Page 34 of Saving Nevin
Pike leaned in and wrapped his arm around Phoenix’s waist. “But we’re doing our best, aren’t we, babe?”
“We are,” Phoenix agreed. “And they’re so worth it. I just long for the day when I can actually sleep more than three hours straight. God, I miss sleep…”
“Me too,” Pike agreed with a laugh. “But a dad’s gotta do what a dad’s gotta do, and we’re doing it. Just think, maybe in a year or two, we’ll decide to have another.” He winked at his mate, and Phoenix groaned—loudly.
“I think two is enough, don’t you? One for you, one for me. There’ll never be the odd one out when they play together.”
“Two is a good number,” I agreed, and Phoenix shot me a small smile. His gaze dropped to the swell of my stomach before lifting back up. My heart fluttered in my chest at the knowing look he gave me.
He shifted the baby in his arms so that he could offer me a hand. “I’m Phoenix Noble, by the way,” he said, then shot a look at his mate. “Since we weren’t properly introduced.”
“Alphas, am I right?” I giggled. “I’m Nevin,” I replied, giving his hand a gentle shake.
“When are you due?” he asked me.
“Early February.” I bit my lip and rested a hand atop my tummy.
“That’s exciting.”
“Yeah, and a bit scary,” I admitted. “But this is what I’ve always wanted. I just never thought it would happen to me.” A lump formed in my throat at the thoughts that tried to wedge their way in, but I swallowed them down and shook it off best I could, putting on a big smile instead. “But here we are.”
“Well, congratulations,” Phoenix said, beaming at me. “We’ll have to arrange play-dates when the pups are older.”
Happiness and warmth bubbled through me. Maybe Phoenix could become another friend? I could use more friends. “I’d love that. Really.”
“Kace!” Gracie’s voice rang out. “Come in here and give your mother a hug.”
Kace laughed and looped his arm around my waist. “Sorry. It seems we’ve been beckoned,” he said before leading me towards the kitchen, where his mother was no doubt slaving away over a hot stove.
“Good luck,” Pike joked, saluting him.
I gave the pair a wave and followed along after my mate.
Several people loitered in the kitchen, either helping Gracie cook or simply just hanging around to chatter. They smiled brightly at us as we walked in.
Kace’s mom wore a cute maroon sweatsuit that looked more appropriate for jogging than cooking a pack meal, with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of slippers on her feet. Over the top of that was a stained apron with a cartoon spatula on it that said “Flip Me Baby, One More Time.”
When she saw us, her smile widened. She held out her arms. “There’s my boy. C’mere, honey.”
Kace dwarfed her, wrapping her up in his arms in a tight squeeze until she was laughing. When they parted, Gracie turned to me, raising her brows expectantly. “Your turn, Nevin. You’re part of the family now, after all. Carrying my sweet grandbaby. You get a hug, too.”
My face burned as everyone turned to look at me, but Kace’s gentle nudge had me tottering towards Gracie. Her strong Alpha energy was in direct contrast with her gentle embrace as she hugged me close. She smelled of roast beef and rosemary, and a little like Kace’s aftershave.
“See?” she teased when she finally let me go. “That wasn’t so bad. Better get used to it. I want that baby to grow up seeing its daddies getting their fair share of love, too. That’s how we do things in this family.”
“I know,” I murmured, smiling at her. “It’s what I love about you guys. You love with your whole heart.”
She reached out and ruffled my hair. “That we do, sweetheart. That we do.”
After an amazing feast, everyone gathered around the various tables to play card games and board games that were set up. I settled in at a card table with Kace, Pike and Phoenix, and we’d just started playing Yahtzee when suddenly, I felt a strange jolt in my stomach.
It took my breath away.
I went still as I realized… That was the baby. The baby just kicked. I’d felt flutters before, but this… This was real. Emotion clogged my throat, choking me as I jumped to my feet and mumbled an excuse, then fled down the hallway. Shutting myself in the bathroom, I sank down on the closed toilet lid, buried my face in my hands, and began to cry.
It was real. It was really happening. I cradled my stomach in my hands and let the tears flow free. I was finally going to have a baby of my own, to love and to hold, after all these years of pain and loss.
There was a knock on the door. I knew it was Kace before he ever said a word. “Nev? Honey? Are you okay?”
