Page 92 of Not Ready

“We don’t,” Bishop, Mercer, and Holt all say in unison.

The judge chuckles. “Mr. Hayes, you understand that this is a legally binding commitment? All property and finances will become communal.”

“Yes, your honor,” Holt says, running his thumb over my inner wrist.

“You understand that all existing children and those born to the pack will belong to all members equally, whether or not paternity is established. All members must be on the birth certificate, even if the child is not biologically yours. In the event of pack dissolution, all members will have the right to fight for equal custody. In the event of death, custody will automatically and lawfully pass to any living members of the pack.”

I bite my lip to keep from blurting out… I don’t even know what, but oh my god. They don’t all plan to be on the birth certificate.

I’m sure of it.

I didn’t know about that law until just this very second.

I’m sure they didn’t, either.

“Yes, I understand, your honor.” Holt squeezes my hand.

My gaze flies to him. His dark curls fall over his forehead as he turns, nuzzling his cheek to mine.

“Don’t stress, sweetheart. We’ve got this,” he whispers against the shell of my ear.

My heart races, but it feels like we could get in trouble for forming a pack for financial reasons. I still don’t like the idea that he’s stuck with me and my baggage for life.

“Very well,” the judge says, drawing our attention back to the front of the room. “Does the panel have any final questions?”

The three other members seated at the table chorus a no.

“Congratulations are in order. I am now officially granting pack status. Pack Reed’s verification interview is complete.”

Holy freaking shit.

I’m married.

“Did he say Pack Reed?” I whisper, blinking like an idiot.

Holt stands, pulling me out of my chair before bending down to plant a quick kiss on my lips. “I’m a little bummed he didn’t say you may now kiss the bride.”

I laugh awkwardly, but I’m still incredibly overwhelmed. My entire stomach feels as hard as a rock, but Aurora is really active. I don’t think she likes the Braxton Hicks contractions any more than I do.

Bishop appears at Holt’s side. He pushes Holt out of the way, and his smoky campfire scent hits my nose as he wraps his arms around me. My hand falls to my side to rub the aching pain as he kisses my forehead.

“Is everything okay, gorgeous?” Bishop asks, frowning.

“Yeah, the baby has just been moving a lot. It’s actually painful sometimes.”

“I was worried you changed your mind about us, but I guess you’re good and stuck.” He grins and kisses my forehead again before stepping back to give Mercy a chance to step up.

Mercy’s dark eyes sparkle as he stares down at me. “Can I kiss the bride?”

A smile crosses my face as he bends low. “Yes.”

He pushes his mouth to mine for a tender kiss that actually manages to distract me from the craziness of the meeting.

Holy crap.

We have a lot to discuss. They’re going to be legally listed as my baby’s fathers, and I’m pretty sure none of them knew that before walking in for this hearing.

Chapter Thirty

---