Page 33 of Not Ready

“I can only imagine.” I catch the door with my foot, pulling it all the way open. She heads out.

I follow and drop the items on the counter next to the apple slices and cracker cut cheese block. She’s clearly got a very particular snack in mind. Moving to the cabinet, I collect a plate and grab a butter knife for the peanut butter.

Once I’m back at her side, I drop those and pick up my tea.

Damn, I forgot the honey. I’ll survive. “Did Bishop happen to mention anything about our proposal?”

Vale coughs, choking on her cracker. I take a few steps forward, but she grabs the bottle of water and takes a long swig. “He did.”

“Good, did you have an opinion one way or another? Or do you need some additional time to think things through?”

“You don’t think it’s a little extreme, considering you were hoping to get the same results with only a fake engagement?”

“That is a solid point, but I’d like to think it wraps up everything in a nice tidy bow. It will also be beneficial for you.”

“Yeah,” she agrees, slathering a piece of cheddar cheese with peanut butter.

I frown at the concoction.

She sees my face and laughs. “Pregnancy leads to some pretty unique cravings, but I’m thankful the spaghetti phase finally came to an end. I craved it for ages, and the indigestion was awful.”

I chuckle, sipping my tea. “May I ask a personal question?”

She sighs, turning away and picking up another slice of cheese. “Yeah, he also came into the club I worked at, but I never got a sketchy vibe.” Well, apparently she can read my mind, or I’m not as covert as I thought. “He was sweet and flirted with me regularly. After a few months, we went on a date, but the next morning, he was gone. He never came back to the club, and believe me, even my coworkers tried to find his information once they realized.” She gestures to her stomach. “He only paid with cash. I guess that was a bad sign, huh?”

That sounds purposeful on his part and like a true nightmare for Vale. “You have no other information on how to contact him?”

“Nope. He didn’t leave his number.”

“I could have our tech specialist check the video feeds for the club. If you’d like? He’s already combing through for information regarding Andrew.”

“Um.” She grimaces. “You know, I’m definitely going to need to think about that. I’m really not sure how I’d handle it if I found out he was married or something. He blatantly showed me that he didn’t want anything else to do with me. He doesn’t even know about Aurora.”

“You’re having a girl?”

“Yep.”

“And you’ve picked a lovely name. I’m sorry I asked about him. It’s truly none of my business.”

“No, I know everyone wonders. I get it. It’s unique to see a pregnant omega without a pack. What do you plan to tell your family?”

“I have considered that. I do believe they’ll ask. I thought it might be best if I clarify that it’s none of their business and leave it at that.” I shrug. “They reside on a different continent. They’ll only be here for a week. Once they head back home, that headache will be behind us.”

She licks the peanut butter off an apple slice and turns to me with wide eyes. “They may be a pain in the butt, but you should try to be grateful that you have a family. Some of us are completely on our own.”

I blanch, setting my tea on the counter. “I apologize. That did come off as crass. You’re not on your own any longer. You’re here now, which Bishop has been dreaming about for ages. I’ve little to no experience with children, but we’ll all pitch in. After all, isn’t that one of the benefits of having three husbands at your side?”

She snorts. “Right.”

“If you’re okay with it, I’d like to take you shopping tomorrow. We have a little time before my family will be here, but I believe Bishop is planning to gather the paperwork in the morning. It would be the perfect opportunity for us to get to know one another better. If you’re feeling up to it? All my treat, of course.”

Her head tilts as she blinks at me for several long seconds. “Okay.”

“Perfect,” I agree, clearing my throat awkwardly.

I’m debriefed early the next morning by Merryweather and Hargrove. Kate Wilson is a hellion, who could likely look after herself, if everything my men spew in their long-winded complaints is true. It’s mildly humorous, considering they’re both highly trained former military, but I let them get it off their chests.

I issue a check to Kate’s landlord for the remainder of the year of rent for both tenants. Vale won’t be returning to that apartment, but I hold off asking my men to pack up her belongings. If that’s something she’s dead set on handling herself, then it may have to be done quickly or wait until the baby arrives.

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