Page 25 of Blooming for His Omega

I was about to have a baby. Our baby.

Once we arrived at the healer’s office, Quinn met us out front, since it was late, and helped us to the birthing room. I was already having contractions minutes apart and could feel the revolution happening in my body. “Quinn, I think it’s time. This baby is coming now.”

“Right now?” Zion asked and came over to hold my hand.

“Right now,” Quinn confirmed after a quick exam.

“I thought it took longer. His water only broke an hour ago. Not even,” Zion said, his tone even, but my hedgehog felt his nervousness through the bond.

“First labors are often fast, especially with an active omega. I’ve never delivered a hedgehog babe. A first for all of us.” He’d seemed so knowledgeable about us…must have been from reading.

Quinn had me position myself in a crouch, which I had decided was best for me. Zion rubbed my back. “They have crowned, Cicek. Time to push.”

I bore down with all my might, now eager to get the babe out of me. This pain was excruciating. There was a ring of fire that took over my back entrance before I screamed out once.

“There we are. You did incredible, Cicek. One push and done. All kinds of firsts tonight.” Quinn held my babe up, cleaning him up as best he could and assessing him quickly, head to toe. “Looks perfect. Ten toes and fingers. Already breathing well.”

“He’s not crying,” Zion said.

“A quiet one, I suppose,” Quinn replied. “He’s breathing well.”

“He?” I asked. I honestly hadn’t looked. I was more interested in his formation and if he was healthy.

“Yes.” Quinn smiled, handing the baby to me. “A son. Congratulations, you two.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Zion

He was a rosy baby, flushed for all his quiet, and ready to latch on when the healer suggested that Cicek give it a try. They made such a beautiful picture together, I could have sat and watched them all day.

“He’s a very sweet baby.” Quinn had cleaned up and returned to join me across the room from my mate. “Do you have a name for him?”

I faced him. “No, we—”

“Merrick.”

We both turned toward the bed. “Merrick?” asked Quinn. “Wasn’t that your uncle’s name?”

“Yes. He was the one who set all this in motion by leaving me the shop. Had he not, I would have still left Derek, but I would have landed in an entirely different place. And maybe never found my fated mate here in Oliver Creek.”

“You did come and help your uncle, right?”

“Yes, but it has been a while, and I never met Zion before. His shop wasn’t open.”

“Then it truly is kismet. Zion was lonely, even if he never said so to anyone, and he kept to himself mostly. He could be convinced to come to birthday parties or things like that, especially where children were involved.”

“I was doing fine,” I protested. “Waiting for my fated mate who finally showed up.” I went over and sat on the side of the bed.

“Want to hold him?” Quinn asked.

“Very much.” I held out my arms, ready to support his little head. There was an advantage in having friends with so many kids in the area. “You think we should name him after your uncle” It’s a big name for such a little guy.”

Cicek laughed. “He won’t be little forever, and I’ll be happy if he has my uncle’s attributes. Do you like the name?”

I nodded. “I like that it was your uncle’s name. He was a good man, and that is what I want for him.”

“Then it’s perfect, alpha.”

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