Page 81 of Wolves & Watercolors
“Okay.” With a shaky breath, she moves the hand behind her back and holds out a white, plastic stick. It takes a moment for my brain to process what I’m looking at.
“We’re pregnant?” I ask, finally looking up at her face.
Hope shines there in her small smile and the way her eyes crinkle. She nods and sniffles.
“That’s amazing!” I say, rising and framing her face with my hands while I kiss her. She answers with passion, parting her lips and swiping her tongue into my mouth. The test falls to the floor, forgotten, as I show her how excited I am.
She breaks off our kiss and peers at me. “Are you sure it isn’t too soon? I mean, it’s been like no time at all.”
Chuckling, I lean forward to kiss her shoulder. “We get a few months to adjust before it’s born, you know.”
“I just don’t know how this could have happened,” she says suddenly.
“Really?” I say, raising an eyebrow.
“Not that,” she says, slapping my bicep. “But I’m on the pill.”
“You also have magic that makes plants grow, heals wounds, and makes fruit grow. And you used magic on yourself, remember? We should have seen this coming.”
“Oh,” she says, eyes wide as she thinks it through. “We’re gonna have to figure out some other birth control then, because I don’t want to popthatmany babies out. Three or four is probably more than enough.”
“Sure. We’ll figure it out. In eight months,” I promise, lowering my mouth back to her skin.
“How are we going to tell everyone?” she says, clearly distracted. Sighing, I flop onto the bed beside her. She turns onto her side, the wheels turning behind her eyes. “What about the cabin? Will it be ready in time?”
“I’ll make sure it is,” I say, rubbing my hand down her arm to soothe her.
“There’s so much to figure out,” she says. “Baby names, birth plans, and how do you feel about having a gender reveal party? Or do you want to keep it a surprise?”
Smiling, I fall back onto my back and fold my hands behind my head as she spirals into endless baby thoughts and plans. I’ll be happy with whatever she decides.
Aurora
“Almost ready to go?” Cedar asks, placing a kiss on the top of my head. “You’ll be late if we don’t leave soon.”
“I’m ready!” I stand, resting a hand on my belly. Some shirts don’t quite reach the top of my pants now, but at least I can still fit into those pants. Hazel already gave me a stack of maternity clothes, so I’m ready for when I get too big for my current wardrobe.
Cedar is overly attentive as we walk down the steps and out of the little trailer. “I can stay home if you want,” he offers.
“Go see your brother. Otherwise Ember won’t come to girls’ night.”
“Okay.” He insists on walking me to Hazel’s cabin, and I don’t mind. The plants may move out of my way, but my eyesight is still terrible.
He waits at the steps as I knock on Hazel’s door. Marigold throws it open and flings her arms around me, bumping against my belly as we hug. When she releases me, I look back and blow a kiss at my mate. Only then does Cedar shed his clothes and shift into his wolf. I watch from the doorway, enjoying the sight of his reddish-gold form trotting into the trees.
“Come on,” Marigold says, grabbing my hand and tugging me inside.
Baby Timber is on the rug, sitting up and chewing on a little rubber wolf teether. “Did you like your half-birthday present from your auntie?” I ask, squatting down to greet my little niece.
I almost lose my balance when I rise, grabbing the arm of the sofa to balance. Hazel watches from the kitchen and laughs.
“Enjoy seeing me struggle?”
“It’s only fair,” she says with a cheeky smile. “Besides, it’s just beginning. Get ready for all kinds of awkward, unbalanced, uncomfortable…”
Holding up a hand, I stop her. “I know. I’m ready.”
Marigold slouches on the sofa, her hand going to her own smaller bump. “Aren’t we just a bucket of fun?” She giggles. “Hazel, when are you having another one?”
