Page 59 of Briggs
I tilted my head in confusion. “There’s no invite or not. It’s open to everyone around. If you want to go, you can. Is Liam not going?” I was sure he had other plans but didn’t know for certain.
John shook his head. “He’s watching the kids for Laurent and Harmonie so they can go out on a date.”
I nodded in understanding. “Well, if you want to go to Honey Creek for the Halloween thing, or even to go trick-or-treating out in town there, I’m sure Todd wouldn’t mind. He can’t go trick-or-treating because of the humans in town, but you can.”
John sighed. “Naw, I’m good. I’m going to hang out here if that’s all right?” John’s eyes widened. “Did you two want me out of the house? I get it—I’m a bit of an obstacle when it comes to having the house all to yourself.”
I chuckled and shook my head. “You’re fine. I won’t share our private times with you, but despite what you may think, once you’re mated, it’s not all sexy times. Especially when your mate is pregnant and getting to the uncomfortable stage.”
John snorted. “Todd is already there.”
I couldn’t help but wince. My poor mate absolutely was uncomfortable. I was surprised he was still working, actually, but he said he got bored at home and felt terrible when he just slept all day.
“How are we going to hang all of these vines?” John asked. “Or the curtains? Do you have ladders?”
I dropped the rug that I’d been moving. It was rolled and wrapped in plastic, but it could wait. I crossed the room to the window where John was and looked at the tablet he was staring at. It was open to the pictures of Todd’s dream nursery for the twins, and in front of my brother-in-law was a box full of faux ivy and purple flowers. I sighed.
“We don’t,” I told him as I pulled out my phone. “I absolutely do not have a ladder, nor do I know anyone nearby who does. But I can get help.” Who could help on short notice though? Most everyone was still at work. Frederick had a warlock mate who might be home, but I didn’t know him all that well. I’d methim a few times, but I wouldn’t say that I knew him. Who did that leave?
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m not sure who to reach out to. Benjamin would help in a heartbeat, but he was still at work. Maybe Felix. Let me try him.”
“Who is Felix? I don’t know him.”
“He’s the fae that I have on my team.”
“But wouldn’t he be at work too?”
I sighed in frustration. “Yes. And I really want to be able to surprise Todd with this.” I suddenly had an idea. “Give me a sec,” I told John. I quickly pulled up Dr. King’s contact and started a message. He’d given it to me when Todd and I had first scented one another because he told me I’d eventually need it. Sure, he probably didn’t mean to help decorate the nursery, but he was the only one I could think to ask for help.
Me: Dr. King, it’s Briggs. I know when you said I could reach out, it probably didn’t include asking for help with the nursery, but I was wondering if you’d be able to do that? Todd wants fake ivy and flowers, and the curtains need to be hung, but I don’t have a ladder. Is it possible to get help?
I waited, wondering if he’d get the message before I needed to go pick up Todd. The hope was that he would be able to come and help before I needed to walk Todd home, but at this point, I couldn’t be too picky.
“Who did you ask?”
“Dr. King.” I shrugged. “I didn’t know who else to ask. Everyone else is at work. There are some warlock mates, but I don’t really know them, and, well, it seems a bit rude to ask them to come and use their magic to put together my nursery for me.”
“Does it drain them?” John asked. “You know, like in movies and stuff. Does using their magic make them tired?”
I was about to answer but then thought about it because I was unsure. “I don’t think so,” I said but held up my finger.
Dr. King: I can come now and help. Todd left about five minutes ago.
My eyes widened.
Me: What? He was going to wait for me to walk him home.
Dr. King: He said he wanted to go to the bakery. Banner said something about a batch of maple donuts or something. I’ll be right there.
Me: Thanks.
I looked at John with wide eyes. “When the doctor gets here, show him the pictures. I need to go get your brother. Dr. King said he left the clinic already.”
“Why didn’t he wait?”
I shrugged. “Not sure. But I don’t want him walking alone. He’s safe, but what if something happens and he gets hurt?” I called out as I rushed into the hallway. There was a knock on the door, and I hurried down to answer it. I wasn’t surprised that Dr. King was on the other side. “John will show you the pictures Todd fell in love with. I need to go get my mate, who wasn’t supposed to leave without me. What if he falls?”
