Chapter 26 - Surprise
Alyssa's POV: The next morning
I had successfully not thrown up anymore, the IV making me feel like a brand new woman. I was also very careful to eat immediately upon waking up. I remembered that it helped immensely with my morning sickness with Tenley. Brent still had no idea and I was chomping at the bit to tell him. It had almost fallen out of my mouth on more than one occasion. I had the sweetest plan and I was doing everything I could to keep my surprise. I looked in the mirror and put the finishing touches on my makeup before I had to go get Tenley ready. I was wearing a white, short sleeve bodysuit with a green, high waisted skirt that had cute little white flowers all over it. I paired it with some dressier sandals. The sunroom was heated so no need to dress for winter. Finally pleased with my natural curls and light makeup, I left the room in search of my baby girl.
"Tenley! Time to get dressed!" I announced as I walked out of our room, Brent had headed to do a little bit of work before our brunch. That man never took a day off, ever, not even for his birthday apparently.
I found Tenley playing with her toys in her room. I smiled at her as I walked past to enter her closet. It was a little girl's dream and I sure had fun dressing her in all the frills and lace that Tenley and Brent shopped online for while I was in a coma. I would never be able to thank him enough for his constant and intentional care for Tenley. Going above and beyond in every way .
I decided on a soft pink smock dress with puffy sleeves. It was the very definition of girly and Tenley and I fawned over the sweet little dress as I pulled it over her head. She twirled around and I clapped in response, "you look pretty as a princess my precious girl."
"You both do." I slightly jumped at the intrusion of my mate's voice. Not expecting him to be here.
I hopped up and walked to him, wrapping my arms around his waist, "I love that you're here, but I thought we were meeting in the sunroom?"
He rubbed his hands up and down my arms as he stared down at me, "I had planned to, but decided I wanted to escort my girls. You look beautiful, my love."
Tenley ran over, having finished putting on her shoes, "what about me daddy! Do I look beautiful?" She spun again for good measure.
Letting go of me he squatted down in front of her, "you are absolutely gorgeous, my dear." She gave her best smile and took off, "come on! Let's go celebrate daddy's birthday!"
"Well, you heard her, let's go celebrate me," Brent chuckled as he led me out of the room to where Tenley was jumping in front of the elevator like a puppy who needed to be let outside.
Brent pressed his hand to the panel, signaling for the steel door to open into the small hallway that led to the elevator, sniffing the air he looked at me, "why do you smell different?"
He had completely caught me off guard and the reminder of what he said to Jess almost two weeks ago chimed in my head, holy shit.
"Oh, it's just some perfume I decided to grab while I was in town, do you like it?"
He grunted, "I mean, it's quite nice actually, but I prefer it when others can easily tell that our scents are combined." I breathed out slowly, grateful he bought my story. Wolves could smell practically anything, including pregnancy, and Alpha's could smell it even earlier with their heightened senses.
Brent leaned forward and pressed the button, illuminating the number 10 as the doors slid closed. I let out a slow breath, suddenly worried that Brent was going to be furious with me for inviting his father after the fiasco.
He eyed me suspiciously, "you okay?"
I let out another breath, "please don't be mad at me, but I didn't have the heart to invite your entire family, and your Beta and Gamma to your birthday brunch and not your father..."
He turned red at the mention of him, "you should've spoken with me about that." He said in a clipped tone.
"I-I-I know I should have," I stuttered out, "but you would've said no and I didn't want to drive the wedge further by inviting everyone but him," I pleaded as we were now headed down the hallway.
He paused and turned to me, "I shouldn't have gotten so stern with you, I'm sorry. I understand your reasons, and it's fine, but I am telling you right this minute if he makes even one remark about you or Tenley, y'all are to leave and you will not interfere, do we have an understanding?"
I nodded my head, silently agreeing as well as praying that all would go well.
He took mine and Tenley's hands and we entered the beautifully decorated sunroom to enjoy our brunch. Brent loved breakfast so it was a no brainer to set this up as his first birthday event of the day. There were also some of his favorite lunch foods mixed in as well.
We were the first to arrive and slowly other's began to arrive as well. Anderson and Jess entered, and were soon followed by Brent's sister and brother in mateship, Philip and Beth - Philip and Beth are the Alpha and Luna of Dark Waters, a pack that happens to also be in Brent's region. I was so glad they were both able to get away today to celebrate Brent. Unfortunately they would be leaving tomorrow morning since they were to celebrate Thanksgiving with their pack.
Soon after their arrival Ryan walked in, along with Brent's mother and father behind him. Brent's mother, Sheryl, made eye contact with me and smiled softly as she made her way over. Brent had banned his father from my Luna ceremony and his mother had to make the difficult choice to stay with her mate. Brent had assured her he understood and was not upset with her.
Sheryl walked over to hug me, and looked down at Tenley, meeting her for the first time. Tenley was hiding shyly behind Brent's leg, but as soon as she peeked around and made eye contact, Sheryl gasped and began to sob, "oh my Goddess, my - my wolf is recognizing her as a grandchild. What is this? How is this possible? Can I hold her?" Questions poured out of her, looking between the both of us, I could only nod in response as tears slowly ran down my cheeks as well.
Turning her attention back to Tenley she asked her for permission to hold her and Tenley sweetly nodded her head and reached up for her. Sheryl snatched her up and hugged her tightly with Charles coming over to see what was wrong with his mate, glaring at Brent until he noticed the child in Sheryl's arms.
"What is going on? Why are you crying?" Charles asked gruffly.
"Charles, look at her. Look into her eyes," Sheryl said, placing Tenley on her hip.
Charles rolled his eyes, again not understanding at all. However, his tough as nails exterior began to melt as he looked into the eyes of his grandchild.
"What? She, she's my grandchild? I-I don't know what to say. How? I have never heard of such a thing?" The larger than life former Alpha began to tear up as he finally realized what Brent had been trying to tell him. He apologized over and over to me, taking Tenley from his mate and holding her closely. The moment was beyond precious, but my pregnancy hormones had me crying much harder than was probably necessary. Brent pulled me in to comfort me.
After a long talk between the four of us, all was forgiven and we took our place at the table. I noticed that my parents had also arrived. Tenley happily bounced back and forth between both sets of her grandparents, very much enjoying all of the attention she was getting. My heart was so full and it would only grow bigger tomorrow evening. Brent's twin brother, Ben, had even been able to join us last minute as well, his mate had to remain back home as she was very pregnant and could not risk traveling. They weren't identical, but had many similarities and I was grateful to be able to meet him under better circumstances this time.
The sound of Beth tapping on her glass caused everyone to quiet and look in her direction, "so, first of all I want to say happy birthday to my brothers," she paused waiting as everyone echoed her sentiment, "and I hate to take the spotlight, but it's extremely rare that we are all together like this, and Phillip and I have something we would like to share." She looked nervously at her mate, and then shouted, "we're having a baby!"
Brent took in a deep breath, a hint of sadness flowed through the bond before he shut it off, making me want to tell him right then and there. I had to take a drink of water I couldn't stand for him to feel sad, especially with his child growing inside of me.
The table erupted in congratulations. Sheryl excitedly chirped about how she was about to be a grandma of three. My heart was beaming as she had counted Tenley as a part of that three. Little did she know...
I gripped Brent's thigh in comfort as he leaned over and kissed my temple, "I'm fine, I promise," he whispered in my ear. I kissed him softly and we returned our attention to the table. Small talk began again, and Sheryl and Beth excitedly talked nursery, baby shower, and all things pregnancy. Brent and Ben caught up and I talked to my mom. The party was better than I ever imagined. The low-key event gave us all much needed time to enjoy each other's company. I smiled to myself at my effort, feeling really good at the part I played in getting our families back together. Today was a really, really good day.
After brunch Tenley, my mom, and Sheryl, and I all went off to check on the Thanksgiving meal and festivities. I also checked in on the big birthday cake I had ordered for my mate to receive during the Thanksgiving feast. It was five tiers and would be a navy blue cake with hand painted, edible gold embellishments. The baker pulled it from the freezer and the four of us gasped at the size and beauty of the cake. I thanked the baker, gushing over how it looked far too beautiful to eat, and we were off to check on the table settings, meal prep, and other details. By the time I got back to the room all I wanted was a shower and to snuggle up with my mate and daughter on the couch and that's exactly what we did.
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Alyssa's POV: Thursday evening
I was attempting to put my earrings in but my hands were not only trembling with excitement, but they were also sweating profusely. I let out a frustrated grunt as I finally slid it into its proper place. I stepped back to take a look at my ensemble. I was wearing a skin tight baby blue silk dress. The soft draping of the fabric at the chest along with the thin spaghetti straps made me instantly fall in love. I paired it with some simple, single strap heels. I had taken the time to go to the salon today and had them straighten and slick back my wild curls into a sleek low ponytail, finishing the outfit with some beautiful diamond studs that had been a present from Brent. My make up a little more intricate than usual for the occasion. I had kicked Brent out, not wanting him to be near me while I had so much nervous energy, afraid I'd ruin the surprise I'd worked so hard to keep. I had even asked my mom and dad to meet us at the dinner with Tenley because my nerves were so shot. For some reason I had gotten myself worked up and anxious that he was going to be mad that this happened so soon.
I sighed, happy with the end result. I grabbed the black gift bag from its hiding place and exited the bathroom and walked my way into the main room with it tucked behind my back. Focusing on my breathing with each step.
Brent was seated at the bar and he looked up from his phone as I entered the room. His jaw dropping in response, I think I might've even seen some drool. I giggled at his expression, my nerves melting slightly at the reaction of my mate.
I walked over, still holding the bag behind my back, and placed the under under his chin to push his mouth shut, kissing him lightly, "am I to assume you like what you see? "
"I love it," he growled in response as he stood, attempting to kiss me again, but I stopped him.
Answering his confused expression I held the bag out to him to open. I could't delay this a moment longer and it had to be now as I was practically dizzy with nerves.
"One more birthday gift," I announced, using every ounce of energy to keep my voice from shaking.
He pushed the bag back towards me, "take it back, you've done plenty for me and it was all amazing. Truly the best birthday I have ever had, but I don't need anything else."
I pouted, his resistance taking me by surprise, "oh please it's just one more gift, besides, I didn't buy it. I made it, so pretty please take it." I gave him my best puppy dog eyes and he finally grabbed it from my outstretched hands. He gave in and took it.
"Okay fine, you've intrigued me," laughing at my persistence.
Brent's POV:
"Okay fine, you've intrigued me," I said, and it was true. I was quite curious at what it could be that she made.
I held the bag in my palm and reached in to grab what it held. My fingers brushed against something soft as I pulled my hand from the bag, revealing rolled up fabric. I sat the bag on the bar next to me and unrolled the fabric, as something plastic fell from it and I just barely caught it before it hit the floor. A pregnancy test? I had seen many of these when mated to Maci. I glanced up at Alyssa as I wordlessly flipped it over in my hand. The word 'pregnant' on the small screen of the stick. I was speechless. Both wanting to laugh and cry while my brain was still trying to catch up and figure out what was going on. I then looked at the fabric in my other hand, a onesie that read "Baby O'Connor" sprawled across the chest of the smallest piece of clothing I'd ever held. I looked at her stunned.
"Are you? Did I? Pregnant? You're pregnant with me baby?" The words tumbled out of my mouth as I tried to understand what was going on, her tears letting me know I was right.
I buried my face in the onesie and cried like a child. I couldn't believe this was happening. I couldn't believe I had gotten my mate pregnant. So many emotions were flowing through my body and mind as my mate embraced me. I dropped the onesie and pulled her in tightly. Thanking her over and over again for the best gift ever and apologized profusely that I was resistant to take her gift. She giggled and rubbed my back assuring me it was okay.
I dropped to my knees in front of her, placing my cheek against her stomach, and kissed her non-existent bump over and over again, coming to terms that my child was actually in there. I had been able to get her pregnant and the relief hit me like a wave. I stood and kissed my mate, the bond was humming with the buzz of excitement and nerves.
"So you're excited then?" She nervously asked as I dried my tear soaked face.
I looked at her in bewilderment, "I don't think excited even covers how happy I am right now, my love, did you expect me to be upset?"
She sheepishly looked at the ground and then back up at me, her green eyes sparkling with tears, "no, well, maybe? I don't know it just happened so fast and I was so scared you were going to be upset that it was so early into our mateship and then I worried you might even think it was Dalton's since it was so fast, but then I calmed down about that pretty fast considering I was incapacitated for almost a month, but I couldn't get the worry of it being so soon out of my head and Im just so glad you're happy." I kissed her to stop the rambling, her nerves getting the best of her.
"Sweetheart," I comforted, "In no way would I ever accuse you of this baby being his. You are right, there is no way in hell it could be. As far as being early in our relationship, it is. I don't disagree, but I couldn't be more thrilled about the fact that we are having a child." I pulled her in to hug her once more.
"How far along are you? Do you have any idea?" I asked curiously.
She pulled back from me, rummaging in her purse, producing a glossy black and white picture, "well I have only known for two days, but I did go and have a nurse at the pack hospital scan me, and I was shocked to already see a heartbeat. We guessed my pregnancy to be about 4 weeks along." I took the photo from her hands. I had no clue what I was looking at, but I knew somewhere on it was my child, causing the lump in my throat to return as I looked at the little blob.
My wheels began to turn, "wait, 4 weeks?" I was suddenly hit with realization.
She simply nodded as I put the pieces together, "so you're telling me that I got you pregnant the first time we had sex?"
She nodded again, smiling at me, "yes, it seems to be so."
My ego getting the best of me, "I fucking got you pregnant the first time we slept together? Are you serious?" I couldn't help but to feel prideful about this. As an Alpha it was understood we were physically the best of the best and it had always bothered me that I lacked in that area. However, this thought also had me internalizing the information at hand.
I had been mated for five years previously and there had never been even one positive test. I slept with my second mate and got her pregnant on the first try? This only fueled my desire to continue to unearth what had happened between Maci and I and if that had been a true match at all. It became more and more clear every single day that things just did not add up and I was going to get to the bottom of it.
"We have thirty minutes until we are due in the ballroom, we should probably go." My mate snapped me out of my thoughts.
She scurried off to the bathroom to powder her face, she still looked stunning to me, nothing was out of place due to her makeup being waterproof, but she felt the need to check and I didn't mind. It gave me a few more moments to collect myself before we left.
Minutes later my mate walked back in the room, I noticed the tears on her dress had dried, thankfully as I didn't want to give her any reason to change as she looked magnificent.
We walked hand in hand as something hit me, "wait." She paused and looked up at me confused, "did you actually get new perfume or was I smelling your pregnancy when we were leaving for my party?"
Her cheeks and neck flamed red with embarrassment, "you were smelling the pregnancy. I am so sorry I lied to you, I just didn't want to ruin my plan."
I laughed deeply, "you are dangerous, Luna. No one else has ever been able to convince me of things the way you can, and don't be sorry. I could never be mad at you."
I winked at her, "let's go, baby momma."