Page 119 of His Surrogate Omega

“But doesn’t that sound like you and Jamie—you said you loved him like a brother. And you’ve said Jamie seems to feel the same for you.”

The idea stunned Gray. Did theybothtruly belong to Rohan?

“I can bring you one of the books sometime soon. Let you read it for yourself.”

Gray nodded. “It’ll give me something to do while I’m stuck in this bed for two months.” He smiled. “You can bring it when you bring the boys.”

“I don’t know how I feel about Lake and Auggie coming here. They’re my responsibility… and with you being down and Jamie sick… there’s too much going on here. I don’t want to add to the chaos.”

“But if they remain home… there’s no way you could work and go to school. No way. I won’t have you quit because of me. I did this to help pay your tuition. We can’t lose it now.”

Avery wasn’t convinced it was the right thing for his brothers. “If you’re on bedrest, who will care for them? No… we can’t do this.”

“Jamie and Rohan already have round the clock nurses who can help watch over me, as well. They now plan to hire a cook and a manservant, which they already planned to do once the babies were here. The boys can come home every afternoon and do their homework right in here—at that table there. The schools are better in the Family Quad, and they can visit some of their friends while they’re here. They’ll have someone to ensure they’re fed. I already suspect Jamie will spoil them… he spoils everyone. I’ve told him not to, but he got that twinkle to his eye. Your brothers will be in heaven.”

“And in two months, after the babies are here, they’ll be sent right back home to reality. Do we really want that upheaval in their lives?”

“It’s a necessary evil,” Gray said. “Youneedto focus on your studies. They’ll be safe and cared for here—being told repeatedly that this is a temporary situation and not to get too attached.”

Avery was still unsure. “I’d like to think it over.” He smiled. “I’d miss them tremendously.”

“It’s not like you couldn’t visit,Mr. Norcross.”

Avery rolled his eyes. “I already hate that name with a passion.”

Gray chuckled. “Three more years. More, if you have to quit a semester.”

“You don’t have to push,” Avery said, rising. “I should get home and get the boys something for dinner.”

“There’s an emergency casserole in the freezer. The blue dish.”

“When did you become so responsible?”

“I’m trying,” Gray said with a smile.

Avery paused. “Should I stop in to see Jamie? I don’t want to bother him… yet I don’t want to appear rude, either?”

Gray pressed a button at the side of the bed. “Hold on.”

A moment later, a beta walked into the room in nurse’s apparel.

“Serge, is Jamie awake?”

“He just got up a little while ago. Would you like me to bring him in?”

“Yes… if he’d like to visit a moment with Avery before my nephew leaves. If not, tell him we understand if he’s not up to having a visitor.”

“Give me a moment to ask him.”

A few minutes later, Serge rolled a very weak looking Jamie into the room. Avery tried not to look surprised, but the change in the omega was staggering. He was gaunt and extremely pale… almost skeletal. He turned his head, catching Gray’s stare before looking back at Jamie.

He walked over, forcing a smile. “How wonderful it is to see you, Jamie.”

Jamie grinned widely. “It’s been too long since I’ve had the pleasure.” He reached out a hand and gripped Avery’s weakly. “I expect your uncle has been telling you of our plans. I hope you’ll agree. We’d love to host your brothers.”

Avery didn’t quite know what to say. He’d known Jamie was ill, but seeing it before him almost made him want to break down and cry for the man. “I fear having a pre-teen and a teenager in the house might be too much for you.”

“Nonsense,” Jamie cried. “It’ll liven up the place. We need that around here right now.”

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