Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Nineteen

(Six months into the pregnancy)

Dario

I've gone with Alessio to all of his doctor appointments. But the six-month checkup feels different somehow. It's as if the weight of the upcoming arrival of our baby is settling more tangibly on both of us.

Dr. Martin enters the examination room with her usual warm smile. "How are you boys doing today?"

Alessio says, "I'm looking forward to not being pregnant. The baby can't come soon enough."

Dr. Martin laughs. "Yes about the six month mark most omegas are more than ready for it to be over."

"Half the time he's afraid of the birth part of things, and the other half he can't wait for it to be over." I grimace. "Which is the real Alessio?"

"They both are," Dr. Martin says. "If I'm honest, pregnancy is a mixture of anticipation and dread."

"You nailed it." Alessio nods. "It's like I can't wait for the baby to arrive, but I also don't want to go through giving birth."

"That's normal." Dr. Martin studies her tablet as she speaks. "The rarity is an omega who can't wait to give birth. It's intimidating." She smiles at Dario. "How are you holding up, Dario? Pregnancy isn't exactly easy on the alpha either."

"I'm okay."

Alessio rolls his eyes. "How was it hard for the alpha? He doesn't have swollen ankles and heartburn constantly."

I frown. "I have stress about the pregnancy too. It's my job to keep you safe, and I'm constantly worried about you and the baby. No, my ankles are swollen, but I do have indigestion a lot. I don't know if it's psychosomatic or what, but every meal gives me heartburn."

Dr. Martin smiles. "You mustn't negate the stress that your alpha is under, Alessio. He doesn't have to give birth, but he's still very much a part of this process. Dario is very attentive. He's one of the few alphas I've seen who accompanies his omega to every single appointment."

Alessio looks sheepish. "Sorry." He reaches out to me and I grab his hand. "I'm feeling grumpy because I feel fat, and swollen, and hungry, and sweaty. There's a whole list. None of it good."

I squeeze his hand. "Trust me, I know that you have a harder than me. I only mean that it hasn't been easy for me either. As an alpha, I'm used to being in control of everything. I have no control over anything when it comes to this pregnancy. That gives me a lot of anxiety."

Alessio frowns. "Why didn't you tell me any of this? You always act like you have everything under control. You never seem that worried to me."

I laugh gruffly. "I didn't want to burden you. You have it far worse than me. I'm supposed to be comforting you, not the other way around."

"You can comfort each other." Dr. Martin shrugs. "That's what a healthy relationship is like. One partner shouldn't do all the comforting."

"From now on," Alessio begins, "I want you to tell me when you're feeling stressed."

I wince. "I'll try." Talking about my feelings isn't really my thing. I know that Alessio likes that, so I do try to share things with him if I'm feeling a certain way. However, when it comes to the pregnancy, I feel he's burdened enough.

"Okay," says Dr. Martin. "So, we know that you're both feeling stressed emotionally, let's see how you're doing physically, Alessio." She has Alessio lie down on the examination table, and she measures his stomach. "The size of your belly looks good." She places her stethoscope against Alessio's rounded belly. "Heartbeat is strong." She gives a reassuring smile. "Everything is going smoothly."

She goes to get the ultrasound machine, and she rolls it over to the examination table. "Today's ultrasound should be a little more exciting than the first one. You should actually be able to see the baby this time."

"This is exciting," Alessio says breathlessly.

"We don't want to know the sex of the baby," I say quickly.

She nods. "Okay. Then I won't tell you." She puts gel on Alessio stomach, and begins rolling the wand lightly over his skin. "Today we're checking the development of the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, spine, and limbs to ensure everything is developing as expected."

Unlike the first time we saw the ultrasound, this time there's a definite outline of the baby. The heartbeat is more obvious too, and the doctor doesn't even need to point it out to us this time. My chest tightens as I gaze upon our baby. It's hard to comprehend this is all real. Alessio is caring our child inside his body. It's miraculous. Astounding. It just makes me love him even more, if that's possible.

Alessio winces. "The baby just kicked. It's been moving a lot lately."

"That's normal. If you weren't feeling kicks, then I'd be more concerned," Dr. Martin says. She peers at the screen, her face scrunched. "The placenta position is good. The baby's growth seems on track. Amniotic fluid volume is excellent."

Alessio hasn't said anything for a few moments, and when I look at him I see tears running down his cheeks. My heart aches and I take his hand.

"It's just so beautiful," he whispers. "I feel closer to the baby seeing it. It's not just this faceless creature giving me heartburn and making my legs swell. It's a real little person in there."

I nod, a lump forming in my throat. "I know what you mean," I said gruffly. "This is real. This is everything I've ever wanted."

Alessio smiles at me. "It's everything we wanted that we didn't even know we wanted."

I laugh. "Exactly."

Dr. Martin watches us with a little smile. "I have to say, it's really nice to see a couple who are so in love. You two are very in tune to each other. I love seeing that."

Alessio and I smile at each other.

If she only knew how we met, she'd probably be horrified. It's true that now we're bonded perfectly. But when we first met we were mortal enemies. I wonder what she'd say if she knew that Alessio had wanted to kill me when he first met me. But that's not a story she's ever going to hear. Because as rocky as it was when we began our journey together, our love is solid. All-consuming. I'd die for Alessio without hesitation, and I know he'd do the same for me.

Dr. Martin allows us to enjoy the ultrasound for another fifteen minutes, and then she flicks off the machine. She stands and pulls off her gloves, tossing them in the trash receptacle. "Everything's going really well. There are no red flags that I can see, so just keep doing what you're doing. Maybe make sure you're getting some exercise. Walking is always good."

"Dario tries to get me to walk every evening." Looking sheepish, Alessio adds, "I'm not always as agreeable as I could be."

"Well, keeping in shape is important because when the baby gets here you're gonna need a lot of energy." Dr. Martin shrugs. "Keep nagging him, Dario. He'll thank you in the end."

I grimace. "I'll do my best. He gets pretty surly."

"Would you please stop talking about me like I'm not here?" Alessio sits up. "I'll take walks more frequently. I promise."

"You heard him, Dr. Martin." I grin. "You have to back me up if he tries to say he never said that."

She laughs. "I'm staying out of this." She moves to the door. "Are there any more questions?"

"Nope. Thanks for showing us the baby today, Doc." Alessio slides off the table. I help steady him once his feet touch the ground, and he gives me a grateful smile.

"You two take care of each other." Dr. Martin leaves the room.

Alessio dresses quickly, and we leave the doctor's office. I'd planned on taking Alessio to lunch, but Valentino calls as we reach the car asking me to help him with something. Alessio's face is pinched as we get in the car. I know he's pissed off that Valentino interrupted our time together. I hate it when Alessio is upset. It makes me uneasy to have my omega displeased.

"I won't be long, I don't think," I say gruffly.

"Sometimes I swear Valentino does this on purpose. I think he's jealous." Alessio crosses his arms, and stares out the window with a scowl.

I laugh. "He probably is jealous. He's used to having my undivided attention. I don't think he likes that I put you first. But that's just how it's gonna be, and he needs to get used to the idea."

"Those are great words, Dario. But if you'll notice, you're abandoning me to go run to Valentino. How exactly am I coming first? He's getting his way, as usual."

I frown. "I'm not abandoning you. I just can't take you to lunch. I'll take you to dinner instead. Will that make you happy?"

"As if Valentino will let you get home in time for dinner," he grumbles.

"I'll see to it that he does." I give him a nervous look. "Don't be mad at me, Alessio. It gives me an ulcer."

He glances over and his gaze softens. "Sorry. I'm hormonal today. I know that you have to go help Valentino. I think I'm frustrated because I'm not able to do as much work as I want. I feel like the men probably think I'm slacking. I can't help that I'm constantly sleepy and scatterbrained."

"The men have no idea about how tired you are. I've been trying to pick up any slack that needs picking up. Things are going smoothly. As far as they know, you're running things. You're the boss. You don't need to worry about any of that. I've got your back, Alessio."

His eyes look red as if he's feeling emotional. "You're so good to me, Dario. I'm such an emotional mess. How do you put up with me?"

"I'm not putting up with you. I'm honored to be your alpha. Every day is better because I met you. My life has meaning now. Before you know it, the baby will be born, and you'll be back to normal. We'll have a beautiful baby, our work, and our relationship. We can have it all, Alessio, because we're a team."

He cups his rounded belly and he gives a tearful laugh. "You have the most amazing father, little one. He's going to help me be a good dad too."

"You don't need me for that," I mutter. "You're going to be an wonderful dad."

"I guess we'll see." He sighs. "Cuz this kid is real and he's coming soon, whether we're ready or not."

****

(Eight and a half Months into the pregnancy)

I get home late one night, and Alessio is already in bed. I'm frustrated that he didn't wait up, but I understand he's exhausted all the time. I'm hungry, but I forego food so that I can get into bed with Alessio. I shower and crawl naked under the covers where he's snoring softly.

The moment I touch him, he rolls toward me. He's still half asleep and I kiss him softly on his mouth. I rub my hand over his plump stomach. His stomach is big now, and he's self-conscious about it. But I find it sexy. Arousing. I tug his boxers off of him, and he finally wakes up all the way.

"You want sex?" he asks groggily.

"I always want sex with you," I whisper in his ear.

He sighs. "I'm so gross and fat. Why do you want me?"

"You're fucking sexy, that's why," I rasp. "Stop putting yourself down." I run my hands down his hips and thighs, stroking his hardening cock. He moans at my touch, and the scent of slick wafts. I inhale his scent, lust buzzing through me. "Turn over, love," I say.

He does as I ask, and I spoon him. Sex is easier this way because of his stomach. I gently insert one finger into his slick hole, and he moans. I work that finger in and out of him, and he begins to move his hips. My dick aches, and once I think he's good and ready for me, I press the head of my cock to his hole. We both groan as I push inside, and begin gently thrusting.

"Fuck," he mumbles, reaching back to grip my ass. "Dario, fuck me harder."

"My pleasure." I thrust harder and he moans louder. I cup his big baby belly, pounding into him from behind. I feel the baby kicking against my hands, and I kiss the back of Alessio's neck. "Love you. Love this."

"Me too." His voice wobbles from the force of my thrusts.

I rub his big belly, pumping in and out of him. My balls ache with the need to empty inside him. My dick couldn't be any harder. There's nothing I love more than fucking my omega. I don't even remember what it was like having sex before Alessio. His scent and taste is all I need or want.

"I'm gonna come," he whimpers, trembling. "Oh, fuck, I'm c… coming, Dario." He cries out and shudders, and his hole quakes on my dick.

I fuck him through his climax, prolonging his pleasure. But it's not easy holding back. Once I'm sure he's satiated, I let go and pump my load inside his tight hole. Pleasure spirals through me and he moans as I fill him. I thrust until I'm soft, whispering how much I love him and need him.

I pinch the base of my dick to stop the knot from forming. I don't want to tire Alessio out any more than I already have. I get up and grab a warm washcloth. Then I gently clean Alessio up and the sheets where he spilled his release. He moves to my side of the bed, and we hold each other.

We fall asleep in each other's arms, but around 4:00 a.m. Alessio wakes me up.

"Dario, the baby is coming," he whispers. He crawls off the bed, and he goes into the bathroom.

Panic shoots through me as it sinks in what he said. I get off the bed in an instant and look around, frazzled. "I need to get dressed," I mutter and I hurry to the closet.

Alessio comes out of the bathroom, cheeks pink and eyes glittering with worry. "My water broke," he says. "I'm having contractions."

"Right." I grab his pregnancy bag from the dresser. We've had it packed for months just in case. "Let's go."

Alessio smiles weakly. "I need to get dressed and your still in just your boxers."

"Oh. Right. Of course." I glance down at my boxers. I drop the bag and hurry to grab jeans and a shirt.

Alessio pulls on sweatpants and an oversized hoodie. He grabs his stomach and groans, breathing irregularly. "Shit." He grits his teeth, in obvious pain. "These contractions are strong. We need to hurry."

Anxiety rages through me as I go to him. "I'll help you downstairs." We make our way down the steps, stopping every few minutes so that he can tolerate the contractions. It's slow-moving, but eventually we reach the SUV. "I called Valentino right before we started down the stairs. He said he'd meet us at the hospital."

"I hope Nico comes too." Alessio groans.

"He probably will." I help him into his seat. I clip the belt below his huge belly, around his hips.

I drive faster than I probably should, but Alessio is in so much pain and his contractions are coming every three minutes. I know that now that his water broke, time is of the essence. "Remember your breathing," I say. "They said it would help with the pain."

"They lied," he growls.

I grip the steering well. "It's okay, Alessio. We'll be there soon."

He wiggles in his seat, grabbing his stomach and moaning. "This hurts more than I thought. I don't like this one bit."

I don't know what to say. There's nothing I can do to help them. All I can do is drive safely and quickly. It's only about a five minute drive to the hospital, but it feels like an hour passes. I'm sure feels like even longer for Alessio. I park in front of the emergency entrance because it's after hours. I just leave the car, and help Alessio into the emergency room.

Once inside, a bored looking nurse at the little podium says, "You'll need to take him to the Labor and Delivery Reception. They handle all the maternity cases."

I'm immediately pissed off at her lackadaisical attitude. I bristle and say harshly, "My name is Dario Coppola, and I need you to get a wheelchair now. There's no way he can walk that whole way."

At the mention of my name, the nurse widens her eyes. "Oh, I… I didn't recognize you, Mr. Coppola. I'll get that chair for you."

"Thanks," I say curtly.

Alessio lets out a wail, and he grabs his stomach. "God, shit, fuck. I'm gonna die. This hurts too much, Dario. I… I can't do this."

"Yes you can. You're gonna be fine." I glance around angrily, looking for the nurse and the wheelchair. I see her running toward us pushing a wheelchair. I grab it from her, and help Alessio into the chair. Then I take off with him, going far faster than is probably safe. But he's in so much pain, and the labor and delivery reception area feels like miles away.

When I reach labor and delivery, they're far more on their game. Every one of them jumps into action when they see Alessio and me. Within minutes Alessio is taken to a labor room, and Dr. Martin is contacted. The nurses have me put on a gown and little booties on my feet. But I'd wear a clown suit if it meant I could be in the room with Alessio.

Alessio is moaning and obviously suffering as he writhes on the bed. There are stirrups at one end of the bed, but Alessio isn't quite ready for that yet. The nurses check his cervix and tell us he's ready. Dr. Martin arrives two minutes later, dressed in scrubs and looking much calmer than I feel.

She's wearing a mask, but her eyes crinkle as she smiles at me. "You boys ready for this?"

"No," Alessio wails. "I wanted an epidural. This is too painful."

"I'm sorry, Alessio. You're too far along for the epidural," Dr. Martin says, and her mask puffs as she speaks. "This baby is coming now. I'd take too long to get the anesthesiologist here in time."

"This is bullshit," Alessio whines. "I told you I wanted an epidural. This isn't right. I can't do this. I can't do it, I'm serious."

He's absolutely panicking, and I have to do something. I put my hand on his forehead. He's sweating and hot, but all I can think about is trying to soothe my omega. At my touch, he does quiet down a little. He looks at me, his eyes filled with pain. I want to help him. I want to take his pain for him. But I can't. All I can do is exert whatever calming alpha influence I have over him.

"Look at me, Alessio," I say gruffly. I stroke his hair and hold his gaze. "You're so strong. You can definitely do this, love. Before you know it, our child will be here. You can do this Alessio. I know you can."

"I'm scared," he whimpers.

"I know. I know you are. I promise you, you're going to be okay. It's time. It's time for our baby to arrive." My eyes sting. "It's up to you now, Alessio. I know that you can do this. Even if it's scary, you can do this."

His jagged breathing slowly calms. The raging fear in his eyes fades slightly. He's still in a lot of pain and he's still scared. But my voice is getting through to him. I can see the change in him.

I take his hand in mine. "Listen to everything that Dr. Martin tells you. She's going to help you through this. It's almost over, love."

He nods. "It's almost over," he whispers.

Dr. Martin says, "Alessio, I need you to put your feet in the stirrups. Then, when I tell you to, you're going to push."

Alessio flicks his gaze to hers. He hesitates, but then he puts his feet in the stirrups. Another contraction rolls through him and he cries out, but he keeps his feet in the stirrups. He arches his back, squeezing my hand so tight it actually hurts. But compared to what he's going through, I can handle a few bruised fingers.

I'm in awe of how calm Dr. Martin is. For all my pretending to be in control of my emotions, I'm actually freaking out inside. Dr. Martin gives Alessio calm concise instructions. She tells him when to push, and he obeys. The veins stick out on his face and throat as he strains to push the baby out. When she tells him to stop he stops, breathing hard. His face is flushed red, and tears stream down the sides of his face. My heart is breaking watching him in pain. If I could take the pain from him, and suffer it instead, I would.

After ten minutes of Alessio grunting and pushing, there's the cry of a baby. Dr. Martin holds up a squirming little infant. She suctions out the baby's mouth, and the child cries louder. Alessio starts crying too, covering his face.

I lean down and kiss his head gently, and he lowers his hands. "You did it," I say, my voice thick with tears. "You did it, Alessio. I love you so much."

Alessio lifts his head, and stares between his legs at Dr. Martin. When his eyes land on the squirming child, he gives a tired smile. "What is it? Girl or a boy?"

"Not sure." I didn't even think to ask. I was so consumed by Alessio, I didn't even think to ask what the sex of the child was.

Dr. Martin says, "You have a son."

Alessio groans. "Oh thank God. Maybe then I won't ever have to go through this again."

I laughed gruffly, and kiss him again. "You did so well."

"I did not. I lost my shit." He wipes at his face. "Do we get to hold the baby?"

The nurse smiles. "Of course. Just as soon as your alpha cuts the umbilical cord."

I moved down to the end of the bed where the child is. My heart softens immediately when I see our son. He has a tuft of blond hair, the color of Alessio's. I'm so relieved he seems to be taking after Alessio's looks. He's adorable too. Even though he's covered in whatever it is babies are covered in when they're born, he's still adorable.

The nurse hands me a pair of surgical scissors. There are two clamps on the umbilical cord, and she instructs me to cut between them. It's a lot harder to cut through the umbilical cord then I thought. But eventually, I succeed. They whisk the whimpering baby away.

I returned to Alessio. "He's cute. He looks like you."

"Really?" Alessio laughs.

The nurse brings the baby over swaddled in a blanket. Alessio takes the baby from the nurse, an expression of awe on his face. The baby coos and wiggles as we stare down at him. He's probably the most perfect thing I've ever seen. I instantly love him. It's the strangest sensation. I just met the little tyke, but I adore him.

"He has my hair but he has your eyes, Dario," whispers Alessio. "They're a beautiful brown like yours."

I frown. "I wish he had your eyes."

"I don't." Alessio smiles up at me. "I love that he's a mixture of both of us."

The baby starts to fuss, and Alessio looks nervous. "What does he want?"

The nurse smiles. "He probably wants to feed." She comes closer. "You're leaking, so it looks like your milk came in."

He glances down to find there is indeed liquid dripping from his nipples. "What the hell?" he squeaks.

The nurse laughs. "It happens when you hear the baby crying. It's natural." She helps Alessio position the baby near one of his nipples. "Now, when he latches on, it might hurt at first. But your nipples will toughen up."

"Oh, God," Alessio whimpers. Then the baby opens it's little mouth and begins to suckle his nipple and Alessio bugs his eyes. "Ouch. Ouch. Ouch. Slow down you little pig."

I grin, glad I'm not the one who has to feed our son. "You omegas really do get the bad end of the deal."

"It's not fair," grumbles Alessio. "Why does everything with having a baby have to hurt so much? Whose idea was it that the omega had to do all the work?"

The nurse smiles and meets my gaze. "Don't worry. All omegas complain about this stuff. It is pretty unfair. They have the right to complain."

"I agree," I murmur.

Dr. Martin comes over, looking tired. She smiles down at the baby. "This little guy couldn't wait to get here, I guess. He's two weeks early."

"I guess I'm glad it's over with." Alessio grimaces, but when he glances down at the feeding baby, his expression softens. "How can he be so cute?"

"What are you going to name him?" Dr. Martin asks.

I clear my throat. "I've been thinking, Alessio. We should call him Joesph, after your father. I think that would be a nice, respectful thing to do."

Alessio looks touched. "Really?"

I nod. "Yep. I think Joesph Abella-Coppola has a nice ring to it."

Alessio's eyes fill with tears. "You put my name first."

My eyes sting as I say, "I'll always put you first, Alessio. I promise."