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“I don’t think they would do that to us,” I said. At least, I hoped not. “My father isn’t exactly like that. He’s extremely quiet, and he really doesn’t care to be around others all that much. My mother is a bit more outgoing, I guess, but she’s been with Father for so long, she’s really quiet as well. They’ve met Wilder’s mate several times, and their children as well, but I’ve not seen them for quite some time. I don’t understand why they would suddenly decide to come back for a visit.” I took the phone from Lewis and saw several more messages from my brother.

Wilder: I didn’t realize you finding your mate was a secret.

Wilder: It’s a bit messed up that they didn’t even mention visiting until I let that info out.

Wilder: Why do you get attention from them just because you found your mate?

I rolled my eyes at that one.

Me: Stop bitching. I’m not getting attention. I cannot tell you the last time I heard from them. Maybe six months ago? I hear from them once or twice a year, and if they know I found my mate, they haven’t bothered to call or message since. If you want them there with you, enjoy.

I hit Send and then growled, irritated with my brother even more. Why was he upset at me? I’d done nothing, to the point of not even sharing with them that I’d found my mate.

Me: Grow up, Wilder. I didn’t ask for them to visit, and if they are, that’s on them. I know nothing of this, and I honestly don’t have time for childish games because you’re jealous for whatever reason.

I sent that one and then put the phone on the side table. Lewis glanced at it before he peered up at me.

“Good? Bad? Indifferent?”

“All of the above? Wilder seems to be jealous because, according to him, our parents are coming for a visit, but they didn’t mention it until he shared my news with them. Now he thinks I’m getting attention from them, when in reality, I don’t want it. They like it in Europe. They can stay there. They call once or twice a year. Even if I message monthly, I don’t hear back from them. If I call, they don’t answer. They’re just really detached, and I can accept that.”

Lewis placed his hands on my cheeks. “I’m sorry, Vaughn. I don’t understand why they would be like that. If my parents were alive and they had the ability to be here to meet you or our baby, they would be all over both opportunities.”

I pulled Lewis in for another kiss. I kept it very brief, though, because he was supposed to be resting while we cuddled on the couch. Neither of those things was happening.

“I love you,” I whispered.

“I know. I love you too. And if your parents decide to come and visit, I won’t be upset. I’d like to meet them, even if they’re only coming to see me and the baby.”

I took a deep breath. “I’ll message them and see what’s up. It might be that they’re just coming back for a bit, but maybe they have plans to visit.” I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. Why would they wait until I’d found my mate and we were having a baby to visit? Why not visit more often? They were retired and didn’t do much beyond travel anyway.

I opened the message thread for my parents and stared at the multiple messages I’d sent to them for the past several months until I’d met Lewis. Then all of a sudden, I’d just stopped. Was that why? Were they coming to visit because I’d stopped messaging?

I glanced up at my mate, and when I saw his smiling face, I started typing. I’d do anything for him, including inviting my parents here for a visit.

Chapter 22

Lewis

Iwas blissfully warm. Maybe too warm. I rolled over and felt my stomach revolt. I sat upright and felt a sudden gush and then pain. The cheeseburger and fries I’d eaten just a few hours ago suddenly decided that nope, they weren’t good for me, and I didn’t even have time to try and get out of the bed to get to the bathroom. I leaned to the side, and everything came up and out there on the floor. I wasn’t sure if it was the noise that brought Vaughn into the bedroom or if it was the pain I was in and he could feel it as well. Either way, I was incredibly happy to see him. Only I couldn’t talk.

“All right. What do I need to do to help?” Vaughn asked.

The next wave of nausea hit, and more food came up. Vaughn disappeared into the bathroom and came running back with the little trash can. I hugged it to my chest, and thankfully, the next wave of late-night snack, followed by several of bile, made it into the trash can.

“Cutie, I’m going to call Dr. King. Is that what I need to do?”

I nodded and then spit. This was way worse than it had been early in my pregnancy. “Waters broke. The bed is soaked,” I managed to croak out before spitting again. I had vomit and bile everywhere, and this was not a good look or feeling. I wanted to wash my face, blow my nose, and brush my teeth. Not necessarily in that order though. And I wasn’t sure if my stomach was finished turning itself inside out. Why now? Beau never said anything about throwing everything up while going into labor.

Vaughn returned again, this time with a cup of water—he was the absolute best—as well as a wet washcloth. I moaned as another contraction hit me, and I felt more fluid gush out onto the bed around me. This was absolutely not a lovely moment, and I was not enjoying labor even a little. I took the washcloth and wiped my face, and then a tissue appeared. I looked up at my mate and tried to smile. “You are the best. How can you be so amazing at the moment? There is nothing beautiful about this.” That man was never going to touch me again. This was all the furthest thing from sexy as one could get. I blew my nose and tossed it into the trash can. I gagged a little, but after I took the cup, I smelled it before I brought it to my mouth. Mouthwash. Oh, he really was an angel.

“Might I come in?”

I wanted to cry at the sound of Dr. King’s voice.

“Yes, please,” Vaughn said. He took a step back and held up a hand as Dr. King entered. “Just be careful. He’s having a hard time of things, and he got sick before he could get out of bed.”

Dr. King looked at me with no judgment on his face, only understanding. “How about we take care of that mess,” he said, waving his hand, “the one surrounding you, and then get you comfortable so you can enjoy your delivery?”