Page 219 of Omega's Heart
I tuned out the rest of the conversation--Jesse sometimes seemed to call just to talk, not for any real reason. I ran my hands over the swell of my belly and wondered when I would know the contractions were real. Adelaide called them Braxton-Hicks contractions and said they were just my body getting in shape for the big event. They’d been coming a lot more often lately, though, and I was getting impatient for the real thing to start.
Holland put his phone away and hastily rinsed Lonnie off. “I didn’t really have time for that today,” he sighed. “He’s been anxious lately, worrying about things going forward, trying to set up plans and timelines for the trusts and the pack. I’m starting to worry myself. He must know something he’s not telling me, but every time I ask him, he says things are fine and he’s just dotting i’s and crossing t’s.”
“Maybe younger Jesse could help,” I suggested.
“I don’t think he’d do anything his dad didn’t tell him to. But it’s an idea. Could you pass me the towel on the towel rod? He’s soaked everything else.”
I handed him the towel and watched with amusement as Lonnie fought not to be taken out of the bath.
“Maybe there a fish in his background,” I suggested.
“It’s the Marine in him. He’s just like his sire.” Holland blocked another attempt to dive back into the sink and laughed at his son’s disgruntled expression.
Lonnie stopped arguing once he was out and wrapped up in a towel, and he even helped his bearer get him dressed in what looked like a brand new sweatshirt and little puppy jeans. “And leave your shoes on this time, please,” Holland told him as he closed the little Velcro closures.
We stopped by the daycare to pick up Zane, then strolled slowly back to my house. I hoped that Veronica would be done cooking by now—I didn’t feel like being roped into helping any more.
Just as the house came into view, Holland paused to text someone. At my curious look, his lips twitched and he said, “Thought we could use reinforcements. Raleigh is on his way and he’s going to make Cas come too.”
“Thank you,” I said with real feeling, even if it did make me feel guilty.
Holland let go of little Zane’s hand and put his arm around my shoulder. “What’s family for, anyway?” He gave me a quick hug, then grabbed for Zane as the three-year-old pup decided to take off in between a couple of the old houses slated to be demolished this summer.
There was still about half an hour before Kaden should be home. I braced myself, pasted a smile on my face, and walked up the steps.
My kitchen was a disaster. I stopped in the opening between the living room and the kitchen and stared in dismay. Veronica was nowhere to be seen.
Holland peered over my shoulder. “Did she use every pot and pan that you have?” he whispered, astonished.
“Looks like it,” I whispered back.
“Don’t clean it.”
“I’ll have to.” I could make this work. “Come on, let’s go put our best paws forward.”
Holland closed his eyes briefly. “Sure. Pray for me?”
“For us all,” I breathed.
C H A P T E R 1 1 2
A s soon as everyone was done eating, I shooed all the pups outside to play while we omegas cleaned and waited on the alphas. And kept an eye open for our chance to prove that moderation was the key in everything.
Bax and I stood at the sink, scrubbing at the dishes without saying much. Until he bumped his shoulder against mine and whispered, “Your brussels sprouts are much better than hers.”
I had to bite my lip not to laugh out loud. “They are, aren’t they?” I glanced toward the front of the house and wondered what Kaden was thinking. “I believe it might be time for coffee and tea,” I announced.
“Do you really think she’s capable of learning?” Bax asked.
“I try not to think about the alternative,” I admitted.
Bax opened his mouth to answer, but his phone rang and he jumped guiltily.
Holland turned to look at him. “Are they still calling you?”
“Probably. I bet my voicemail is full now.”
“Mine too. Has been since last night. Quin confiscated my phone.” Holland put down the pot he was drying and pulled Bax into a hug.
