Page 236 of One Winter Knight
I’d planned on offering her the tea again. Even though she hadn’t said a word, I could tell from the bond what the test said.
Clearly, she needed more time. Putting one hand on the door, I silently sent her more hope and love, letting her know I was here. That I’d support her in whatever she decided.
A baby.
We weren’t ready for a baby right now.
In however many months until this baby arrived, we still probably wouldn’t be ready.
But babies never came when you were ready. Not for my moms, not for my friends. They came when they wanted.
I’d dad-up for my pack.
For her. Because I loved her with my whole heart.
I’d already looked up clinics, if that’s what she wanted. With a sigh, I put the tea back on the table. She’d come out when she was ready. To give myself something to do, I made myself some coffee.
Finally, the door opened. Her eyes were red and she held a testin her hand.
“You were right.” Her voice broke.
Pulling her to me, I gave her the biggest hug. I didn’t say anything else, because she didn’t need that right now. I poured all my love into her, and I felt her relax, just a little. Then a little more.
For a long time we just stood there, holding each other.
“I think I need that tea,” she finally said.
“On the table. Do you want your cookie?” I asked.
Shaking her head, she sat down on the couch and picked up her tea, which had probably gone cold. Grabbing my coffee, I sat down with her. For a long moment, we just sat in silence.
“Do you want me to try to make a clinic appointment for this afternoon? We can miss the game and just say you’re not feeling good,” I finally said. “There will be more games.”
“I don’t know. Though that would probably be the best option, because what do we know about being parents? I had a shitty mom. I don’t have a job. We’re not a pack yet.” Her shoulders slumped as she stared into her tea.
“You’re right, that would be the practical choice. We have lots of time for kids. But we don’t have to be practical if you don’t want to be,” I added.
She looked over at me. “What would being parents even look like for us? How much would our lives change? I mean, we are Pack Chaotic Himbo. Also… I don’t have a clan to help me.”
“You don’t need them. You have a pack, which includes an overzealous Fiona. There’s plenty of fun, child-appropriate, dangerous shit we could still do. I don’t really think life would change anything, other than there would now be a small person, and we might have to cut the swearing down once they start to talk. But baby swearing is the funniest thing,” I told her honestly.
“Do you really think we could be parents?” She frowned, still clutching her tea.
“We’d be such good parents with really amazing kids. Sure, it’sscary, but life is scary. I get scared every time I get up on stage. There are probably jobs when you’re a little scared. Fear keeps things interesting. If you’re ready to be a mom, then we’ll make it work. Is there anything in particular that would concern you?” I asked.
“I had shite parents.” She shrugged
“So, you’ve learned a lot about what not to do,” I replied, trying to be optimistic, but not pushy.
She thought for a moment. “True, and Fiona had an extensive amount of parenting classes at the omega academy.”
“Carlos loves kids. Hale’s from a big family. We have lots of space for a baby. I’m not planning on traveling for at least the next six months anyway, unless I get something really big. I can extend that. If you want, I can call my agent and see if I can get some local guest roles to have extra money for the baby fund. Though we can afford a baby, regardless. Honestly, I think the biggest problem would be that Fiona will plan the most ridiculous baby shower ever for you.” I grinned. I could envision it, in all its spectacular decadence.
“She can plan the baby shower. But I get to decorate the nursery,” she replied firmly.
“Oh? Have you given a lot of thought as to how you would decorate one?” I asked curiously.
“I told you, she took a lot of parenting classes, many of which involved making mood boards.” Saoirse shrugged.
