Chapter Twenty
Briar
After we came down from the excitement of expecting, there were things to do. First, I asked Foster to move in with me.
The house was paid for, so it would be easier on him financially. The only thing we would split now would be the utilities and food.
Foster moved in the next weekend. The timing was perfect. His lease on the tiny apartment was over at the end of the month, but he’d waited until the last minute to renew, not knowing if we would move in together.
I wanted him with me. For the pregnancy and then, of course, after the baby came.
Even if we weren’t starting a family, he was my mate, and the time apart was hard. We each liked having time alone but at night, I wanted him beside me.
“Are you ready?” Foster asked, getting out of the shower.
I was fully dressed—had been since early that morning.
The healer visit was important, and I was a bit nervous about it.
Not because of the healer himself but about myself.
We’d already picked up some books from the library about pregnancy and Foster got one on baby names, but some of the information was conflicting.
One said I could drink coffee. One said absolutely no caffeine.
And that didn’t even scratch the surface of information available online.
It was overwhelming.
“I’ve been ready. How are you so calm?”
He snorted. “The roles have reversed, I see. I think it’s because I know you’re healthy, and you are going to be the best father. It feels right. Like everything has fallen into place.”
“That’s very zen of you, alpha. But can you get dressed? The longer I sit here, the more nervous I get.”
“Give me five minutes.”
That was the end of Foster’s calm. Once we were at the healer’s office, we went through the questions and concerns. It was too early for an ultrasound but not to hear the heartbeat. Once we listened to our baby’s heart, Foster teared up, and I did as well.
I thought hearing our child made things real.
The healer said I was fine and so was the baby. He answered things about caffeine and vitamins and diet. I would have to curb some things like sugar and no more wine, but those were easy since I didn’t consume a ton of that stuff anyway.
On the ride home, Foster was quiet. My bear scented his worry. He white-knuckled the steering wheel all the way home.
When he put the car into park, I put my hand on him.
“Talk to me,” I said.
“I was fine before but going there and hearing the heartbeat. I’m worried now.
Childbirth is a huge freaking deal. And those complications the healer mentioned?
Terrifying. And I just realized there that I don’t have any clue on how to take care of you through this or how to even change a diaper.
I have all this knowledge and school and work, but I’m clueless when it comes to this. What kind of alpha am I?”
“Do you want some time to cool off and then we can talk through those things?”
The whole speech from him sounded more like venting than actual concerns. Foster was a supportive and loving mate. I couldn’t have asked for a better alpha.
Yes, we had issues that we were working through, but we did just that, figured them out together.
“I do think I need a few minutes.”
“Okay. I’m here when you would like to talk. No rush.”
I went inside, and the visit actually gave me some peace. There were always things that could go wrong, but I would work hard to make sure our baby and I were as healthy as we could be.
Childbirth scared me too, but fear didn’t do anything but stifle life.
I fixed lunch for us and went out to the back porch to eat. The backyard had become a place of peace for me. It was one of the reasons I chose this house.
“I’m sorry.” Foster came to sit down beside me. “You deserve someone who is steady and not adding to your stress.”
“I deserve you, and you deserve me. Let’s dispel that notion, okay?”
He nodded.
“And you were right about some things. I don’t know how to change a diaper either.
Or take care of myself through this. But we have information, and the healing center gave us resources and books.
We learn. I’m sure this won’t be our only baby, so this one is a learning curve and the next will be pieces of cake. ”
Tears welled in the alpha’s eyes. “You’re incredible, omega. Truly. I’m gonna be the best I can for you two. Or three or seven.”
“Seven! Let’s not get carried away. Let’s eat and then get to the studio.”
“What for? You don’t have a class today.”
I leaned against his shoulder. “But I need the class today. To be a student.”
“I’ll go with you. So much for my easygoing attitude this morning.”
“It’s okay. We balance each other.”