Page 38 of Wrong Number, Right Cougar

When he first started having trouble staying awake, I spent far too much time on the internet looking for possible reasons. I should’ve known better. The medical side of the internet was terrifying. Thankfully, most of the first page of results basically said it was normal and would go away soon enough.

“Hey. You don’t know that. I could be growing a cougar.”

“…Yeah. I suppose that’s true too.”

“Do you mind?” He got suddenly serious. “If our baby is human?”

“If our baby is healthy, I’m the happiest cougar there is.” I kissed his shoulder.

“If our baby is just like you—I’m the happiest cougar there is.” I kissed his cheek.

“If our baby is like me—I’m the happiest cougar there is.” I kissed his lips.

“If the baby is like Stiles… maybe I’m less happy.” This time I made a face. “He is a bit grumpy.”

He chuckled. “But you know, I’m glad we met him. And I like that he’s slowly becoming part of our lives. My uncle might not be here to dote on the little one… but I have a feeling Stiles will be that for them.”

“You know, I think so too. And I bet your uncle would’ve liked that—a lot.”

I waited for him to respond.

He did a few seconds later, with a soft snore.

My mate had been so tired, he fell asleep mid-conversation, and I was glad. Because he needed the sleep.

Once I knew he was fully out, I scooped him up and carried him to our room, setting him gently in bed. He tried, half-heartedly, to argue as I took his shoes off, but in the end, he just curled up and snuggled under the covers. I longed to climb into bed beside him and hold him close, but if I did, I wouldn’t want to leave, and we still had one last couple to check in.

I went downstairs and waited for them to arrive. They were the sweetest older couple, one who said they used to come here with their family as kids. We weren’t connecting with only new visitors, we were also bringing back past ones. Today had gone better than my wildest dreams.

We’d done it.

We made this place better than it had been in my memory.

And we’d done it together.

This was only the first day, and I’d be foolish to think we weren’t going to find mistakes we’d made along the way, but that was to be expected. And when they did, the two of us would figure it out… together. I couldn’t wait to make years of memories, not only for our guests, but also for us. Because this place and these people were now a part of our lives, and I was here for it.

21

THORN

“Remind me why I invited my dad to stay when we are so busy.”

Wilder didn’t turn around, as he was busy fluffing the pillows on my dad’s bed. “Because you love him and want him to be part of our lives and our baby’s.”

“True.” I didn’t want another estrangement where our child didn’t know their grandfather.

I checked the time. We had to skedaddle and drive to the airport an hour from here to collect Dad, and I refused to be late. But first, I had to get my supplies.

Water bottle. Check.

Cheese and crackers. Check.

Dates. Check.

Diced fruit. Check.

I picked up the bag where I’d stashed my goodies and peered inside, making sure everything was there.

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