Page 34 of Mink Hijinks
I open the bag so Misty and Heather can see the seven new stuffies I made special for them. Two mommy minks and five little babies. I even have dozens of outfits for them all. A few Pax made himself after I taught him how to read patterns and sew. It was such a labor of love and I adore my mate.
Misty opens her mouth to squeal and Pax shakes his head and mimes pressing his hands to his ears, reminding her she’s holding a baby. So she acts out a squeal instead.
“They aresooooocute!” She whisper yells and tries to hold her baby’s ears at the same time.
“Thought you’d like them,” I say.
“We couldn’t decide what animal and I was like… why not mink?” Pax says.
“They’re perfect.” Misty kisses Pax’s cheek and he goes pink. “Gah! I can’t wait for you to have your baby.” She rubs his tummy, and he goes redder.
“Me either. I’m so tired of peeing every twenty seconds. Speaking of…” He waddles from the room and he’s just too cute for words.
“I love him so much,” I say.
“It shows.” Misty sways with her baby. “You’re different with him. Still chaotic in your own special way, but calmer. More… Aaron.”
“He brings out the best in me.”
Misty nods. “Now go take your Omega to lunch, then make him nap. Shoo.”
“Messaged received.” I grin. “Thanks for letting us visit. I think he needed to see that you were alright after giving birth. He’s afraid of something going wrong.”
“We’re all sending good vibes.” Misty bounces her baby and babbles. “Yes, we are. All the good, good vibes to uncle Pax.”
It hits me, Pax really is part of this family now. I knew everyone accepted him, but to hear it put in such a way makes my heart melt.
PAX
My back aches relentlessly, and I moan softly, gripping the kitchen counter as another wave of discomfort washes over me. Heather had warned me that labor often starts with back pain.
Not a fan. Not one bit.
“Aaron!” I call out, feeling a fresh surge of panic mix with the pain. “It’s starting. I think it’s really starting.”
Aaron rushes in and his eyes go wide. There’s a mix of concern and excitement etched across his features. “Do you want me to call the midwife?” His voice is steady, but there’s nervous energy coursing through him.
“Yes, please.” I try to keep my voice calm, but it wavers. This is it. I’m going to have a baby.
Aaron fumbles for his phone. His fingers tremble as he presses Denise’s contact. I close my eyes, taking deep breaths, trying to focus on my body rather than the twisting thoughts trying to twirl through. Each contraction feels like a tidal wave, cresting and crashing, pulling me under before releasing me again.
“Yes, it’s happening,” Aaron says.
As the minutes tick by, the space feels charged. My heart races. This is it. What we’ve been waiting for all these months.
There’s a knock at the door and Aaron rushes to answer it. Not much later, and the midwife steps in. Her presence calms the storm inside me.
“Pax, how are you feeling?” she asks, assessing me quickly, her demeanor professional yet warm.
“Like I’m about to give birth,” I reply, my voice no doubt laced with fear and pain.
“You’re making good progress,” Denise says, a smile breaking through the tension. “Just remember to breathe and listen to your body. You can do this.”
Aaron hovers close and takes my hand. “Do you want the tub? I can fill it.”
Denise shakes her head. “No time for that. Pax, I’ll have you get on your hands and knees and squat.”
The next contraction hits me like a freight train. I gasp. Worry etches across Aaron’s face.
