Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 317

Xena's POV

"Ryder wants to give you something back. He and I contacted all your former clients we could think of and asked them to let us photograph their work, Penelope explained.

"I know what this shop meant to you, how heartbroken you were when you saw your portfolio destroyed. I wanted to give this back to you. Ryder walked over to me and took my hand.

My throat tightened. This man... how did he always know exactly what I needed most? Even when I didn't know it myself. "Thank you!" I shouted, throwing my arms around his neck. He caught me, holding me tight, letting me calm down.

In his arms, all the negative emotions melted away.

gratitude and love remained.

"You know, we really should tell them you're pregnant. Otherwise, they'll question why you're not drinking at tonight's barbecue," Ryder said through our mind link.

"You want to tell them that badly?" I laughed as he released me. I went to hug Penelope.

"Thank you, Penelope," I said to her.

"It's just a small repayment for everything you've done for me." Penelope had tears in her eyes.

"I do," Ryder said through our mind link.

grabbed his forearm. Not his hand, just his arm. I wasn't sure why I suddenly

for everything you've done for us... for her. Through everything that's happened, having all of you by our side has really been the only thing that's kept us going. Kept me sane, kept Xena safe." Even Ryder was getting a bit nervous. We were all standing in a circle. "I wish William could be here, but Xena and I do have some news

going to

"No," I laughed.

felt a mischievous urge. Let them

Florida?" Logan

but that's not what he wants

has always been your dream," Leonard

Florida, we don't have any

Ryder looked down

he was trying to stay calm, but I knew how thrilled

Why?"

Xena's pregnant," Ryder said like

his mouth, I knew it would cause

"I'm not going to cry... I'm not going

Chapter 317

around a few times before putting me down. You're pregnantz I'm going to

said, and he hugged me

was even more intense than I'd imagined. Seeing him

her brother, I'd cut

going to be Aunt Penelope," I