“Probably missing their daddy. You shouldn’t have let Imri go off with Rowan this close to your due date. It’s not good for you to be without his pheromones for so long.”
“It’s barely been three days, Dad. I’m fine.”
“Mom agrees I should stay here until they get back, just in case.”
To be honest, it sounded like a good idea. “Okay, Dad.”
It was just as well my dad came to stay with us. Being apart from Imri began to take its toll on me by the fifth day, leaving Imri with no choice but to return or risk us getting worse. Neither of us wanted me to spend time in the hospital.
He and Rowan told the government they would have to visit Haenvale next time they wanted to talk to our son, because he wasn’t leaving his family vulnerable if he could help it. They needed him more than he needed them. Our eldest was in demand!
I was so grateful they returned quickly. As soon as Imri was home and wrapped around me, I felt worlds better.
“You’re alright,” Imri had soothed that night once everyone was in bed. “Rowan was glad to come home early. He hated New Washington. I don’t think we’ll be visiting New Boston any time soon.”
“Are you sure? I feel like I damaged his chances with the government. A contract with them would set him up for life.”
“Sully, he’s nineteen.” His birthday was in October, and we’d celebrated it by having a small event at Rosie’s. “He’s only just in college and has got a lot to learn about who he is or what he wants in life. The last thing he needs is a big contract dictating what he can do. This way we can delay any big decisions.”
My alpha had been against the trip in the first place. I’d convinced him we owed it to Rowan to at least talk to the government. Maybe I’d put too much pressure on all of us.
“Shh, Sully, it’s fine. He got a lot out of it. You were right to push him to check it out. If we can make it work, he’d never have to worry about money. I just hated to beaway from you. So did Rowan.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes. By your side is where I belong.”
Feeling marginally better about needing my alpha and eldest son home early, I fell asleep.
With twins coming, I was told a caesarian was my best choice. One of the twins was sitting in breech position and they couldn’t turn her.
Imri was with me for an appointment because my ankles were swollen and I felt really uncomfortable with over a week to go before the surgery.
“Hmm,” the midwife said thoughtfully. “I’m not liking these numbers, Sullivan.”
“Sully, please.”
“Well, Sully, I think we should get those babies out today if we can.”
“Today?” Next to me, Imri tensed up.
“Yes. You’re showing signs of preeclampsia. It’s important we ensure both yours and the babies’ health by getting them out of there. I need to make a call. Check if there’s roomfor you to go up now. Do you need to make arrangements?”
I looked at Imri for guidance. “I’ll go call your parents, ask them to look after the kids. Then I’ll call my moms and get them to hit the road a bit sooner than planned.”
“Will that be okay?” I wondered anxiously. Getting to meet the babies sooner was fantastic, but I was scared, too.
“Yeah, it’ll be fine.”
Imri squeezed my hand, then left the room to make his calls. The midwife picked up her phone to call the hospital.
I tuned out, going into my head, so worried about what was about to happen, I jumped in my seat when Imri returned and touched my shoulder.
“Mama said they’ll be on the road in an hour. Your dad is going to take the kids out for dinner, keep their mind off of it until they can come visit. Are you okay? Do we need anything?”
Shaking my head, I answered, “No, the hospital bag is in the car already. Mom said it was best to have it ready well in advance.”
“Smart.”
