Page 43 of Ready or Not

I really hope that doesn’t mean anything bad. The baby still needs a few more weeks of baking. Did we fuck her into early labor or something?

No, the baby books and both doctors said it was safe. I exhale heavily, running my hand over Vale’s stomach. It’s hard to tamp down my concern, but the last thing she needs is my worry spilling into the bond.

“Knock, knock,” Garza says from behind me. My head whips in his direction. “Sorry to interrupt, but my mom is on the way.”

“I promised to have breakfast with Cooper and his mom.” Vale stares at her hand that still glistens with milk. I mean, I think that’s what it is. “I’ll take a shower as soon as I can.”

I smirk at him over my shoulder. “It’s going to be a minute for my knot to go down.”

Garza gives a clipped nod, spins around, and exits without another word.

“We’ll do some research while you pop in the shower.” I nuzzle my cheek to Vale’s from behind. “But don’t stress. You’re not having any cramping or discomfort?”

“No,” she says, and I can feel her honesty in the bond.

“Then, maybe your boobs just wanted to get an early start on making milk.” My eyes meet Bishop’s, and the way his brow furrows makes me a little concerned.

“I haven’t gotten that far in the baby book yet, but I will be making sure I finish it this week,” he says in a serious tone.

Vale chuckles. “And that’s why I love you to pieces.” She leans down to kiss him.

My forehead wrinkles.

We have a bond too.

Yeah, they’ve known each other longer, but shouldn’t she have feelings for me too?

I run my hand that’s now trapped between them over her stomach tenderly.

If someone would have told me a month ago that I’d be dying to get to the point in time when we make our declarations of love, then I would’ve laughed in their face. Now, I don’t think anything would make me happier.

I’ve never felt that particular emotion before about a woman. I guess I shouldn’t rush things. That way, when I say it, I’ll be one-hundred-percent sure.

Bishop shares a shower with us, but he gets dressed and heads down to the command center. With Mercy out for the day, it’s important to have one of us available. He abandoned me with a very nervous, yet ridiculously cute, bundle of omega.

“I don’t have anything to wear.” Vale frantically tosses clothing aside. She’s in a pair of panties and a bra that’s a little too tight, considering her tits spill from the cups as she stands back up.

“That’s why I fished this out of the stuff Garza picked out for you,” I say, shaking the dark gray maternity dress. “It has ruffles. I think they’ll accentuate the belly. It’s super cute.”

“That does look soft.” Her forehead wrinkles as she comes closer. “Cooper picked this?”

“Yup, he mentioned that he grabbed a bunch of items that seemed to fit your style from before you got pregnant.” I’m not sure why I go out of my way to point that out, because I’m still not happy with the fucker. At the same time, I’m pretty sure life will be simpler if they can get on the same page.

Vale will have a lot less stress if she’s not worrying about where she stands and what might happen once the baby is born.

“I think my boobs are still leaking.” Her lips tip down. “God, please tell me this isn’t a sign I’m going to go into labor early.”

“I’m not sure, but we can call Patrick or do a quick internet search once you get dressed.” We got sidetracked in the shower, and then it slipped my mind. I step forward, pulling her to me with a hand on her lower back. My lips brush her forehead, and I move to mark her cheeks with my pheromones. “Don’t stress. Marina is lovely, and she’s not the type to defend her sons when she knows they’re in the wrong.”

“I hope you’re right. I’m so nervous.” Her eyelashes flutter as her eyes clench shut.

“Come on. Let’s get you dressed. Then we can head down to feed you and the little one. Arms up.” I step back and help her into her dress.

It fits a hell of a lot better than the stuff Mercy picked out, but a huge part of that is because it’s cotton, so the material stretches.

I pull on a T-shirt and jeans while Vale fixes her hair.

“Well, this is about as good as it’s going to get.” She shrugs, blowing her lips together. Her worry radiates in the bond, despite her attempt to cover it up.

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