Page 32 of First Comes Orc, Second Comes Baby
Charlotte nodded.
Brahnt walked past her. “Meet me in the kitchen in about ten minutes. We have a conference call. It won't take long.”
Charlotte unpacked Snowkiss’s things and spent a few minutes deciding how to set her up—dog bed in the living room, or in the bedroom with Charlotte?—then left and went to the kitchen.
Brahnt was talking to someone and looked up as Charlotte entered, gesturing her forward.
“And here she is now.”
Charlotte recognized the face on the laptop and blinked. “Matchmaker. How are you?” She glanced at Brahnt.
“I’m doing well, Charlotte.” Matchmaker smiled. “I'm told you and Brahnt have wonderful news. Spill the tea.”
Brahnt said nothing.
Charlotte cleared her throat. “Well, we've moved in together. After a discussion, we came to the decision—”
“Charlotte is pregnant,” Brahnt said. “You can take her off your roster. And obliterate all of her data.”
Charlotte rounded on him, glaring. “Do you have to be so abrupt? It's like you have no soft skills.”
“You were beginning a verbal tap dance. Matchmaker is a busy female. But please excuse me, continue with your soft skills.”
“I’m sorry, Matchmaker. He’s like this. I’ve decided to find it endearing rather than strangle-inducing.”
Matchmaker chuckled. “I'm pleased for you both. I'll remove you from our rosters and close out your active files. We do have an alumni's club for our successfully matched couples. My admin will be in touch with the details.”
Charlotte's expression brightened. “That would be great. Brahnt, we can socialize with the other matches who’ve gone through the same process.”
Brahnt grimaced.
Charlotte ignored him, turning back to Matchmaker. “Do any of them have children yet?”
“Oh, quite a few have young families. You'll have plenty of opportunities to develop a connection with couples at a similar life stage. Anyway, Brahnt is looking impatient to have you all to himself. I'll let you two go.”
Charlotte turned to Brahnt when the call disconnected. “Did you want to look at forehead stamps before we pick an obstetrician? That way you don't have to walk around bellowing ‘she's mine’ at everyone.”
Brahnt looked intrigued. “That sounds like an admirable solution. Or I could put a ring on it. I like that Human custom.”
Charlotte gave up. She returned to her bedroom to finish unpacking.
* * *
“I’m not sure if taking a limo to the first doctor’s appointment is necessary,” Charlotte said, her voice trailing off when Brahnt gave her the Signature Look.
“Nothing but the best for you,” was the cool reply.
“You're showing off.
“Maybe. Maybe I'm trying to ram home into your thick skull the benefits of being mine.”
“Look, I'm pretty clear on that,” Charlotte said, unnecessarily adjusting her ponytail. “It’s not like the whole penthouse thing just flew over my head. I told you it was a me not a you thing. Are you ever going to let me live that down?”
Brahnt lowered his lashes over his eyes.
“Somehow I didn't think so. You know, it's detrimental to my emotional health for you to hold a grudge for the next nine months.”
“Who said it was only going to be nine?”
