12. Milo

Chapter twelve

Milo

T he elevator doors open and I step through, feeling a sense of deja vu wash over me. It’s been awhile since I’ve been back at the office. I was fired after all.

I still can’t help but smile every time I think about that. I had a perfect streak before I started working for Baylen yet I can’t find it in myself to be upset. I’d trade any job to be with Baylen.

It’s been so strange not having a job at the moment but I’ve been keeping myself busy with other things. Like getting my house ready to sell and moving all my stuff into Baylen’s house. I also got to supervise a construction company redoing the bathroom. We’ve indulged in a large bathtub in the bathroom, one that’s big enough for me to lay completely in, let my octopus out and swim in, or allow both of us to sit in it together. It’s perfect.

I wave at a few people as I cross the space towards Baylen’s office. It feels a little strange to be back but at the same time, it feels natural. Baylen’s told everyone that we’re together and the reception was really great. They’re happy for him.

I’m about to walk past my old desk when someone stands up, stopping my path. The woman in front of me is short and older than me, her hair a dark black color with a few streaks of gray.

“Sorry, but Mr. Ongash is on the phone right now. You can leave his food delivery with me.”

“Oh my gods, you must be Martha!”

I watch as Martha sniffs the air before her eyes are widening. Normally I’d find someone sniffling me rude, but in this instance, I let it slide. Martha smells like a bear shifter and no doubt, she’s been able to pick up on my relationship with Baylen. She’s probably noticed his belly as well. “You’re Milo?”

“That’s me! Thank you again for coming back to work a little earlier than we planned.”

Her entire face lights up. “It’s really no problem. Once I found out all the juicy details, I had to come back. Mostly just to see for myself that Baylen’s found love.” Her eyes sweep me up and down, assessing me. “You held down the fort while I was gone, thank you.”

“It was my pleasure. Literally.”

Martha shakes her head but her eyes soften. “I’m really happy for you both. Baylen is wonderful once you learn to speak his language.”

“He really is,” I say softly. My hand touches my sapphire earring and I smile to myself.

“I’m also really happy that your family is growing.” She bites her bottom lip for a moment before adding, “I didn’t even know about Baylen being a carrier.”

“Oh, he’s not,” I say and then wonder if maybe I should have kept that to myself. Martha is a shifter so she’d understand but I’m not so sure Baylen wants people knowing about what goes on in our relationship. “I’m an octopus,” I say, keeping things focused on me rather than him.

Martha nods. “Gotcha. You don’t have to explain further than that. Either way, I’m very happy for you both. Maybe when the kids are older, we’ll have to plan some playdates.”

“I’d love that,” I tell her with a grin. “Is the phone call important or can I sneak in?”

“It’s his mother so I’m sure he won’t mind if you go in. It was really nice to officially meet you, Milo.”

“Likewise.”

I step over to Baylen’s office, leaning my hip against the doorframe. I take a moment just to take him in. His back is to me, facing towards the windows in his office.

“No, no. I don’t want you there for that.” The back of his neck starts to turn red and I almost give myself away by snickering. “Mom! No, I just want it to be me and Milo. He’ll take care of me.”

My chest feels like it may burst at the seams with the amount of love welling up inside of me. I love him. I love Baylen so much. Sometimes it catches me off guard with the force of it and other times it sits just under my skin, becoming part of me as much as my blood and bones.

“Once the baby is here I’ll let you know right away. Then you’ll be able to come over and see them.” Baylen hums. “I do have a question. I never thought to ask because I never thought I would be having children in this manner but how do I get paperwork for the baby?”

My planner, always needing everything compartmentalized in his head. He’s on top of everything and I get to be on top of him. I find myself smiling as I listen to his conversation, warmth flooding me. My inner octopus sighs happily, just as love sick as I am.

“Oh, you have a guy. Okay. Can I have his information please? Thank you.”

Baylen turns around and he startles at the sight of me. I give him a wave and I get the pleasure of watching his face morph into a soft smile. “Hey, mom? Yeah, my mate just arrived so I’m gonna have to go. Mhmm, I’ll tell him. I love you too.”

Baylen touches his earpiece, hanging up the call. My stomach is all over the place, warming and fluttering and tumbling around with butterflies. I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of hearing Baylen call me his mate.

“Hey,” I say as I step into Baylen’s office properly. “I brought you some lunch.”

“You’re amazing. I forgot to bring something from home and I’m absolutely starving.”

“I hope tacos are okay. I know they’re usually a safe food but sometimes when you’re not feeling the best they aren’t what you want.”

Baylen’s features soften. “Thank you, Milo.” His hands rub at his belly. Yeah, he really can’t keep coming into the office. Because there’s only one egg inside him, he won’t get all that big but it does look like something is going on. I’d rather not have the office buzzing with rumors of Baylen having a growth or something.

“Of course. I like taking care of you, you know that.”

“I do,” he says softly, sitting down in his office chair and pulling the tacos towards himself. “This smells so good. I didn’t even notice I was so hungry until right now.”

I chuckle softly, watching as he opens the box and takes a giant bite. “What did your mother have to say? I kinda miss talking to her.”

Baylen hums, doing his best to chew and swallow quickly so he can respond. “She wanted me to tell you that you can call her any time and that she misses talking to you as well.”

“That’s so sweet,” I say with a grin. “Just like you.”

Baylen narrows his eyes at me. “I’m not sweet. If anything my insides are metallic and salty.”

I wiggle my brows at him. “You were definitely salty last night when I - “

“Okay, that’s enough,” he says, cutting me off. We both break out into laughter and I’m struck once again how lucky I am to be able to call Baylen my mate. Being with him, especially after pining for so long, makes me so happy. I love him and even though we haven’t spoken the words out loud to each other yet, I don’t have a doubt in my mind that Baylen loves me too.