Page 74 of Luna

"The only way you're helping is by getting off your feet," Ember said firmly.

I didn't have the energy to argue, so I said my goodbyes and headed back to my cottage.

Inside, all four of my men were waiting for me.

"How was the shower?" Dante asked, enveloping me in a warm hug.

"Perfect," I said. "Thank you for giving me space. I know you wanted to be there."

"We can share with your family," Halos said. "We had some projects to catch up on too.”

Quinn guided me to the couch and sat down beside me. "Do you need anything?"

I shook my head, blinking back happy tears. "Just lots of cuddles."

Colton sat on my other side and took my hand. "That won’t be a problem."

Contentment hummed in my veins. Dante, Colton, Halos, and Quinn all had their hands on my swollen stomach. Our scents mingled until I couldn’t tell who smelled like what.

“We have a surprise for you, when you’re ready,” Quinn said, laying his head on my shoulder.

“Now.” I laughed. “I want to know what it is.”

I got up with help. With poorly suppressed glee, Halos lead me down the hallway, the other three following in our wake.

The spare bedroom had been transformed into a nursey. Painted poppy red with soft gray and black accents, the brick red color was broken up by green touches of living plants and a lush throw rug. Sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, the vibrant colors making the space feel cozy.

In the center was a beautiful crib, made from white wood and painted with delicate green flowers and leaves. Soft, flowing curtains flowed from the mobile above. The bedding was white with green and black botanical prints, dainty leaves and soft blooms.

Along the far wall was a beautiful mural. Rolling hills, vibrant meadows with every wildflower imaginable. I gasped, unable to take it all in at once. There was a rocker on the far side of the room, matching the crib in paint and décor, and I could picture myself rocking Poppy to sleep. Even as an infant she would be surrounded by my love of nature.

“It’s perfect,” I wheezed, ready to cry.

“Good.” Halos looked relieved. “I know you were overwhelmed during the expo. I thought it might be nice to put together all your ideas, but if you don’t like something we can change it.”

“We can do something similar at the big house,” Dante said. “Or something completely different.”

“Yeah, no problem,” Colton said quickly. “If you don’t like the crib we can remove—”

I put my hands on the crib. “It’s perfect.”

The four of them looked pleased with themselves, and I took a seat in the rocking chair. It was on the tip of my tongue to ask for them to bond me, right here and now. The thought sent chills through me, both good and bad.

Inside my belly, Peanut kicked out. I’d felt flutters and movement before, but this was clearly a little person inside me moving their feet. Her heel pressed against the top of my belly, and I gasped. “She’s kicking! Come feel.”

The four of them raced over.

“She approves of the nursery,” Quinn said with glee. “Our daughter is smart.”

“And feisty,” Danta laughed as another barrage of kicks went through.

“That can’t feel good.” Colton wrinkled his nose. “Are you okay?”

“Fine.” I brushed my hand over his arm. “Just a human soccer ball.”

I took Halos’s hand. “She likes gardening.”

“Already taking after her momma.” Halos kissed my temple.

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