Chapter Twenty-Two

Maxwell must’ve asked me ten thousand times if I was sure I didn’t want to stay another night. I didn’t, and I thought I was more surprised than he was by a smidge.

“Oliver Creek,” he said as we passed the welcome sign. I remembered getting out of the truck and noticing how lovely the sign was. If I knew what awaited me in this bustling little town, I would’ve kept on going—speeding toward what Fate had in mind for me.

“I’m never moving,” I said, laughing. Never thought I’d hear myself say those words.

“We can if you like, but not without us.” Maxwell reached across the car and splayed his large hand over my belly. It was so big—practically its own entity.

“I can’t wait to bring our little one on all kinds of trips. Hiking and camping and everywhere,” I said, letting my hand wave in and out of the wind as we drove to our home.

“It’s going to be an adventure, that much is for sure. I hope you enjoyed the weekend. I wanted to get you out before the two of us are three.”

“The falls were incredible. And that little wagon-house we stayed in—just perfect, alpha. Thank you again. I hope you had a good time as well.”

He chuckled. “I think we know I had a good time.”

We had lots of good times in the secluded area. My pregnancy hormones had kicked up my sexual appetite to an all-time high and my alpha made sure that each spike was satisfied.

“Did you want to stop by the shop? Make sure everything is fine? I know you do.”

Maxwell kept on top of everything for the Oliver Creek Brew. He was such a hard worker and made sure we and our business were taken care of. We’d decided that after our young was born, I would only work part-time. I wanted to be present for all the first things.

We got home shortly after seeing that the shop was fine and Glen was closing up again. Once the bags were brought in, I collapsed onto the couch. Everything made me tired lately and even driving home after a short trip was included.

“Give me those feet,” Maxwell said, sitting on the couch.

“All you do is take care of me lately,” I whined.

“Turns out, that’s all I want to do lately. It’s a win-win.” He took my feet in his lap but it was short-lived.

“Wait, I have to pee again.” I stood up with his help but as soon as I did, I heard a splash on our wood floors. “Please tell me I didn’t just pee my pants. It’s the only pregnancy symptom I’ve avoided.”

“Okay, omega mine. Listen to me. That wasn’t pee. Your water just broke.”

I began to shake inside until he put his hand on my shoulder. “I’m here. Let’s breathe. Think slow. Just like Quinn and Aster taught us.”

Quinn and Aster also taught birthing classes and Max had insisted we take them.

“We can do this,” I repeated. “I can do this.”

“Yes. Let me help you into the shower and I’m calling Quinn. Deep breaths. I love you.”

“I love you too.” I forced a smile. “Let’s have a baby.”