Milo squeezed his eyes shut and turned away.
Boone winced. “Yeah, I heard. I’m so sorry, Milo.”
Milo shook his head, face averted.
Demarien gave his friend a worried look and straightened up. “She left a big legacy behind. That’s why we’re going to do everything we can to keep her memory alive here in Myrtlewood Bay.”
“We?” Boone tilted his head.
Milo finally looked up, eyes full of tears. “Felix, Puck, and both of us. I inherited the old estate. It was a huge part of our lives, and we all wanted a change. Portland wasn’t working out for us, so we’ve decided to convert it into an inn.”
“That’s awesome.” Boone beamed, happy at the thought of Demarien being close by. “What’s the ETA? Any ideas?”
“Hopefully, before June,” Milo visibly pulled himself together and pursed his lips. “If repairs continue after June, things might get alotmore difficult.”
“Why’s that?” Boone looked between the two omegas. “You know, I’m always around if you need extra help.”
Demarien put his hand over his mouth, and Milo rubbed Demarien’s shoulders.
Morning sickness.Boone froze.He said morning sickness earlier.“Demarien, you’re –?” “Pregonated?” Demarien swallowed hard and leaned into Milo. “Yep. That’s me.”
Boone deflated, heart thumping hard in his chest.He does have an alpha already. Damn it, why didn’t Patrick kick my ass when we met? Why am I a fucking idiot?
“We all are.” Milo’s face fell. “Well, not all of us. Felix is having a bit of trouble, but I know the next IUI will work. I just know it. He wants ten kids, you know.”
Boone blinked a few times. “Ten kids? Okay. Are you all in a, uh, in a relationship together?” he asked.
Milo snorted. “Hell to the no. We’re just four idiots who want to get pregnant at the same time.”
Boone forced a smile. “Your alphas must be overjoyed.” Hewashappy for them, but the desire to go back in time ate away at him from the inside out.
“Well, about that. It’s kinda funny, really.” Milo squeezed Demarien’s shoulder and gave him a little nod.
“None of us has alphas.” Demarien leaned into Milo’s side. “We were all artificially inseminated. Technology, am I right?”
Boone felt the world around them stop.No alphas?He stared at Demarien in shock.Wait, scratch that. Four single, pregnant omegas? At once? That’s a scary reality.
“You okay there, Boone?” Demarien’s warm smile forced Boone out of his thoughts.
“Yeah, I’m fine, don’t worry about me.” Boone scratched the back of his head. “I’m just excited for you guys. I’m guessing you’re due in June?”
Demarien shrugged. “Actually, I got pregnant first and am due in June. Then Puck’s insemination was successful, and he’s due in July.”
“Then me,” Milo said. “I found out for sure just last week. I’m due in late July.”
Demarien’s smile looked a little strained. “We’rehopingthat’ll be plenty of time to get the old estate fixed up and inn-worthy.”
“We literally just got into town,” Milo said, biting his lip. “We haven’t even seen the place, but the caretaker said everything was in order. I hope it works out.”
Demarien scowled adorably. “I’ll fight anyone who tries to stop us.” He took a swing at the air, only to sway a bit on his feet. He caught the wall, and Milo quickly jumped to balance him. “Or maybe I’ll just slip some laxatives in their food.” Demarien grinned sheepishly, pushing his twist braids out of his face.
“Maybe you don’t need to stock up on laxatives.” Boone grinned. “If you’re really serious about the whole fighting thing, I run self-defense classes down on Crabapple Lane. I’m set up next to that old animal rescue, Fe Fido Fo Fum, remember it?”
Demarien gasped. “You mean to tell me I can take a life-changing lesson and thenimmediatelygo next door and cuddle some fuzzy creatures?”
“You got it.” Boone winked, holding out his hand. “What do you say?”
“You’ve got yourself a deal.” Demarien shook Boone’s waiting hand eagerly before turning back to Milo with a wide grin on his face.
