Chapter Twenty-Two

I hadn't spoken to Zion all day. He was testing out some new recipes and offerings for the boxes in the store, plus, he had three huge orders for boards that were going to be picked up today. Of course, he had recommended my shop for the flowers for the wedding reception and so, the last week had been a big one for me as well. My flowers had been picked up already, and I was exhausted from head to toe.

Zion texted me pictures of different things he'd come up with during the day and sent Scott over with tester items but, even though we spent all our time together we could, I missed my big teddy bear.

I closed up shop and walked over, noticing that the line went out of the shop and down the sidewalk.

What in the world was happening? I went into the shop after being blocked by some people in line. I had to explain that I was mated to the owner, and that was the only reason they let me through.

"Scott?" I asked Zion's brother as I made it behind the counter. "How can I help?"

Scott put me to work after Zion grumbled a good bit about me being on my feet and explained that Camila, an influencer who had come in weeks ago, had posted her experience on Instagram and tagged Zion's shop in the post. He'd thought she was just an ordinary customer and had been shocked to realize her reach. She'd tagged mine as well, but people wanted cheese and meat before roses. I didn't blame them one bit.

I made box after box, according to the instructions in the binder Zion kept for everything in the store, laminated and categorized by facets of the business. I was currently making the sweets and treats box. It had brownie bites, cake pops, and a sampling of all the treats offered by his shop.

Scott was working on the carnivore, a meat-and-cheese-only box.

Zion was calling out names for readied orders while his two part-time workers were staying overtime to help with checking out.

The line finally died down after a few hours, and now I knew why I hadn't heard from my mate all day.

He'd been up to his eyeballs in business.

"Holy shit," Scott said, putting his hands on his hips after Zion closed the door and flipped the sign.

"That was crazy," I said. "Holy shit is right."

"No." He looked at the floor in front of me. "Holy shit, Cicek. I think your water just broke."

I gazed at the floor sideways, since my belly disrupted the view, and a small puddle of clear liquid surrounded my feet. I had felt something down there, but our babe was active so I never knew.

Huh.

Zion moved into action. "Come on. To the healer with you. The baby is coming. Scott, can you go to the house and get the bags?" He had already mopped the floor and had me in his arms before everything registered.

I was about to have a baby. Our baby.

Once we arrived at the healer's office, Quinn met us out front, since it was late, and helped us to the birthing room. I was already having contractions minutes apart and could feel the revolution happening in my body. "Quinn, I think it's time. This baby is coming now."

"Right now?" Zion asked and came over to hold my hand.

"Right now," Quinn confirmed after a quick exam.

"I thought it took longer. His water only broke an hour ago. Not even," Zion said, his tone even, but my hedgehog felt his nervousness through the bond.

"First labors are often fast, especially with an active omega. I've never delivered a hedgehog babe. A first for all of us." He'd seemed so knowledgeable about us…must have been from reading.

Quinn had me position myself in a crouch, which I had decided was best for me. Zion rubbed my back. "They have crowned, Cicek. Time to push."

I bore down with all my might, now eager to get the babe out of me. This pain was excruciating. There was a ring of fire that took over my back entrance before I screamed out once.

"There we are. You did incredible, Cicek. One push and done. All kinds of firsts tonight." Quinn held my babe up, cleaning him up as best he could and assessing him quickly, head to toe. "Looks perfect. Ten toes and fingers. Already breathing well."

"He's not crying," Zion said.

"A quiet one, I suppose," Quinn replied. "He's breathing well."

"He?" I asked. I honestly hadn't looked. I was more interested in his formation and if he was healthy.

"Yes." Quinn smiled, handing the baby to me. "A son. Congratulations, you two."