Page 39 of Orange Spell
Curran needed to stop losing focus.Marlin was here to talk about the baby, and that was what they both needed to focus on.“Yes, I do.You should be there for that.”
“I will be.You just have to let me know when you feel the first fits of pains, and I’ll tell Killian.Do you want anyone else there?”
“Like who?”
“Well, you said you didn’t want your mothers to be present, but maybe Birch or Aaron?Definitely Deryn, right?”
“Why would I want my brother to be there when I lay my first egg?I can’t think of anything worse.”
Marlin grimaced.“Sorry.I just thought I’d put it out there.”
“Well, you did, and you can take it back.I don’t want Birch to be there, and I’m not close enough to Aaron to be comfortable with him in the room when I lay the egg.It would be nice if Deryn could be there, but it’s fine if you’re not comfortable with it.”
“Why wouldn’t I be comfortable with it?He’s your best friend.”
“And you’re the baby’s father.”
“Which is why I’ll be there.Deryn and I can both be.I don’t think you can ever have enough support, especially in this kind of situation.”
Marlin was making it hard for Curran to try and forget his feelings for him.It was going to become even worse if they continued doing things like holding hands.
That still wasn’t enough for Curran to want to give it up.He squeezed Marlin’s hand harder.“I’d like for both you and Deryn to be there, and of course, Palmer.”
Marlin slowly nodded.“I’m not going to tell you that he shouldn’t be your doctor because I know you feel comfortable with him, but he’s human.”
“He is, but he’s learning about dragons and their anatomy, and he’s been helping me since I found out I was pregnant.I don’t want anyone else.I’m sure he’ll have help, and that’s fine, but I need him there.”
“Okay, I won’t argue against that.I just wanted to be sure it was what you wanted.”
“Well, it is.”
“I’d like to know how much you want me in your life right now.I can leave you alone if that’s what you want, but I’d like to take care of you.And before you say that you don’t need anyone taking care of you or keeping an eye on you, I know.That’s not what this is.I want to take care of you because you’re pregnant with my child and because you deserve to be taken care of.I know Birch and I can be overbearing, but I’d like to be there for you in any way you want me to be.Just keep that in mind when you need anything, right?You have my number.Call it whenever you want, even if it’s the middle of the night.Ask for whatever you need.If it’s in my power, I’ll give it to you.”
“Right now, what I want is a hug,” Curran blurted out.
Marlin didn’t even hesitate.He grinned and pulled his hand away from Curran’s to open his arms wide.Curran pressed close and sighed as he closed his eyes.
This was part of what he wanted.The sex had been great, just like the kiss just now, but he wanted more from Marlin.He wanted cuddles and intimacy.He wanted them to be there for each other, to be a team.He wanted them to be partners, not only co-parents.
It was a dream, and while it might not come true, this was nice, too, for as long as it lasted.
