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Rohan glanced his way before returning his focus to the illuminated number above the elevator doors. “Gray’s in labor.”
“It’s a bit early, isn’t it?” Wilder asked, concern for his friends making his chest ache.
Rohan nodded. From the set of his jaw, Wilder noticed Rohan’s worry.
“I’ll go with you,” Wilder proclaimed, checking his pockets for his wallet and phone.
“You’ve already missed so much time with Avery’s case. Hell, so have I.” Rohan eyed him as the elevator beeped. “I can call you and keep you updated.”
Wilder pushed Rohan into the car and slid in himself. “Your focus should be on your omega. I want to be there to help in any way I can.” The doors closed, and the car began its descent. “Where are the children?”
“The manny is home, and all the babes and teenagers are there.”
“Good,” Wilder murmured. “Does Gray have all he needs? I could go by your house and pick up a bag and meet you at the hospital.”
“No, he had a bag prepared already… he’s got what he needs.”
Wilder searched his expression, sensing Rohan’s apprehension. Softly, he added, “He’s been through this before. He was prepared and knows what’s coming.”
Rohan nodded. “Yeah. I'm aware.” He cast a glance toward Wilder. “It’s just… he’s struggled through this one… and now the babe’s coming early.” He let out a rush of air. “What if…”
“No what ifs. He’s going to be fine. The babe’s going to be fine.”
“I hope so.” Rohan crossed his arms, lifting one hand to his mouth. “I just… worry.”
“Well, let it out now. Give it to me to hold on to.”
Rohan eyed him.
“You need to get it out and off your chestbeforeyou get to the hospital. Give it to me to carry.”
“I’m not adding more to your shoulders.”
“I can take it.”
Rohan smiled wanly. “Gray’s struggled. Like I said. I’ve had this nagging feeling something bad was going to happen. For months, it’s been festering inside.” Tears shone in his eyes. “I can’t lose another man I love. I’m not strong enough to survive another.” He clenched his jaw. “And the boys…” He released a breath, almost gasping for the next. “The boys need him as much as I do.”
Wilder’s chest tightened at the mention of Jamie. He understood some of Rohan’s pain, especially having an omega who was lost to him, so to speak. “Gray’s not Jamie. He hasn’t struggled through a deadly illness.”
“We're all aware how dangerous childbirth is. It can be just as deadly.”
“It can.” Wilder struggled with a lump in his throat. “I won’t lie. I already worry about Avery going through this very thing months down the road. Behind bars. Alone.” He stopped, realizing he was only adding his own fears to Rohan’s. “You’re going to be there. Holding his hand and helping him bring this new life into the world.” Wilder smiled. “Plus, you’ve got Jamie watching down on you. We both know he won't let anything happen to Gray.”
Rohan smiled, but the joy wasn’t completely in his eyes. “No, your brother is likely yelling at me right now for being an idiot.”
“Could be,” Wilder said with a grin.
“I will be strong for him. Them.”
Wilder caught Rohan’s eye. “Now it’s all off your chest and you can let it go. Be there for him.”
“Thanks,” Rohan murmured.
Wilder clasped his shoulder. “What are best friends for?”
Rohan smiled, a stronger one than the last. He took a deep breath and exhaled. “I’m ready. This is going to be a good day.”
Wilder clapped Rohan’s shoulder. “Indeed, it is.”
