Chapter Twenty-Two
Greg
With careful relaxation and making the part-time library help full-time, thanks to an incredible grant that came through months after Oswald applied for it, we managed to stave off bed rest.
“Alpha, I can help you with that.” Oswald was seated on the sofa, feet propped up on a pillow on the coffee table. “I’m not made of glass, you know.”
“No, but if you’ll look at those ankles, you’ll see that they are a thing of beauty.” I pushed up his sweatpants leg and poked one of them. “No dent at all. So, what we are doing is working, and I am not willing to make a change.”
“But I’m bored!” he grumped. “And that can’t be stimulating for our child.”
“You can read one of the giant stack of books on the end table that you’ve had me pick up at the library, or watch a documentary on TV, or just hang in there and nap for an hour until it’s time to go to lunch.”
“I can’t nap right here in the public area where anyone can walk by. What will our guests think?”
“The same thing they thought earlier today and every day for the last few weeks. That my beloved omega is napping while growing our baby.”
“Goddess, how many people have seen me?”
“A few.” A ton. “And they all commented kindly, so no worries. But for now, if you want to go take a shower, you’ll have time to sit down and recover before we have to leave.”
He moved to stand but sank back with a huff. “Speaking of that, do we have to leave? Can’t we meet Jett and Macsen another day? Tell them I’m pregnant.”
He looked so pathetic, but I knew better.
“The minute I call them and cancel, you’ll regret it.
” It had happened a couple of times before with other plans.
“And it’s a beautiful, warm day. We’ll go, sit in the shade, and look out over those beautiful fields and vines.
If you get tired, we’ll be back in an hour. ”
“You’re mean.”
“No, my love.” I reached for his hand and drew him to his feet. “I just know my omega.”
And an afternoon of pleasant conversation would do him good.
An hour or so later, after more attempts to wiggle out of our plans and a quashing by me, we were on our way to the vineyard. My omega needed to get out into the fresh air more. I made a mental promise to see to it.
“The parking area is awfully full,” Oswald said as we approached the lot. “I hope there is a table save for us.”
“Since we were invited for lunch, I imagine there is. If not in the public area, in the family kitchen.” Where I’d eaten once or twice when I first was befriended by the kind vintners. “It’s nice and also has the beautiful view.”
“That might be even better.” Oswald pulled the seat belt away from his rounded belly. “If there’s one thing I don’t need today, it’s a crowd.”
“A nice quiet lunch with friends.” Sounded perfect to me. “Speaking of whom, here they are.”
Jett and Macsen met us at the car, and together, we all wandered up toward the patio dining area. I would have suggested their kitchen but couldn’t think of a way to ask, especially when they said they had saved the best table for the four of us. “It’s right this way, through this hedge.”
“I don’t recall the tables extending this far,” I said. “Is it a new area?”
We stepped through the arched opening into a private garden, filled with streamers, colorful tablecloths, balloons, gifts, and a huge cake.
“It’s the brand-new party area, and you’re our first surprise party!” Jett clapped his hands and everyone stood up and sang a few bars of “You’re Having My Baby.”
“Wh-what is this?” Oswald stood just inside the grassy-floored space.
“It’s your baby shower, silly.” Macsen took him by the arm and led him to the table nearest the overlook. “See? Told you we saved us the best table.”
I was afraid my omega was going to fall over, and guided him into a chair. Then sat down myself, completely floored. “This is no quiet lunch for four,” I said, stating the obvious. “How did you—what did you?”
“All your friends who have gotten to know you since you arrived wanted to show you how much we appreciate you and your librarian omega. His programs for the children and the seniors are so wonderful. And your afternoon teas…exquisite.”
“All part of the service,” I replied. “But my omega’s proof that librarians are magical. Our baby will be reading before they can hold up their own head.”
Everyone who had been to a story time or a book club or a discussion group, asked for book referrals…
they were there, eating the vineyard’s delicious buffet spread and watching us open their generous gifts.
There were the usual silly games and the cake.
But they all showed up for us, letting us know we were part of the community and that our babe would be as well.
That was the best part of all.