Page 14 of A Bear's Journey

Remind me to never fuck with a pregnant lady, Olivia thought.

Behind Cora, Ash appeared, looking more than a little hesitant to approach his pregnant mate.

“Thanks,” said Olivia, curled up in Cora’s bathtub and surrounded by people.

“And I’ll boot anyone else who tries to pull that shit with me,” Cora said as she half-walked, half-waddled over to Olivia.

Olivia took a deep breath, looking up at Cora.

“I don’t think I can bend down,” Cora said. “I mean, hell, I haven’t seen my feet in a month. They’re still down there, right?”

Olivia braced herself against the sides of the tub and stood.

“I won’t eat your baby,” she said, rubbing tears out of her eyes.

Cora reached out and took her hand.

“I know,” Cora said. “The thought never even crossed my mind. You’re wonderful and brave and you’re going through something those jackasses can’t imagine, so fuck them, okay? This is my house, and you’re welcome in it any time.”

Olivia nodded, feeling the tears about to start again behind her eyes.

Cora reached out and wiped one away.

“Now quit hogging my party in the bathroom and go eat some more snacks,” she said. “I baked like a maniac.”

Olivia laughed. Everyone in the bathroom began to trickle out and back downstairs, until only Olivia and Daniel were still in the bathroom.

“You good?” he asked.

Olivia nodded.

“I’m good,” she said.

They hugged, a warm, big-brother kind of hug. Then they both went back downstairs, and everyone was much politer, particularly around Cora, for the rest of the evening.

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