Page 86 of Talk About… Secrets
“Don’t worry. We set them up in their own little cat room, another project of Drew’s,” he teased.
“Our cats have their own bedroom now? How long have I been on bed rest?!”
“Just act surprised. He’s probably trying to surprise you,” he admitted. “But, they’re safely locked away with food, water, litter boxes, and toys, and we’ll give them extra snuggles tonight.”
“Perfect,” I said, relaxing back into the chair. He ran a hand gently down my stomach and placed a kiss on my temple.
“Have I told you today that you look radiant?”
“Thank you,” I smiled up at my beta, resting a hand on his cheek as I pulled him into a kiss, this time on the lips. Spencer was always so gentle and made me feel so cherished. I could feel my omega humming in my chest.
Everyone was talking and laughing around me.Thiswas why I loved Rockwood Valley so much. There was a sense of community that was unmatched. Add in the family that adopted me into their own, and I never had to feel that sting of loneliness again. That rejection that came from knowing your own family didn’t care.
Hailey and I had both been right, our lives were easier without them.
Our mom hadn’t tried to reach out once, and I didn’t think she ever would. Imagine holding on to a grudge against your two daughters because your evil sister and her spawn told you to. I guarantee they were chirping in her ear, feeding her every lie they could think of, and I bet she believed every single one.
Because, of course, they were never the problem, and neither was she.
A round of laughter echoed across the yard, and I looked up to see Mama Whitaker with my pack, laughing at something Beckett and Cade were saying. Their faces were open and happy.
Just like that, they’d been accepted into the fold.
As if they could feel me watching, both Beckett and Cade turned toward me. Beck gave me a wink, and Cade beamed like the sun.
They’d pretty much admitted they didn’t have a family that genuinely cared. Any last lingering guilt or worry that they wouldn’t enjoy Rockwood Valley completely evaporated. They were right, we got to live here and soak in all that Rockwood hadto offer, and I got to keep my town. But once things settled, we’d also be spending time in the city now and then.
It really was the best of both worlds, and our baby would be lucky to experience both.
Drew settled down next to me, Spencer taking the seat on the other side, sandwiching me between them. Each of them grabbed one of my swollen feet, rubbing gently as they checked in again.
“How are you feeling? Do you need water or anything?” Spencer asked.
“I’m just feeling happy,” I said on a sigh that rang with contentment. Drew leaned in, brushing a kiss over my lips and then my forehead.
“Just so you know, Mama Whitaker is over there talking baby showers. Once my mom arrives, it’s over for us. We’re going to have everything we could need and more.”
“You hear that?” I said as I leaned down, rubbing my stomach. “You’re already so loved, and you’re not even here yet.”
Grace
“I’m finally free,” I sang out as Drew helped me out of the truck and onto the sidewalk. It felt like I was down for a lifetime, and while I was under strict orders to not push myself, I was allowed to live my life again.
The appointment with Doctor Clark went well and we both were confident there wouldn’t be a repeat.
If my body and this baby behaved, at least.
“We figured we’d finish what you started then grab a treat,” Drew said, gesturing to the baby boutique.
“They probably don’t want me back,” I winced.
“Yes, we do,” a woman said as she pushed open the door to let in the summer breeze. “I’m so glad to see you’re doing better. I was just sad your pretty sunflower died, I didn’t know how to reach you.”
It was apparently the same girl who saved me.
“Sorry for falling apart on you,” I said as she ushered us in. “Sunflower?”
“At least you have a pack to catch you if you feel faint this time,” she teased. “Oh, and someone else must have dropped it! There was a pretty sunflower left behind when the ambulance took you away.”
