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We didn’t say much as he drove us home, and I fucking hated how I’d let my own insecurities ruin our afternoon. He might not have complained, though I certainly felt like I’d been a downer. I’d never considered myself a negative person, but it seemed that was all my brain went to lately. I suppose it’s easier to shove them away and expect the worst rather than risk getting hurt again. Yeah, I definitely needed to work on letting people in, or I’d live a miserable life.
“Hey, I’m here when you’re done processing. I’m not going to push you, and this doesn’t scare me. This silence doesn’t mean I’m ready to run or wanting distance from you. This time is for you,” he promised just before the elevator doors opened. There was a clatter and rustle, then we hurried out to Miles, Beckham, and Graham. They were all reading books, or they were before they tried to hide them. Unfortunately, their stealth skills were not up to par. One had fallen to the floor, and I immediately recognized the cover.
“You’re all reading pregnancy books?” My voice was no more than a whisper, but even that sound was loud in the awkward silence that descended when our eyes trained to the floor.
“Of course we are. We need to know what’s happening, so we can help,” Miles said like it was obvious.
“Did you know the baby is the size of an orange this week?” Beckham asked, snatching an orange out of the fruit bowl on the table and holding it up for me to see. The wonder in his eyes struck me right through the fucking heart, and I melted right then and there.
I’d given them an estimated date when the omegas asked about it, but I hadn’t expected them to be here, learning about babies. I was blown away by their involvement.
“Believe me yet?” Wells asked as he took a seat. He pulled out his phone and hit a few buttons before the swooshing methodical sound of the baby’s heartbeat played. “Sorry if you didn’t want the recording, but I had a feeling you might.”
“I didn’t even think about it,” I said, startled that I’d almost lost that first sound forever. “Thank you.”
“See? Alphas can be useful sometimes,” Miles teased. “So, is there a cute little baby bump yet?”
“Yeah,” I admitted, lifting my shirt to show the subtle swell. Just seeing their excitement was amping up my own, and before I knew it, we were showing off the ultrasound photos while I updated them on what the doctor had said. I hadn’t expected that I could find such joy in this unexpected situation.
This bubble of safety and acceptance was exactly what I needed to finally accept this baby and forgive myself.
