are you introducing Belle to Noah and Emily?”

“Honestly, I have no clue. I would take her with me tonight but I don’t know what Noah and Emily have planned and I don’t want her to feel left out. Hopefully soon I’ll get a chance,” I shrugged and Alex nodded.

*****

I parked my car and made my way to the front door. The door swung open just as I was about to ring the bell, revealing a smiling Noah. He greeted me with a firm handshake and a playful glint in his eyes. "Ace, right on time. Emily's been in the kitchen all day."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but smile. "I'm sure she has. What's this all about, anyway?"

Noah's grin only widened. "You'll find out soon enough. Come on in."

As I entered the house, I was greeted by the warm aroma of home-cooked food. Emily was bustling around the kitchen, and I gave her a hug as I ruffled her hair. Just as I was about to say something, a familiar voice interrupted.

"Oh look, Buttercup made it," William stood by the living room entrance, a friendly smile on his face. I went over and hugged him as he patted my back in a fatherly manner.

“How’s work?” William asked as we all made our way to the lounge.

I couldn't help but let out a small sigh. "Busy as ever. But that's how it goes."

William chuckled. "Look at you, always whining. Oh, by the way, how's… what was her name? Oh yes. Isabelle?”

I shook my head and groaned.

Emily practically jumped in excitement, causing me to raise an eyebrow. "Isabelle! Isabelle who? Oh my gosh, I've never heard a woman's name come out of Ace's mouth before!"

Just as expected.

I shot Emily a fed up glance. "Isabelle Reinhart, an employee.”

“His secretary,” William chimed in and I cursed inwardly as a very non subtle “Ooh” left their mouths.

Noah smirked at me. "So, when are we going to meet this famous Isabelle? I’m tired of hearing you pining over her.”

I rolled my eyes, feeling their teasing getting to me. "Yeah, yeah. Sometime soon, okay?"

Emily shot a knowing look at Noah. "You knew about this?"

Noah raised his hands in mock surrender. "Guilty as charged. But hey, in my defense Ace told me not to tell you.“

“I hate you both,” Emily pouted just as Noah pressed a kiss to her lips.

We all settled into the comfortable sofas, and I shot a quick glance at William, sharing a silent curiosity about what Emily was about to reveal. The air was charged with a mixture of anticipation and excitement, especially since Emily and Noah were holding hands like they were about to drop a bombshell.

Emily took a deep breath, her smile growing as if she was barely containing her excitement. "Okay, guys, there's something we need to tell you."

I couldn't help myself; I leaned back, crossing my arms casually. "Yeah, no shit. Just spill the beans already."

Noah rolled his eyes at my impatience, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. But all eyes were on Emily as she took another moment to bask in the suspense she was creating.

Then, finally, the words spilled from her lips. "I'm pregnant."

The statement hung in the air for a beat, and I felt like my eyebrows were touching my hairline. My surprise must have been evident on my face as I stood up, unable to contain my astonishment. I glanced at William, and I could see the shimmer of tears in his eyes, a mix of emotions dancing across his features.

"Pregnant?" I blurted out, still struggling to process the news.

William moved forward, his eyes brimming with tears of joy. He hugged Emily tightly, his voice cracking as he spoke. "Congratulations, Emily. This— this is wonderful news."

I walked over to Noah, my disbelief turning into genuine happiness. "Hey, congratulations, man. That's amazing news."

Noah's eyes held a mixture of relief and appreciation as he returned my hug. "Man, I’m scared shitless."

Emily's radiant smile was contagious as I hugged and congratulated her.

“If it’s a girl, I’m having her first dance,” I put my hands up in surrender and Emily chuckled with tears in his eyes as Noah rolled his eyes again but I didn’t miss the small smile tugging at his lips.

I’d seen Noah and Emily grow together and fall more in love with each other every single day for the past six years. I used to think how was it even possible to love someone this much until I met Isabelle and realized that I, too, would give my life for her if it ever came to that.