Page 21 of The Omega's Surprise Baby
I sat up too, pushing hair out of my face. “Don't worry. I'm not going to pursue him.” I was only fantasizing a little bit.
Nick sighed. “For what it's worth, I think he likes you,” he said. My heart lurched in my chest; I couldn't help it. Damn, it had been so long since I'd had a crush, I'd almost forgotten what it felt like. “I don't know if he's ready, though,” Nick added.
“Probably not. I know it's stupid. He has two small children, he lives thousands of miles away and he's still mourning the loss of his mate.” I exhaled and tried a laugh. “Maybe I only want him because it's such a stupid idea.”And because he's gorgeous, and kind, and he treats you like a person.
“I don't want either of you to get hurt,” Nick said.
“I know.” Lying back down, I pulled the sheets up over me. “I'll go to sleep now. Sorry for waking you.”
“Goodnight.” I heard Nick lie down too.
I closed my eyes, willing sleep to come and take my fantasies of ginger-haired alphas away with it.
8
Shane
The dayof the wedding had come. I put Mary in a little dress because she was going to be one of the flower girls, and Conner was wearing the same suit he'd been wearing at the dinner last night. The two of them looked so composed. I was sure I did too, even if I wasn't feeling it. Inside I was barely keeping it together, but nobody had to know that. Least of all my cousin Dean.
As his best man, I was in the dressing room with him before the ceremony.
“How are you feeling?” I asked, because this day was about him, not me.
He finished straightening his tie and gave me a smile. “I'm marrying the love of my life. I'd say I'm feeling pretty damn good.”
I smiled back at him. Even if I was having a difficult time with all of this, I was happy for him. “You and Griff are perfect together. I'm so glad it all worked out.”
“Me too. Thank you. And thank you for being here for me today.”
“Of course I'm here for you. You know I owe you a lot, and I wouldn't miss the moment you become an omega's bitch for the world.” I plastered a fake grin on my face.
“His bitch, huh?”
“You'll see it's really the omega who's calling all the shots in a marriage.”
“Like I don't know already. I'll do anything for Griff.” He stroked a hand through his hair. “But I'll do it gladly.”
“I know.” I looked him up and down. “I think you're good to go. Ready?”
“Absolutely,” he said, and as we headed out I steeled myself for the ceremony.
Dean and Griff had rented a big hall for the wedding. Ithadto be big to fit all of Dean's relatives and friends, never mind all the firefighters who wanted to attend. Griff had a few guests in attendance too, of course, but I felt like Dean's family took up most of the hall. I recognized them because many of them were alsomyfamily, of course. They were throwing me glances as I walked by. Wondering how I was doing, probably. They'd all heard what happened. Some of them had sent cards and flowers, but this was the first time I’d seen many of them since the accident that took my mate's life.
Someone tugged on my sleeve, making me stop. “Honey, are you okay?” It was my mother. I hadn't seen her among all the people.
“I'm fine.”
“You look a bit pale.”
“I'm always pale, Mom. That's my complexion.” She should know. She married an Irish man.
“That’s not what I mean and you know it.” She tutted. “I worry about you.”
I glanced to the sides, wondering if anyone was overhearing our conversation. “You always worry about me.”
“That's my job.”
I sighed. “Guess I can't argue with you there.” After all, I constantly worried about my kids as well. Speaking of... “Where's Conner and Mary?” I'd left the two of them in her care.
