Page 81 of Red River

"It’s when two people like each other a lot and are really close, and then magic happens," I jumped in quickly before the conversation got too detailed. "They can heal their injuries or even chronic illnesses—it’s almost supernatural. The power of True Mates."

Igor shot me an amused look. He obviously already knew all the specifics.

After lunch, we all moved out onto the patio, and somehow, I ended up sitting next to Day. Since he was pregnant, it was easy to start a conversation—we just fell into the kind of topics that omegas who’ve already given birth love talking about.

"I heard from Archer that you used to be a surrogate. It must be amazing to finally start your own family," I said, not entirely sure if that was a tactful thing to say, but I wanted to break the ice.

Day turned his big gray eyes on me. He had incredibly long lashes, giving his face a soft, wistful look. I had long lashes too, but mine were auburn, while his were ink-black, making them stand out even more.

"Yeah, I can’t wait. It feels like a miracle that I met Jan. My life before wasn’t exactly… hopeful," he replied with a small shrug.

I had a feeling that was an understatement. The fact that he’d been a surrogate for so long probably meant he had been alone for years. And participating in a marriage contract fair? Seemed rather desperate. But this wasn’t the time for a deep dive into his past, so I steered the conversation toward something lighter.

"When’s your due date?"

"I’ve got almost five months to go. I’m in my fourth month now. It looks like more, but that’s because I’ve been pregnant before—so my belly shows earlier."

"Oh, I get that," I laughed. "With Lake, I looked five months along by the third month."

Day hesitated for a moment, glancing at me and then at Archer before asking softly, "Do you want more kids?"

Ah. That question wasn’t just about children—it was also about me and Archer.

"I always wanted a big family. When I was younger, I thought I’d follow in my dad’s footsteps and have a house full of kids, but life got complicated. Right now, I’m kind of in a transition phase, so it’s hard to make plans for the future," I answered vaguely.

Day nodded.

"Of course, I didn’t mean to pry," he said. "It’s just… Jan told me Archer always wanted a large family. I figured he might try to talk you into having more children." He gave me a small, apologetic smile.

That’s when it hit me—Jan and Day already saw Archer and me as a couple! That’s how Archer must have introduced us.

Well, who was I to argue?

With a bit of relief, I replied, "I wouldn’t mind having more babies. My dad had eight of us. But that’s something Archer and I would have to discuss. We haven’t really dived into it yet."

Day didn’t have even a hint of judgment in his expression about the fact that Archer was so much younger than me—unlike Sam! I knew Day was eight years older than Jan, yet thanks to their True Mate bond, they looked like peers. His skin was so smooth and youthful. So why would he criticize my relationship? He understood. That thought made me relax a little.

I took a chance and brought it up. "Archer’s brother didn’t take the news about us very well," I muttered quietly.

Day leaned in slightly. "Don’t let that get to you. Focus on your own happiness. That’s what matters. Sam’s issues are his own—not yours. I used to worry a lot about what Jan’s family would think of me too. His uncle was a little suspicious of me because of my past as a surrogate. But in the end, it’s nobody else’s business. Things like this tend to work themselves out."

"You’re right," I admitted. "But in your case, being True Mates probably made it easier for others to accept. With me and Archer… I’m older, I have a big family… People judge."

Day gave me a knowing smile. "Maybe. True Mates status smooths things over. That’s why I’m a big believer in searching for your True Mate. I was in a different relationship before, but it ended when my ex found his High Mate. Only a True Mate bond gives you the certainty that the other person will never leave."

I exhaled and leaned back into the sofa. "My parents are True Mates, but I never really cared about that. It’s so rare, like a fairy tale. My late husband was my High Mate, and I thought that was enough to be happy. Though I guess it’s… not enough, after all."

Day tilted his head, then reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet, and dug around for something. A moment later, he handed me a business card.

"Well, if you ever change your mind and decide to look for your True Mate—if things with Archer don’t work out—this is the card of the guy who helped us find each other. He’s got a real gift. When I went to the marriage contract fair, he brought four of his clients along, and he matched all of them with their True Mates! Crazy, right?"

I nodded, feeling a slight temptation to check it out. But at the same time, what I was building with Archer felt too important, too real, to even consider looking for some ‘perfect match’. Still, just for the sake of curiosity, I glanced down at the business card… and froze.

"Storm Nolan?"

"Yeah, he’s an interesting guy," Day said. "A purple alpha. He’s actually with his own True Mate."

My hands trembled, and I swallowed hard.

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