Page 61 of Briggs
“You’re welcome,” Dr. King said. “Now remember, you’re not to come in starting Monday.”
Todd nodded slowly. This was news to me. But I’d not had much of a chance to talk to either just yet. “Is something wrong?”
“No. Todd is doing well, but his omega line was a bit pink today when we did a quick check, and I’d rather he stay at home resting.”
I looked at my mate, confused. “You didn’t say anything.”
Todd shook his head and took the tissue Dr. King held out. “I was going to this evening when you got home. But you’re home early, and you distracted me.”
“He truly is fine. It’s just turned from the barely there silver to pink. When it turns red and looks angry, that’s when we need to worry. There were no contractions, so that’s good. But Todd is carrying twins, and he should spend these last few weeks resting.”
“I will.” Todd moved over to one of the plush chairs and sat. When he leaned back and sighed, any irritation I’d had left. “These are perfect. The nursery was the last thing I was worrying about, and now I don’t need to.” Todd sighed again and closed his eyes. I thought he might doze off, but he quickly opened thembefore he started to try to stand. I hurried over to help him. “I’ll have to wait to sit in these after the babies arrive, I think.” Todd looked at Dr. King. “I really appreciate it. This is just…it’s more than I ever thought I’d be able to have.”
“You are most welcome,” Dr. King said again. “Now, I’ll see you next Friday, here, for a checkup unless…”
Todd sighed. “Unless contractions start or my line changes drastically or opens.”
“I’d say that’s a drastic change,” John said. “You look tired. Should you take a nap or something?”
“So kind of you,” Todd said but rolled his eyes. “And yes, probably.” He looked over at Dr. King. “It’s why I’m home early. I just ran out of energy.”
Immediately, I started walking Todd to the door. “We can sit in the nursery later. Let’s get you down for a rest,” I said.
“I’ll be going,” Dr. King said. “I’ll check in though,” he added. Before I could say anything, he was gone in a blink. I’d have to remember to text him again as soon as I had Todd situated.
“I’m going to go downstairs and find a snack. Is that all right?” John said.
“Of course,” I told him.
“Thanks, John,” Todd said. His voice was getting quieter, and as we walked toward the bedroom, I felt his energy draining.
“You should have let me come get you,” I said as I helped Todd into bed.
“You’re right.” He sighed. “I love you. And what you did for the nursery, that was so sweet.”
I smiled and leaned down to kiss Todd’s forehead. “I love you too, and I’d do anything for you.”
Todd’s eyes opened. “I know. Will you stay? At least until I fall asleep?”
I kissed him again, this time a gentle touch to his lips. “I’ll always stay,” I whispered. Todd was asleep before I could evenstand up. That didn’t stop me from sitting in the chair and watching over my pregnant mate while he rested.
Chapter 22
Todd
Ugh. I was going to be sick. It had been a while since I’d actually gotten sick, but it was definitely a feeling that I wouldn’t forget.
“Briggs,” I groaned out as I tossed the blanket aside.
“What?” Briggs said, immediately awake. I did my best to roll to the side of the bed. If I could make it there, at least, I could get sick on the floor, which would be so much easier to clean. I knew there was no way I was going to make it to the bathroom in time.
“I’m gonna puke,” I managed to get out. I felt the bed jolt behind me, and seconds later, Briggs was in front of me. “Not gonna make it.” I started panting, my mouth watering, and somehow, seconds before my stomach emptied, Briggs managed to get the tiny trash can in front of me. It was full of tissues because, despite everything, I was still emotional, and I went through a box of tissues every couple of days.
“Just give me a sec,” Briggs said as he reached for something. He was still holding the trash can for me, but I was too focused on not messing up the bed to really pay too much attention to what else he was doing. I felt my stomach tighten, then a slowtrickle of something, and then a gush. I groaned, grabbed the trash, and hugged it close.
“Dr. King. Waters broke. Labor.”
“Already calling. That was what I was reaching for,” Briggs answered out loud. “Dr. King? Todd’s sick. He’s puking, and he said his water just broke.” Briggs was quiet for a moment. “When we went to sleep, the line was still red. It didn’t look angry though. Just slightly darker pink.” Briggs was quiet, then leaned down close to me. “Dr. King wants to know, are you having contractions?”
