Page 56 of His Determined Bear

“That’s not even possible,” I said simply. “There will not be a moment in any day that you’re not the top priority on my mind.”

“Ditto,” Cooper said, a teasing glint in his eyes that warmed me to see.

I chuckled at the impish look in his eyes. I gasped and put my hand to my heart, “Ditto?” I shook my head, “Look how romantic I’m being, and he says ditto.”

Cooper laughed the first real one I’d heard in a while, and it made me smile.

“You know you can call me at any time. We can have many days just like this where we’re video chatting. You know I’d love to have you along with me all day.” I told him.

“I can be the baker’s assistant,” Cooper teased grinning, “Why does that sound so dirty? I bet you want to lick things of your assistant.”

“Any day, any time, the job is only yours,” I replied.

Cooper blew out a breath, “I’ll be fine, you know. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“Again, not possible,” I simply said.

And that made him smile. Cooper yawned and moved the phone so I could see his belly. It had gotten rounder even before I left. “Your kid is making me tired.”

I laughed, “Oh, so I see how it’ll be. When they’re good, they’ll be yours, huh?”

He nodded, “Of course, because I’m amazing.”

“You are.” His eyes softened at my words. “You know, I was just thinking about how much you will have changed the next time I see you.” His belly had gotten a cute little curve while I was there. “In a month, you’re going to be so much bigger.”

Cooper made a face. “You mean round. You can say the word.”

“Nonsense,” I said firmly, trying my damndest not to laugh. “You’ll look just as handsome and sexy as ever.” He would always be beautiful to me. And I hated the thought of missing any part of how his body changed. I remember how Gabe was with Kian. What if Cooper needed me and I wasn’t there?

Copper groaned. “Sure, you say that now. But when I show up twice my size, you can’t say anything.”

“Even to tell you you’re the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen and that I want to kiss every inch of you?” I said innocently.

He shrugged and pretended to think about it, “Okay, maybe you can say one thing.” Cooper smiled wide, but then it dimmed slightly. “I miss you.”

“I miss you too, baby,” I said. My bear and I hated the distance between our mate and us. But I didn’t want him to be sad, so I changed the subject, “And just in case you were wondering, I’ll always find you very attractive. Never doubt that. Not to mention now that you’re carrying this blessing of ours. I can’t wait to see you then and show you with kisses, telling and showing you just how much you and our child will be cherished.”

“Tell me more,” Cooper said, grinning. I opened my mouth as a knock sounded on the front door.

I groaned. “I’m sorry, babe. Someone’s here. I’m sure it's one of my brothers being nosy. Can I catch up with you later?”

The look of disappointment shone on Cooper’s face as he nodded. “Soon?”

“Before you know it,” I promised.

I disconnected the call and went to the door. I peered through the peephole and saw Rhys standing on the porch. I heaved a sigh. Because my brother was making a point by knocking and waiting to come in. Usually, Rhys simply knocked and then entered, calling out to let you know he was there.

I’d hoped, even though I’d known it was highly unlikely, that I could have at least a couple of hours before my brothers descended. It wasn’t exactly how I wanted to spend my first night back home, but it had to be done and over with.

“Hey, Rhys,” I said, swinging the door open.

“Hey, Rhys? That’s all you’re going to say? Like we just saw each other a couple of hours ago, not like you disappeared for almost ten days. Just hey Rhys, like there’s nothing more that needs to be said? Like you didn’t turn your phone off and ghost for ten days.”

“I’m sorry?” I asked.

His eyes narrowed, “Was that a question? Or…”

“Look, I’m sorry, Rhys,” I said. Because I knew he was the one that picked up all the slack while I was gone. “I knew I could leave because I had no doubt everything would be in good hands with you here.”

---