Page 84 of Dubious Match
“That would be really cool,” she admits. “I forgot to put Addy in the carrier, and then had to commit to the decision. My midwife was going to come back to the room since she’s getting the car, but I just want to get the hell out of here.”
“Did anything happen?” I ask. She seems jumpy.
“I don’t like new places,” she explains. “I want to go home.”
“This place kind of blows,” I tease her. “I don’t blame you. Is the carrier in the bag? If you’re okay with it, we can help you get it.”
“Are you sure?” she asks. “I’m so sorry, I’m blocking the elevator too. Shit.”
“You’re good,” I reassure her. “Can I pick up your bag to help?”
The woman tentatively nods, and I grab her bag so she can step out of the elevator.
“The wrap is just inside the bag,” she explains. “I’m not great at doing it yet, which is why I figured I’d take my chances.”
Leaning down, I open the bag and find a folded piece of material at the top. As I pull it out, I find that it’s longer than I initially thought.
“If you can shake it out, please, I’ll be able to put it on,” she says.
Doing as she asks, I look at it critically. It looks complicated, but I know when to keep my mouth shut. There’s not a chance in hell I’m sabotaging a woman with a fresh baby in her arms. Its face is so scrunched up and cute.
“What part do I give you?” I ask instead.
“Do you see the tag in the middle?” she asks. “That’s the part I need.”
Finding it, I watch as she wraps it around herself and the baby without ever letting go. The tails of the wrap get thrown over her shoulders before she tightens, adjusts, and knots until the baby has its own little pouch.
“You’re so good at that,” Lars praises her, eyes wide. “The baby didn’t even wake up.”
“Oh. Thank you,” she says with a slight blush. “It was really important for me to learn. I’m going to need my hands free, but I also just want to snuggle. Addy is so perfect.”
I’m trying not to make assumptions about why she’s alone. I can tell she’s a beta, and even if she doesn’t have a pack, the father should be here to support her. Zipping up her bag, I hand it to her.
I’ve heard that Omega’s Haven has resources for those who aren’t omegas as well, and I doubt they’ll refuse to help this woman if she needs the help.
“Do you think you’ll need any help with Addy?” I ask. “There are some pretty great new mom resources if you want it.”
“My midwife is actually going to be staying with me to help me tonight,” she says with a brighter smile. “I didn’t even know that was a possibility. I promise to look into those resources if I need them though. Thank you for being so kind.”
Lars and I say goodbye as we watch her walk out to where there’s a van waiting for her, and we get back into the elevator car.
“Why do I feel as if she’s going it alone?” Lars asks.
“Because I think you’re right,” I reply, pushing the elevator button to go up to the maternity ward. “We can’t help everyone, Lars.”
“I know. I want to know who the father is. I want to talk to him,” he says, popping his knuckles.
The enforcer, as I live and breathe. He usually hides it pretty well, but Hollis’ hospital stay is fucking with both of us.
“I don’t blame you,” I say instead of giving him shit. “The security may be tighter here, Lars. I wish we had that girl’s name.”
“We’ll describe her, and say that she left something we want to return to her,” he says grimly, his heavy steps resolutely leaving the elevator as soon as the doors open.
I guess it’ll be that simple. Maybe.
Finding the nurses’ station, I give the woman one of my best smiles. She gazes at me dispassionately, glancing at our visitor badges.
“Can I help you gentlemen with something?” she asks.
