Chapter 8
CHAPTER EIGHT
Julian
Two days after finding out we were going to become parents, Nyx and I take a day off to go to the courthouse to solidify our bond. It’s not that we technically have to get married. It’s more about us wanting to be connected in every way possible.
I can’t imagine a life without my Omega now that he’s here.
And that tiny bean growing in his belly is even more reason for me to move things along. I’d originally been shopping for rings to propose before the shooting. My plan had been to take him to dinner, maybe convince him life with me wouldn’t be so bad.
Then, BAM. Everything blows up in a sea of bullets and babies.
Figures when Fate decides to bless me with my wildest dreams it comes in a flurry. And with everything not lining up nearly as smoothly as I’d envisioned.
“You nervous, baby?” I ask Nyx as we wait in the foyer for the judge to be ready.
We’re in matching suits, both solid black. I’ve got a tie, but my Omega opted for slightly more relaxed. I don’t give much care to those details. So long as he’s here to tie the knot with me, he could be in a fucking trash bag.
Then again, that might not go well.
Since the minute he took my knot, I’ve been insatiable. We’ve managed to fuck multiple times and in multiple places. Not once has my shoulder given me any troubles, nor has my Omega worried over me like he used to. I think his brain is too overwhelmed with baby stuff to hover over me like he had been.
“Nope. Excited, but not nervous. I haven’t been sick all day. The meds are working!”
My mate bounces a bit on his toes as he shakes his shoulders. It’s so unlike his normal personality that I chuckle. This baby is going to change more than his shape it seems. He’s already become a nesting mess since finding out he’s ‘a month behind’.
“There you two are,” a familiar voice calls out. I turn to see a large group striding our way.
“What are you guys doing here?”
Ezra makes it to me first, a mischievous grin on his face. “You didn’t think we’d let you do this alone would you? In my book, you’re family. I wouldn’t have my Davie if it weren’t for what you did. We want to be here on your special day.”
“He’s right,” Zeke adds as he and Rylan come up. Rylan waves without speaking, a little bundle sits in the harness on his chest.
Osvaldo, Jerome, and Jonathan are next. The youngest of their group is tucked in Jerome’s arms. They all wave too, though Jonathan breaks the silence by saying, “Glad you got yourself a mate. You helped Dad win the bet! We’re going on vacation!”
“A bet, huh?” I ask teasingly.
Ezra snorts as Harper, Treyton, and Gigi round out the group. Gigi giggles and reaches my way. It breaks my heart to shake my head at her.
“Got a boo-boo, pretty girl. I can’t hold you right now.” She pouts, but at least she doesn’t give me the waterworks. I don’t know if I’d survive it.
“Our baby is going to have you wrapped around their finger, aren’t they?”
At my mate’s voice, I turn to find him grinning wildly. “I mean, what else did you expect? I’ve waited a long time for this. Spoiling these kids has been a good past time while I’ve waited, but nothing tops having my own 24/7.”
“If you wanted extra babysitting time, we could have arranged something.” Jerome winks at me, then tugs Ozzy closer. “There will be plenty more time in the future anyway since we’re baking another.”
The group erupts into muted cheers. Between the sleeping little ones and the location, we can’t celebrate as raucously as we might normally.
Nyx goes over to hug Ozzy. “We’ll have matching bumps! I’m so excited!”
The Alphas around us give me looks of amusement at the outburst. They’ve all dealt with moody Omegas during pregnancies. It’s nothing new to them.
“Bates party?” The attendant comes out with her clipboard.
“Present,” I reply as I move toward her. From the way her eyes widen, I know the entire group is following me. I don’t really care since Nyx makes quick work of scooting up to me and tucking himself into my side.
The ceremony itself isn’t all that eventful. Judge Kitsen, an old friend, reads through the process and asks us if we want to read our own vows. We tell him no, since neither of us expected an audience to show up. Plus, everything we’d want to say to each other will happen later when it’s just the two of us.
“Very good, then. I now pronounce you Alpha husband and Omega husband. You may kiss to solidify this union,” Kitsen declares.
Nyx tugs me by the lapels until our lips crash together. I faintly hear the cheers going up around us, as well as the chuckle the judge gives to the outburst. It’s all background noise to the feelings tearing through me at the feel of my mate.
When we pull apart, he smiles serenely. “Hey, husband. Ready to get out of here?”
“Absolutely!”
“Party at Zeke’s place!” Ezra cries out the words as we shuffle toward the door. “Oh, and there’s cake so you can’t say no.”
My husband squeezes my good hand tightly. “He said cake! We have to go.”
“Whatever you want, baby. I just want to be with you.”
The party isn’t like what you might think. Instead of flowing drinks and dancing, the group revels in sharing stories of our pasts. I didn’t think there were many where I was involved, but Ezra relieves me of that belief pretty quickly.
“This guy was always on my case growing up. Can’t tell you how many times he showed up to question me for something suspicious or because a prank happened,” he tells the group.
“Most of the time you were actually guilty, Ezra. How many hours of community service did you wind up doing in your teens?”
He lifts his hands up. “Hey, now! I didn’t say I was innocent. I just find it rude you always assumed it was me first.”
Others join in sharing memories of me being in the background of their lives and how they’re thankful or me now. Nyx listens intently as he eats three pieces of cake. I try to convince him to add some protein to the mix, but I can’t really hold him to it.
If my husband is happy, I’m happy.
When night falls and the men all slip off to head home to put kids to bed, I lead my mate to our car. He leans on me heavily, his own exhaustion hitting him.
“You’ve got great friends,” he mumbles.
I hum. “They’re your friends too now.”
“Good. I hope I have as many memories with you as they do one day.”
After easing him in the passenger seat, I move around to the driver’s side. “Are you jealous I had to roundup those hooligans for years? It’s not as thrilling as Ezra made it seem, I promise you.”
Nyx shakes his head. “It’s not about that. I just wish I’d found you sooner.”
“You found me right when you were supposed to, my Omega. It all came at Fate’s timing, which we both know is the only one worth following. Besides, we’ve got plenty of time to make memories together. Especially with this addition.” I run my hand over his stomach.
He dozes as we head home, his head tilted my way. My injury is inconvenient most days, but it’s worse on that short journey. I can’t keep the wheel steady and hold onto him too.
By the time I rouse him and get us into the house, he’s more awake. Nyx removes my suit for me, then focuses on his own.
We climb into bed together, his head on my good shoulder as he curls around me. “You’re the best husband in the world,” he mumbles before letting out a loud snore.
I chuckle, then kiss his forehead. “I think that time is actually yours, baby.”