Page 33 of First Comes Orc, Second Comes Baby
Charlotte glared. “See what that attitude gets you in bed.”
Brahnt snorted. “Please. That’s not even a challenge.”
“Brahnt.”
“I'm sure I'll get it out of my system soon enough. The fact I gave you six weeks of space, and not only did you not contact me once, not a text or a call to let me know you at least were thinking of me—”
“Oh my god, I’ll give you the name to my therapist. We can’t start a co-dependent dynamic. If I’d known you were an anxious attachment style—”
“—but your twin had to talk you into telling me you were carrying my child. She told me you were worried aboutmoneybefore she knocked some sense into your head.”
Charlotte's mouth dropped open. “Caro told you that?”
“You act like I’m the poor communicator,” was Brahnt’s drawl. “Of course, she told me—she’s pragmatic, and protective. She looks nothing like you, by the way. There lies the death of my identical twin fantasies.”
“I will cut you.”
“With what, your killer jete? Charlotte, please. Be your authentic self. It’s fine. I’ll be the ruthless one, you’ll be the. . .nurturing one.”
“God, now I know you’ve been talking to Caro. She gifted you her latest bundle of Firsts in Series, didn’t she? And you’ve been reading them. Look, that stuff is not real life.”
“Hmm. We’ve arrived.”
* * *
Charlotte tried to look nonchalant about the gift basket of swag she clutched to her chest. Brahnt had offered to carry it, ever the gentleman of course, but Charlotte was a former trailer park kid.
She didn't want to let go of the fancy free stuff.
Once Brahnt buckled her in—Charlotte far too distracted pulling the treats out of the gift basket to protest—she began spreading the items out on her lap.
Premium liquid vitamins—the kind that required refrigeration, thank you very much.
A signed hardcover from a prominent expert in Human/Orc pregnancies, along with a QR code for the audiobook version.
Samples of protein and micronutrient infused chocolates and energy bars. A selection of decaffeinated tea.
So, it was a little heavy on the food rewards, but she supposed she'd give the office a pass.
There was even an engraved photo where they would put the first ultrasound picture. Plus, various gift cards and accouterments.
“Where did you find this obstetrician again?” Charlotte asked, sitting back in her seat and tearing open one of the chocolates.
She had to test them out early, after all, to see if it was a brand she preferred.
“They're the office my parents utilized. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my Human.”
“Why all the bribes? Not that I'm complaining.”
“They aren’t bribes. If it weren't uncouth, I’d show you the bill.”
Charlotte eyed him sideways, still munching. “If I'm going to accept the ring you keep saying you're going to put on it, we're going to have to sit down and discuss budget eventually.”
Brahnt started laughing.
Charlotte frowned. “What's so funny?”
“You're cute. That word, budget.”
