Chapter 13 Maxwell
Maxwell
“Are you certain you’re all right with this?” I asked Camden. I was about to call my fathers to let them know that not only was I mated, but we were expecting our first child.
“Yes. I’m not dreading talking to or even meeting your fathers. Not the way I am about my own parents.”
I held out my arm, hoping Camden would come to me. He quickly moved closer on the sofa, and once he was under my arm, I touched the screen with my free hand and called my father. It was evening there; at least, it should be if they were home in Ibiza.
The call was answered on the second ring, which was normal for Father. “Maxwell, it’s good to hear from you.”
“Hello, Father. Is Papochka there too?”
“Yes, where else would he be?”
“I’m not sure. At the market? In the shower? Sleeping? I never know where the two of you are.”
“We’re home. We just came back from a lovely trip to Norway. Lukyan wants to travel somewhere where there is snow later this year. His other half would like to play in it for a bit.”
“That sounds nice. There’s still some snow in spots here on Treasure Ridge. A lot of it has melted though.”
“Yes, I would think so,” Father said. “Not that I’m upset you’ve called, but is there a reason for it?”
I smiled down at Camden, who had suddenly started biting his lower lip and wringing his hands together. “There is, actually. I wanted to talk to both of you though. Can you get Papochka on the phone as well?”
“All right,” Father said after a moment of silence. “Is everything well?”
“Why wouldn’t it be? I’m very much enjoying my new job still, if that is your concern.”
“If you say so,” Father said. “Your papochka is here now. What is it that you wanted to tell us?”
I could feel Camden’s worry through our bond.
I understood, because Father was being his usual self.
He and Papochka both had wished for me to move to Ibiza with them, but I’d chosen to stay in Bristol.
I’d lived there almost my entire life, and I didn’t want to move to Ibiza.
I had visited several times, but I’d didn’t love it like they did.
“You sound so off-put,” I told him. “I’m guessing you don’t wish to know that I’ve met my One and we’re going to have a baby next month, then,” I said. I got quiet, and so did they. I smiled at Camden and then kissed his temple.
There was sudden screaming and shouting, and I could hear Papochka all but bouncing around in the room.
“He’s excited,” I whispered to Camden. I heard Papochka shouting in Russian and chuckled.
“What was that?” Camden asked quietly.
“He’s very happy I’m mated, my love.”
The noise started to dim and then was gone. A throat cleared, and then Father was on the call again. “Yes, your papochka is quite excited. When did this happen?” he asked. “Can we meet…her? Him?”
“Him,” I told Father. “His name is Camden, and he is actually the council’s new doctor I had mentioned before.”
“Really? That works out for the two of you, then.”
I kissed Camden’s temple again and finally felt him start to relax. “It does, yes.”
“You mentioned that you were going to have a baby next month,” Father said.
“Yes,” I told him. “Camden is an arctic fox shifter, and his gestation is only ten weeks.”
“I heard that,” Papochka said. “You said arctic fox. I won’t ask if you know what you’re having because I know that of course you know. Are you having a little kit?”
I glanced over at Camden, who was staring up at me with worried eyes.
“They’re not going to care either way, my love,” I told him through our bond. “They’re going to love any and all children we have, because they’re both excited about grandchildren. Even if Father sounds so proper about it.”
“Well?” Papochka said.
I cleared my throat. “I do know, yes. Camden is waiting until the ultrasound next week to find out what we’re having.”
“But you know already,” Papochka said.
“Yes. But I’m not sharing that news with anyone until after my One knows.”
“Lukyan, let the boys have their secret for a bit longer,” Father said.
There was clapping. “I cannot help it. I am excited. When can we meet your One? What does he look like? Is he there?”
“Camden is sitting here with me, yes,” I told them. “He looks a lot like many other fox shifters, omegas especially. He’s shorter and slender. Camden has blond hair and blue eyes and loves to smile.”
That pulled another smile from my One. I would never get tired of seeing him smile. It was beautiful, just as he was, but his smile was especially breathtaking.
“You and Father are welcome to visit at any time. Both of you know that. Camden is looking forward to meeting both of you.”
There were more squeals, and then Father was back on the call. I could picture it vividly. Papochka was pushing and pulling on Father’s arm from the sound of his voice.
“We will make arrangements to visit,” Father said. “Perhaps tomorrow, if it’s not too sudden?”
I chuckled. “No, Father. Tomorrow works for us. We will have to go to work on Monday, though, as we were both off for a month not long ago, and we have several pregnant patients at the moment.”
“That is fine. We are quite capable of entertaining ourselves, and I’m sure Lukyan would like to spend time shifted and running around your mountain.”
“There is plenty of room for that to happen here,” I said.
“I haven’t said yet, but congratulations. To both of you, if Camden is still there,” Father said. “I’m incredibly happy for you, Maxwell. I’ve only ever wanted the best for you, and that includes finding your One and having a happy life together as Lukyan and I have.”
“Thank you, Father. We’re happy thus far, and I can’t see that changing. Camden understands long hours, oftentimes odd hours. He is a bright spot in all of my days since I’ve met him, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my days with him.”
“That is how it should be,” Father said. “We will make arrangements to visit tomorrow. I’m not certain if we will stay on the mountain or not. Does the council have lodging for visitors?”
“I know of a few places, yes. Most of them are off of the mountain though. You are cleared to come up to Treasure Ridge, so it shouldn’t be an issue.”
“If we can borrow your SUV, I think that we would be more comfortable down in Timber Valley at one of the hotels there.”
“You are welcome to it. Camden has his own if we should need to leave the mountain, but he’s showing, and although he can still wear loose-fitting clothing, it’s getting to the point that he is just going to look pregnant.”
“Very well. I’ll go do what I can to calm Lukyan, and then we will make arrangements to see you tomorrow.”
“Sounds like a plan. See you soon, Father.”
We ended the call, and I tossed the phone toward the coffee table. It floated down and landed gently on the surface. I pulled Camden into my side more and closed my eyes. “How are you feeling? Are you happy? Excited? Nervous?”
“All. I want to meet your dads. It’s going to be a long day and evening waiting for them to arrive tomorrow.”
I snorted. “There is no way that Papochka is going to let Father wait until tomorrow to arrive. I can guarantee that as soon as Father gets clearance to be here on Treasure Ridge, they’re going to come knocking on the door.”
Camden pulled back a little. “Really?”
I nodded. “It’s evening there, but still early afternoon here. There are hours yet here, and Papochka is going to use that as the reason to come now.”
My phone pinged, and I started laughing. It was either Father or someone from the council asking if I knew my fathers were wanting permission to come to Treasure Ridge. A little bit of magic had my phone back in my hand, and I answered the call.
“Good afternoon, Rainier. Is everything all right?” I said in greeting.
“You know, Maxwell, I’m almost positive you are aware of why I’m calling.”
“Most likely. I’m a bit surprised that you’re working this weekend.”
“I’m not,” Rainier said. I sent Camden a worried look.
“In that case, I take back what I said. I don’t believe I know why it is that you’re calling.”
“Ravi called me because your father contacted the front desk, asking for permission to come to Treasure Ridge.”
“Ah. Then yes, I am aware of why you’re calling,” I told the older warlock. “Camden and I shared our news with my fathers, and they would like to come for a visit. I hadn’t contacted anyone yet as we just finished the call.”
“Well, your father beat you to it. I’m to take it that it is all right that your fathers come to visit?”
“Yes,” I told him. “They were planning on staying in Timber Valley, as far as I know. I don’t have specifics other than they were coming and were going to arrive no later than tomorrow.”
“Hmm…yes. Tomorrow, apparently, is today. They’re here,” Rainier said. We could hear the laughter in his voice, and I gave a surprised Camden a pointed look. I knew they wouldn’t wait.
“That sounds about right. We are certainly happy to have them visit,” I said.
“Very well, then. I’ll give their auras a pass for the next week. If you should need more time with them, please let me know.”
“I’ll be sure to do that.” I cleared my throat. “And maybe you can work on Father while they’re here. It might be good for them to have a change of scenery soon.”
Rainier made a noise, then chuckled. “I’ll be sure to mention it to Alistair. He’s better at things like that than I am.”
“Thanks, Rainier. Enjoy your weekend.”
“You as well.”
We ended the call, and I looked over at Camden again. “How did you know?” It was obvious that he was shocked. “That was maybe two minutes.”
I nodded. “Yes. I know Papochka, and Father is going to do whatever he can to make him happy. Also, it’s been about a year since they’ve visited. We’re not antisocial, but we don’t have to be right down the road from one another either.”
Camden winced. “I’m not ready to call her. I know she’s trying to contact me, but I’m just not ready.”