Page 124 of Monster. Me.

Incredible.

We're gazing at each other, grinning like a couple of lunatics, while bees buzz over the flowers around and a sweet scent of cherries drifts in from the orchard.

I capture this moment.

Build it into myself.

Make it my life.

◆◆◆

An hour later, we’re still riding a permanent high, acting like two complete idiots, running from room to room as we plan the décor on the fly, debating over wall colors, toys, furniture, and everything we could possibly add. We throw baby names back and forth, speculate about what secondary genders they'll have, and do it all in a frantic rush because Fenn has to leave soon to drive over to Renato Santoro's place.

We wolf down breakfast at full speed. I boil him a couple of soft-boiled eggs, peel them while he's still getting ready, and feed him spoonful by spoonful. We can't stop laughing.

Eventually he rushes out to the car, promising he'll be back before eleven because I have an appointment with a man whose parakeet has started plucking out its feathers.

After he drives away, my excitement doesn't fade.

I grab the garden hose, water the flowers, clean up the kitchen, and make myself a second breakfast, my thoughts spinning the entire time like a carousel at a country fair.

And then I perch on the porch for a moment, fixing my eyes on my phone. Time to spread the good news, starting with family.

I send a double text to my parents first.

"I found my fated mate… and we're expecting twins! I'll call tonight so we can talk properly."

A response comes in literally a minute later.

"Oh my dear Fate! What wonderful news, Marly! The best there is! I’m so happy for you, son, please call, we’ll be waiting impatiently…"

My face instinctively breaks into a smile, but then something shifts in my thoughts and doesn’t let go.

For a moment I stare at the screen, then I send a separate text just to my dad, frowning a bit.

"I think this is the moment when I can and want to tell you. I’m a cat shifter and he’s a mantis shifter. I hope we can talk about it. I’m at a point in my life where my family history matters to me, because I’m starting to shape my own as well."

This time I wait much longer for a reply.

After about ten minutes, a message appears on the screen.

"Alright, son. I agree, this is a good moment. If you want, we can talk about it. And maybe relieve ourselves of this burden of secrecy that has been hanging over us way too long."

What? So he’s ready too?

Something in our family has thawed; some kind of block has broken and set us free? Feeling a wave of relief and joy, I reply: "Absolutely!"

After that, I message Gabriel and Blue.

"Reporting that everything went according to plan. Your lawyer brought Fenn here and I… I'm pregnant. Also, we're fated mates! Can you believe it?"

Right away, I even text Mr. Davos, inviting him over to our place for tea, saying that Fenn and I would be glad if he could come by when he has time.

Then I notice two more messages on my phone asking to schedule veterinary appointments.

Wow. Everything is taking off!

Once again, I wander into the room we've chosen for the babies.