Page 45 of Mate Match: Curtis & Jae
“Curtis!” Jae’s panicked expression caught me off guard.
“What’s wrong?” I couldn’t help going to his side and taking his hand. Erika disposed of her gloves while giving me a fond smile. I liked our midwife and was grateful for her steady presence.
“We have to clean the house! Is the hospital bag ready? Did we buy diapers?”
I couldn’t help my laugh. “Honey, I have it all in hand. You just relax and save your energy. The birth is all on you. I’ll do everything else.”
“Just you listen to that man!” Erika ordered with a wink. “I’ll see you in a couple of days, maybe sooner.”
Our baby could come at any time. I couldn’t wait.
Twenty
Jae
Bythetimewegot home after the appointment, I’d worked myself into a state. Any time now! While I couldn’t wait to meet the baby, I was terrified about the labor part.
Yes, I knew it was going to hurt. I was sort of on board with that. I planned to take as much of the pain relief that I could. The birthing center didn’t do epidurals, which I was okay with. They weren’t all that useful for male omegas, anyway.
With the Entonox, AKA nitrous oxide and oxygen, my TENS machine, the battery-operated device with electrodes to block my pain that Curtis had thoughtfully bought for me, and pethidine, I was sorted for pain management. It would be fine. Probably. I also had a birthing ball for at home. It was so cute that Percy thought it was a toy. Curtis, the meanie, locked it away in my office from him. Erika knew I wanted to be mobile during active labor until I wanted to push and had told me the center had birthing balls there.
My mind was a mess, trying to figure out if we had everything we needed and if I was even ready for this mentally.
“Are you okay? You’ve been awfully quiet.” I could feel Curtis’ concern.
“Nervous. Feels like we’ve been waiting for the baby to come forever, but sort of overlooked how they come out of me.”
“It’s not too late to opt for a c-section if you’d rather.” Curtis wore a frown. “I can take more time off work, or your mom can come by and help while you heal.”
“Hmm.” I paused. “I did think about it. The long healing puts me off, and it limits how many babies we can have.”
“Already planning more?” His face broke out in a grin.
I couldn’t help my answering smile. “Yeah, I am. Already I can tell you’re going to be an amazing father. You’re so thoughtful and kind. You’ve been a dream partner through all of this.”
Curtis pulled me close, kissing the top of my head. I loved it when he surrounded me like this. “Well, I’m happy to make as many babies as you want. With you as their daddy, they will be adorable.”
Just being in his arms relaxed me.
“Why don’t you take a nap?” Curtis suggested. “You seem tired.”
Sleep sounded so good. Getting any decent rest was damn near impossible with my belly as swollen as it was.
“Yeah, I think I will. I’ve felt tired and sore all over, all day.”
Concern flitted across his face. “Why didn’t you say? Can I run you a bath first?”
“Nah, getting in and out of it is a pain. A shower might be nice, though.” I was so grateful for the bench in the shower stall.
“Okay, let me start the water for you and find something for you to wear after.”
“Will you join me?” I felt particularly needy at that moment. My alpha had to be with me. I needed to soak in the scent of his pheromones, feel his touch.
“Of course. Let me get things ready.”
Curtis, proving he was the best partner ever, had the water temperature perfect, our towels were heating on the rail, and I just knew my most comfortable clothes were waiting for me. Not that much fit me anymore. I was so looking forward to getting into my old stuff after the baby arrived.
I sat, back aching, on the bench while the water cascaded over me. It felt so good. The heat worked on my tired body, making me feel languid.
