Page 66 of Coming Home

“I didn’t know about Annabelle. I’m so sorry, Shelbs.”

I smiled sadly. “It was something I’ve been carrying alone for so long, Pey. I don’t know, opening up and sharing her with Ben sort of freed me from that burden and I wanted to share her with all of you.”

“But I feel horrible,” she said.

“What?”

“Because all Lily and I go on about is wanting to be pregnant, and here you can’t get pregnant and it’s just so unfair.”

“It doesn’t bother me, you know. I mean, hearing you guys talk and playing with the babies. I love my nieces,” I told her. “I think not being able to have kids of my own makes me love them even more.”

“There are other ways to grow a family, you know,” she said. “I mean, I didn’t actually give birth to my daughter, but I’d rip out anyone’s throat who tried to argue she isn’t mine.’

“I know. Ben mentioned that too, but let’s be honest, how many little shifter babies are just lying around awaiting adoption? It wouldn’t be fair to bring a human child into our life, so that’s a pretty big long shot that I’m not willing to get my hopes up on.”

Peyton sighed. “I know. Want me to be a surrogate for you guys? I mean, that could be doable.”

I laughed. “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind, but honestly I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’ll never be a mom. As long as Ben can live with that, we’ll be fine. Plus I get to spoil my nieces and nephews all that much more.”

We lay there and talked for a few hours until my phone started buzzing impatiently. I picked up and looked at the screen, not at all surprised to see multiple text messages all saying the same thing: Come home!

“Looks like Ben and the boys have had enough brotherly bonding and are ready for me to come home.” I laughed.

When I moved to sit up, Peyton noticed my new bond mark and grinned. “He finally claimed you!”

My hand flew to my neck and I nodded. “He said he was going to before he left. Cut that one a little close, but honestly since Mom and Dad took the boys for the weekend, it was our first truly alone time in the last two weeks. We’ve had moments here and there, but always with the possibility of interruptions. According to Ben, that was the only reason he had waited.”

“Well, I’m glad it’s done, and he’s already turning to my good graces for it.”

I laughed. “I’m sure he’ll be relieved to hear it.”

“I have an extra casserole in the fridge, why don’t you take it home for the boys?” she offered.

“Sure, that would be great.”

I followed Peyton downstairs to the kitchen and graciously accepted her offer. Just as I was leaving, Eve started crying.

I smiled. “Yup, I’m okay with being able to walk away from that.”

Peyton groaned as I left and drove back to the Shays’ house.

“I come bearing food,” I said as I walked in without knocking. It felt a little weird but I figured I might as well get used to it, since that would be home for the unforeseeable future.

Will ran over and sniffed the casserole as he took it. “What is it?”

“I don’t know. Didn’t ask. Something Peyton gave me.”

“Peyton made it?” Troy asked.

“Yes,” I confirmed.

The boys high fived each other.

“Woohoo, we know it’s going to be good then,” Will said.

We had a nice, lighthearted meal, just the four of us, before they got ready for bed and told Ben goodbye.

“Are you sure you want to go to school and not to the airport tomorrow?” I asked them for the hundredth time.