Page 72 of In Plain Sight

I walked around doing my rounds. Nothing was out of place. Everything was under control and I knew Bran would still be sleeping when I walked upstairs. Except, to my surprise, he was up. He had two cups of tea on the table and waiting for my return.

“You’re awake?” I asked and he rolled his eyes as I feigned shock.

“Smart-ass. Come have a cup of tea,” he said, carrying the cups to the coffee table. I sat down on the couch feeling like the size of a house. I seemed to always be hot and uncomfortable these days and I still had eight weeks left to go.

Bran’s hand rubbed over my stomach. “You know, it sort of feels like it’s always been the three of us, but somehow finding out what you are in there just seems to make it all the more real,” he said, talking to my belly. He did that a lot these days.

“You’re a goof,” I said. “It’s still just the two of us for a couple more months.”

He sighed and sat up to kiss me. “I’ll take it.”

I looked around the apartment. It was a mess from all the construction. Bran and Thomas had gotten a little out of control. When they were done, the apartment would be six times its original size and take up much of the top level of the dairy barn. In addition to the nursery, there were two more bedrooms, two full baths, and an office for Bran. I wasn’t convinced they’d be done before this little one arrived, but they all promised me it would.

We sat and talked and just enjoyed each other’s company. I had told him that he was being ridiculous, but I knew what he meant about everything feeling more real today. The baby had been just an abstract idea and today it would be a he, or a she.

“It’s about time to head over,” he finally said.

“Do we have to?” I asked.

He laughed. “I’m pretty sure we do.”

“Fine.” I pretended to pout, but rose and walked into the bedroom to put on the dress Elise had picked out for me.

Everything that had happened had bought us closer to Patrick and Elise. Just another bond between the Collier and Westin Packs. E had become yet another sister to me and she had fabulous taste in fashion.

I twirled around, admiring the dress and feeling pretty despite being the size of a whale.

Bran let out a low whistle. “Wow, you look amazing!”

I blushed. “Thank you.” I turned to look at him and helped him adjust his tie. “You clean up pretty good yourself there, ‘daddy.’”

We rode over to the Alpha house together. Everyone was there when we arrived, and the place had been transformed into a pink and blue wonderland. As I’d figured, Lily had gone all out. Mom got to me first and hugged me closely.

“I still can’t believe my baby girl is having a baby,” she gushed.

Austin ran around taking bets on the gender.

We ate lunch first and by the time the spotlight was truly placed on us, I was an even bigger ball of nerves.

Lily took center stage. “Welcome everyone, and thanks so much for coming out to celebrate the upcoming arrival of a new Collier pup. I couldn’t be happier for Ruby and Bran. They’ve overcome far more in their time together than most couples will face in a lifetime and I have no doubt it has helped prepare them to be the best possible parents for my new little nephew . . . or niece,” she said after a slight hesitation. “So let’s get on with it and see what we’re having. But first, the proud mother and father have had a bit of a struggle. Turns out while they agree on most everything in life, coming up with names was not one of them.” Everyone laughed. “So, Ruby, if you’re expecting a little boy to the family, what will he be called?”

All eyes were on me as I gulped. It was my moment of truth. I looked at Bran and knew I’d chosen right. “Branson,” I said. “Son of Bran.”

Bran smile and everyone clapped and cheered. He nodded his approval as someone yelled out, “That’s a fine little cowboy name!” That caused quite a few chuckles.

“And Bran, if we’re expecting pink, what’s her name to be?” Lily asked.

Bran winked at me. “We’re going to stick with my precious gemstones. Her name will be Opal.”

“Opal?” I asked, and I immediately loved it. He hugged me and gave me a quick kiss as I wiped back tears. “I love it.”

“Okay, well, the moment of truth is here,” Lily said, trying to sound dramatic. Oscar carried out a large black balloon and held it up in front of us. “Pop the balloon to reveal the gender.”

She handed us each a really long pin or crochet needle of some sort. I wasn’t even certain what it was. They counted down and Bran and I each stabbed the balloon with it. Nothing. Our friends and family started to laugh.

Bran held the balloon in his arms, and I stabbed it harder. Nothing. We couldn’t pop the balloon. Oscar volunteered to sit on it, and he bounced around a few times before we gave up on that. Everyone was shouting suggestions and Lily was apologizing.

“I swear, it was supposed to pop. This shouldn’t be happening,” she said.

At last Bran reached into his boot and pulled out his dagger. It was no longer a threat to us, but it still made me nervous anytime I saw it. He winked and stabbed the balloon with a loud pop.

Pink confetti went flying everywhere as cheers and tears went up all around. Bran had a huge perma-grin on his face as he twirled me around. Once I was back on my feet, he kneeled before me and kissed my stomach.

“Hi there, Opal. Mommy and I can’t wait to meet you.”

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