“You shouldn’t have,” Jamie replied, but even as he said it, one hand swept down the smooth locks, a true smile growing on his face.
It had been a few weeks since Rohan had seen that smile. And he was damned grateful that Gray had put it there.
“But you could’ve sold this hair… you should have. I didn’t need it.”
Gray brushed a few errant strands back, a loving smile on his face. “No. Maybe you didn’tneedit. But sometimes the best things in life are those that exist just to make us happy. Seeing this smile on your face now… makes it more than worth it.”
Jamie blinked back tears… and Rohan had to admit to fighting his own.
Gray rose to his feet. “Ready for some breakfast?” He grimaced and placed a hand to his expanded belly and took a step back.
Rohan leapt forward, concerned. “What’s wrong?”
“He’s got a hell of a kick is all,” Gray said before grimacing again. The omega then grabbed one of Rohan’s hands and pressed the palm to his belly.
Rohan felt the next kick, and a smile spread across his lips. Gray reached for Jamie’s hand, too, and placed it near Rohan’s.
“He’s strong,” Jamie whispered before lifting his stare to Gray’s. A smile illuminated his face. “I knew he would be.”
Rohan turned his attention to Gray, who wore a smile of his own.My gods he’s glowing. Rohan’s heart skipped a beat, and he felt the instinct rising.
Gray met Rohan’s stare and backed away a step, his smile fading. He looked to Jamie. “I’ll go grab us our breakfast.”
Rohan hated that he seemed to cause that reaction in Gray. He watched the omega leaving, wishing there was a way they could exist in the same world without him feeling shame every damned time.
He turned to look at Jamie—who seemed to have been watching him intently. Ignoring the question in his mate’s eyes, he focused on the shimmer of hair tumbling down his back. He reached out and touched it, his hand sliding down the silky strands. “It looks good on you.”
“I can’t believe he did this. I wish he hadn’t… his hair was beautiful. And now it’s gone.”
“It’ll grow back,” Rohan said. “As yours will soon.”
Jamie smiled wanly. “You know… I’d had a thought before he gave me this gift… and now I really want to do something for him. I can’t do it all on my own… and I hate asking the nurses to do more than they already do for me.”
“What do you need?”
Jamie looked about the room. “This would be a lovely art studio for Gray.”
Rohan frowned. “Already trying to move him in?”
“No,” Jamie said. “But I asked him a few days ago if he’d been painting and it seems he hasn’t in months. With all the long hours he’s here with me, he could possibly spend some of it doing something he loves. And I think I’d be fascinated just watching him create.” Jamie paused. “Really… I just want him to know how much we appreciate him coming and making sure I’m not alone. His friendship… it means so very much to me.”
“Then how can I say no?” Rohan looked around the large room. At one point, Jamie had tried his hand at growing things. The last remnants of the dried-up plants left in the room reminded him how that had fared. It might as well find use one way or another. “I haven’t the foggiest what he’d need.”
“I’m sure the art supply store could help us get started. And then, I can ask him later if there’s anything we might’ve missed.”
Rohan nodded. “I’ll call an art shop once I get to the office. Maybe they can gather it all and deliver, as well.”
Jamie squeezed his hand. “Thank you.”
Rohan looked down to their linked hands and hated how skeletal his omega’s was. Every day Jamie was slipping further away. He lifted his stare to the gaunt face inside the wig and forced a wide smile. “You’re welcome, my love.” He leaned down to kiss Jamie’s hand. “I better get going. Enjoy your breakfast.”
As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he saw Gray exiting the kitchen with a tray. A tea pot, two cups. Fresh cut fruit. Toast with marmalade on the side. And there was a dark pink tulip sprouting from a small vase. Spring was coming, but he hadn’t seen many flowers yet.
“Where did you get the tulip?” Rohan said as he pulled on his jacket.
“From my garden at home. Jamie leaves the house so infrequently… I thought I’d bring a little outside to him.”
Rohan lifted his briefcase and eyed Gray. “You’re good to him. I can’t tell you how much it means to me. I’ll never be able to repay your kindness.”