Page 93 of Bonding the Band

It looked like I was in the nest for the night. Taking a step back, I quickly removed all my clothing, ridding me of the worst of the stink. Throwing them far out of the nest, I crawled back toward Meadow. Lying down next to her, I pulled her into my arms, making her hum in contentment as she wiggled slightly, getting comfortable. One of my hands rested on her belly, and after a few seconds of peace, I felt movement.

I froze as I recognized what I was feeling.

The baby was kicking.

That wasmybaby.

Ourbaby.

They were saying hello.

Fuck concerts. Fuck Gary. Fuck our careers.

Everything that mattered was on this bus. My pack, my omega, and our baby.

Chapter 36

Phineas

October, Nashville

“All of you, quit hogging. Meadow is all mine today.” I tugged our beauty off the couch, earning a round of frowns from the others. “Don’t look at me like that. I asked for my date and I got it.”

Meadow was in a sweet red dress that highlighted all of her growing curves, white leggings, and sturdy, matching shoes. Beckett had helped her braid her hair, and she fiddled nervously with the end.

“You ready?” I asked.

“You’re sure it’s safe for us to go out like this?”

I gestured to my outfit: red flannel shirt, jeans, and cowboy boots. “Pretty sure not a fucking soul is going to recognize me in this.”

She slipped her hand into mine and let me pull her off the bus. There was no one anywhere nearby, and we wandered over to one of the hop-on-hop-off bus stops. I had purchased the tickets for us last night. Meadow had been missing out on so much sightseeing, but we had gotten to Nashville a day beforeour concert, and I refused to waste it. We could reconnect with the others later tonight, but during the day, she was all mine. The others were so fucking good at weaseling time with her, and the only way I’d ever get attention myself was if I staked my claim. I learned that much being the youngest child in my family. Squeaky wheel gets the grease, and all that.

“You look cute as hell in that dress.”

Meadow blushed. “Thanks. It’s one of the ones Clover picked out for me.”

“She has good taste on how to enhance how gorgeous you are.”

“Phin, I’m already pregnant. You don’t need to woo me.”

I laughed, swinging my arm over her shoulders. “Sweets, you’re gonna have to get used to me wooing you until the day we die.”

She snuggled against me, her scent bright and content.

“You have to keep me apprised of how you’re doing, okay? We can take as many breaks as you need. It’s not my first time in Nashville, so today is all about you having a good time. Promise?”

“Pinky promise.” She held up her pinky finger for me to hook mine around. Obviously, I made that promise.

When the bus came around, Meadow claimed us a spot up top at the front. It was a bit chilly in the breeze, but I had doubled up on my layers specifically so I could take the outer one off and let Meadow use it as a blanket while she snuggled against my side.

“I like riding the full loop and seeing what looks interesting on the way,” I told her. “It’s a good way to orient yourself in a new city.”

“Oh, that’s smart.”

She was so fucking cute as we drove. I watched her little head swivel, taking in every detail, making a list on my phone whenever she saw something to come back to later.

“You seem pretty chipper today.”

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