Page 65 of His Surrogate Omega

Gray closed his eyes as the car propelled forward… away from his terrible thoughts and desires.

* * * *

The following day…

Jamie stood on Gray’s doorstep, basket in hand. He pressed the doorbell again, hoping he wasn’t being ignored.

When the door opened and a sleepy-looking Gray stared out at him, he sighed with a little relief. “I come bearing gifts.” He lifted the basket some and smiled.

Gray’s smile in return was wan. He backed away from the door some. “Come in.”

Jamie entered. The house was quiet, and he remembered the boys were likely in school. He headed for the kitchen and laid the basket on the counter before reaching in and pulling out some of the fresh fruit and vegetables inside.

“I stopped by the farmer’s market before I came over. I wanted to make sure you had plenty of healthy things to eat,” he said, resting the apples and pears on the counter.

“Thank you,” Gray murmured quietly.

Jamie made himself busy, sneaking little looks from the corners of his eyes. He wasn’t sure what was upsetting Gray so much. When he was done storing the food, he showed the bottles that were still inside the basket. “Pregnancy vitamins. I bought you enough to last your entire ten months.”

“I appreciate it,” Gray said, still looking solemn.

“I was a little worried after you raced out of the house yesterday and didn’t answer my calls.”

“I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. I just wanted to be home,” Gray murmured. “I’ve been sleeping a lot the last few days.”

“Growing a baby is hard work, I hear,” Jamie said with a grin. “Why don’t you sit down and I’ll brew us a cup of tea?”

“You don’t have to do that. You’re a guest here.”

“No. I insist,” Jamie said, hoping his tone brooked no argument.

Gray shook his head and took a seat at the island before Jamie took the kettle from the stove. He walked to the sink and began to fill it. “Oh, I got you that appointment. It’s a wonderful OB in the Family Quadrant. He comes highly recommended.”

“When?”

“Tomorrow. I made sure it was late enough that the boys would be in school, with plenty of time for you to get back before they come home. I’ve already arranged for a car to come pick you up and drive you there and back.”

Gray nodded. “Thank you.”

He set the kettle on the burner and turned on the heat before turning to face Gray. “I’ll meet you there, of course. I want to support you through the entire thing.”

“I love you, but I don’t need to be micro-managed through this pregnancy.”

Jamie paused. “I wasn’t trying to do that. I just want to be supportive.”

“Did you bother asking me if I had plans tomorrow before making the appointment?” Gray asked, lifting a brow.

Jamie’s face fell. “I’m sorry. They had a cancellation—otherwise it would’ve been a few weeks before they could’ve gotten you in, and I was so excited to find out for sure—I took it.” He paused. “I’ll be sure to ask first before I rush off and make plans for you. I apologize.” He paused, forcing a smile. “I’m just so incredibly happy with this amazing news.”

“I am, too. So very happy for you both.”

“And for you,” Jamie said. “You’re the most important person now.”

“No, the baby within me is.”

Jamie frowned slightly. He reached for two cups hanging from the cup tree and righted them on their bases before he turned to eye Gray. “You are important. You.”

Gray’s face fell, and he looked down. “I’m not. I’m a terrible person, Jamie, and you shouldn’t be so nice to me.”

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