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

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

finally going to Italy?"

"No," I laughed.

at their expectant faces, I felt a mischievous urge. Let them

to Florida?" Logan

going next week, but that's not what he wants to say," I said, looking at

been your dream," Leonard asked. Everyone

don't have any other

next year," Ryder

trying to stay calm, but I knew how thrilled he

Why?" Ama

said

knew it would cause an uproar. I held my breath, waiting

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

Chapter 317

spun me around a few

I said, and

more intense than I'd imagined. Seeing him so excited

brother, I'd cut your balls off,"

be Aunt Penelope," I said, hugging her.