Page 87 of Omega in Hiding

He smirks. “Apparently, when you’re a Syracuse, they stock anything you need.” He pulls me up into a sitting position. “Now, let’s grab you some sweatpants so you can be comfortable.”

“You don’t think I’ll look too casual? You’re wearing a suit.”

He glances down at his clothing. “I’ll wear sweats too. How’s that?”

“But you hate wearing sweats.”

“True.” He grabs a pair of sweats for me out of the dresser. “But I love making you happy. So, it’s a fair tradeoff.”

I laugh. “You’re so good to me, Paolo.”

He arches one dark brow. “Because I fuck your brains out and wear sweat pants for you?”

I grin. “Yes. Plus, you’re taking me shopping and we’re getting ice cream.”

“We should enjoy life, right?” He slips the sweats on me.

“That’s better, I say, sighing happily. “Jeans are for super models. I’m wearing sweats the rest of my pregnancy.”

“You can wear a trash bag for all I care.” He tugs me to my feet, planting a soft kiss on my mouth.

“Will you always be this nice to me, Paolo?” I ask quietly, smiling up at him.

“Of course.” He kisses the tip of my nose. “Do you know why?”

“Because you love me?”

He smiles. “Bingo.”

****

(Nine Months Pregnant)

I’ve been having Braxton Hicks contractions all day. The baby was due two days ago, but so far it has no interest in making an appearance. I’m sitting on the couch in our bedroom that’s near the window that looks out over the Syracuse estate. I’m surrounded by pregnancy books, and pillows. Paolo is dressing after a shower, and he comes to perch on the arm of the couch as he knots his tie.

“The Braxton Hicks contractions are back,” I say, wincing.

“Are they.” He nods. “That’s good. It must mean the time is near.”

“We’ve been saying that for days,” I grumble.

“Shall I time them?” he asks.

I sigh. “I guess.” I look down at my belly and say, “Hey, you in there. I’ve waited a very long time for you to arrive. Can’t you hurry it along?”

Paolo laughs good naturedly and pulls out his phone, scrolling to find the timer. “Let me know when one starts.”

I blow out a shaky breath. “It’s starting.”

“I’m on it.”

We time the contractions for a while and at one point they seem stronger. Paolo frowns at his timer. “That was a longer contraction for sure.”

I wince. “Yeah. Ouch. I… I don’t think these are Braxton Hicks contractions anymore. I think I might be going into real labor.” My voice shakes with excitement, but there’s also fear. I want this baby more than anything, but I am afraid of the pain of childbirth.

“You think they’re real contractions?” Paolo’s eyes widen, and he springs to his feet. “Where’s the hospital bag? In the closet? In the car?”

“In the closet.” I grimace as another contraction hits. “Yeah, these are different.”

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