7. Maklihn
7
MAKLIHN
A few years back, I started writing letters to my family because I missed them something fierce.
It was part of my journey to healing what I’d lost while waiting for my mate to show up.
With the realization we had a baby on the way, I decided to transition to writing letters to my future child.
They’d be like diary entries to give them a chance to know what life was like before they came around.
Dear Kiddo,
Your dad here.
This first letter is going to be a bit rough.
I’m all kinds of emotional right now knowing you even exist.
I’ve wanted to have a mate and a family for so long.
This still feels like a dream.
Your papa is amazing.
He’s taken the news of you like a wolf to winter.
Everyday it’s a new adventure.
There are medicines to take and stretches to practice to ensure he’s limber for delivery day.
It’s been fun watching him learn all he can before you get here.
And man, I hope you know how loved you already are.
We’re eager to meet you, kiddo.
We’re probably going to hover and keep you too close.
I hope you understand it’s for the best.
This life is long, but it’s also short.
One day, you’ll understand what I mean.
There aren’t enough words in the world to tell you how excited I am to be your dad.
Can’t wait to meet you.
Need to end this now since your papa needs another snack.
He says you’re extra hungry today.
Love you,
Dad
P.
S.
We’ve known about you for one month.
Dear Kiddo,
Man, time sure flies.
It feels like only yesterday I wrote you that first letter.
Fun fact: It wasn’t yesterday.
More like five weeks ago.
Since then, things have moved a bit quicker.
I’m not going to go into how babies are made just yet; however, I will say you only get five months of baking in Papa’s belly before we get to meet you.
If you do the math on it, we’re already almost to the halfway point.
Crazy, right?
We’ve been buying all the things we’ll need for your arrival.
Clothes, a bed, diapers, and all that stuff.
Even some toys for when you’re big enough to play.
Your Aunt Judy and Uncle Kris have also gone a bit overboard with their presents.
Their house is starting to look like they’re having a baby, not us.
It’s quite hilarious and is giving Uncle Kris a bit of baby fever.
It won’t be long before those two are making some kind of announcement soon, I bet.
Papa’s morning sickness has faded.
A craving for onion rings has replaced it.
Weird, I know, since he hates onions normally.
The first time Aunt Judy saw him burst into tears from wanting them she nearly peed her pants laughing.
Hopefully you see how silly this all is.
Maybe you’re the true onion lover.
Too bad you’ve got to wait a long while before eating them.
While shifter kids do grow a bit faster than humans, we’re not going to give them to you right out of the womb.
Can’t wait to see you, kiddo.
Love you,
Dad
Dear Kiddo,
Please be patient with your papa.
Between the insomnia, the night sweats, and his endless hunger, my poor mate is suffering.
If you could sleep for a bit, that would be grand.
Just a solid eight hours would do the trick.
Maybe me writing this will be a sign to the universe.
Either way, we’re only a little over a month out from meeting you.
I’ve thought about what it’ll be like pretty much non-stop.
I even ordered a bunch of parenting books through the store to keep me busy while I worked.
It’s been good too since more than one couple has announced they’re expecting as well recently.
I think we’re having a baby boom in town.
While that amuses me to no end, I also love it because that means you’ll get some best buds to hang out with.
You could grow up with these other kids and find lifelong friendships with other shifters.
My dream is that you’ll have the community you deserve.
Papa sends his love.
He’s found it funny that I keep writing to you even though you probably won’t get to read these until you’re much older.
I told him the age didn’t matter.
It was the thought behind it.
Plus, it helps me feel a bit closer to you.
Papa gets to carry you around all day and rub his belly.
I only get to be close when I’m next to him.
Not that I want to trade places.
He’s totally got that handled.
I’d be a far too grumpy pregnant person.
Best to leave it to the professionals — aka the Omegas.
Love you,
Dad
Dear Kiddo,
Today’s the day.
We’re going to meet you after all this time.
Your papa and I are so excited.
Love you,
Dad