Chapter 32
Grace
B ed rest was the worst. I was going crazy in my nest. The only thing keeping me going was online shopping and my design work.
The guys made sure most of the responsibilities didn’t fall solely on Drew, taking turns so one of them could be home with him when possible.
Thankfully, I knew that when I got back to the doctor in two days, I’d get the all-clear. I’d felt fine since the incident, though I didn’t want to dismiss the recuperation I still needed. I definitely made sure to keep up with my electrolytes and rest as much as possible.
We did not need a repeat.
The only time I really got out of bed, or the nest, was to use the bathroom or go downstairs for meals. And that was only because I would lose my mind if they tried to feed me in bed one more time. I let that slide for the first few days, but then I decided I was over it.
As long as I was sitting or resting, it was fine. I’d even messaged Dr. Clark for confirmation.
I finished my last project for the day, sent off the design and emails, then closed my laptop and tossed it aside with a long breath as I rested my head against the pillow.
All I wanted was some sunshine.
Drew poked his head in, a smile on his handsome face. I swear, this man lit up every time he looked at me. That did a lot for a girl’s inner omega.
“You look bored, and I think I have the perfect solution,” he said.
“What is it?” I questioned.
He just shook his head and reached out for me, helping me to my feet. “Follow me.”
Drew led me carefully down the stairs and out the back door. It was like he heard my silent plea for sunshine.
I didn’t expect to find an array of blankets strewn out, a bunch of canvases and paints, and my sister and best friends sitting around in a circle, talking and laughing. They waved me over the moment they saw me.
“You officially have the best pack,” Avery said. “This is the cutest idea.”
“To be fair, this was all Cade,” Drew said, just as the man in question walked out with an armful of snacks, treats, and drinks.
Spencer was right behind him, holding a giant tumbler with a handle, the one they had been filling up for me nonstop. It only meant I’d have to pee in five seconds, but at least the baby and I were hydrated.
“You guys did all this for me?”
“They told us you were going crazy in there,” Sidney joked, “and we were more than happy to come help... and eat snacks. Sit down!”
Hailey waved me over next to her. Our matching bumps meant we got extra pillows for comfort. She gave me another hug, something she’d been doing more since the store incident.
The guys helped ease me down into the nest of pillows they created for us all. My chest warmed at the fact that they did all of this just for me. They didn’t even need me to say I was going crazy. They realized it and found a solution, came up with this all on their own.
That effort was everything.
I don’t think the smile left my face as we all got settled, filling little plates with snacks, drinking plenty of water, and then picking out our canvases.
Cade had taken the time to sketch the outline of each picture, different landscapes, animals, and flowers.
I chose one that was a beautiful garden. I wasn’t sure if I was going to ruin it or not, but I was going to give it my best.
Sidney turned on some background music, but it didn’t stop us from talking. Wren regaled us with stories from the rescue farm she ran with her pack. The others talked about their kids and the wild things they’d done, which only made me more excited for this baby to come.
I ran my hand softly over my bulging stomach. The bump was finally making itself known now that I was a little over halfway there.
All the frustration of being cooped up this week melted away as I stroked my paintbrush across the canvas, filling in the sky and grass, dabbing color for the flowers. It was finally starting to take real shape.
“You’re good at that,” Cade praised.
“Thank you,” I grinned up at him. “But we both know you’re a liar.”
That had him laughing. “Trust me, I’ve seen some bad ones.”
“Like this?” Sidney asked, turning hers around as she bit her lip to keep back her laughter. We all lost it at the wild meld of colors. She’d painted the poor cow purple and blue, chewing on orange grass.
Hailey frowned. “I was trying to make something cute for the nursery... I failed.” Her colors bled through the ocean scene, making it look more like abstract art than waves.
“I can help with that,” Cade reassured her, sitting down next to her and dabbing her brush, helping her fix it.
They continued talking about nursery ideas while I focused on my garden painting. I added a few more flowers before painting some bees and butterflies. I wanted to give it life.
I was startled when I heard more cars pulling in, not expecting a full-blown brigade.
“Since we couldn’t bring you to the cookout next weekend because of bed rest, we decided to bring it to you this week!” Avery said excitedly.
All the girls outside of Hailey and me, stood up and rushed to greet their packs and usher everyone in. Even Nolan had pulled up at the end, looking more than a little overwhelmed.
“Poor Nolan,” I laughed. “He’s not used to all this.”
“Well, he better get used to it,” Hailey said, shaking her head. “If we’re going to be living in Rockwood Valley, then he needs to know this is normal Rockwood behavior.”
“Wait, what do you mean?” I asked, freezing. It was something I’d dreamt of and I was afraid to let myself hope.
She looked up at me. “Half the reason I didn’t call as much the last few months was because I was trying to get myself together. I hated that I wasn’t home, and I was terrified that if I talked to you, everything would fall apart.
“Oh, Hailey,” I choked out. My heart broke for her. That was exactly how I would have felt if I’d gone with the others to the city.
“I should have known my alpha would never want me to be that unhappy. Finally, he begged me to tell him what was going on. I explained how much I missed home, missed you. Especially with the babies coming.” She smiled as she ran a hand over her stomach.
“He practically demanded we find a new place here. Mine was way too small for a family, but we’re staying in it for now, and we’re here for good. ”
My tears were running halfway through her story. I didn’t even have words, I just crushed her into a hug.
“I can’t even tell you how much I missed you,” I admitted, my voice cracking. “I didn’t know how I was going to do this without you.”
“Unfortunately for us, we’re due around the same time. I swear, if we go into labor on the same day...”
She shook her head. “It’ll be chaos.”
“If not, you know I’ll be there for you.”
“Same,” she said. “I wanted you and Nolan to be in there with me. But if that can’t happen, at least we’ll have the support when we get home, right?”
“Just a few people,” I said dryly, looking pointedly at the growing crowd.
Mama Whitaker was already making a beeline toward us, Charlie at her heels. The alpha she found was incredible, and he’d embraced all the chaos just like Nolan would.
Honestly, maybe he could be an ally for the younger alpha.
“Look at my girls,” Mama Whitaker gushed as she helped us to our feet, giving us each one of those warm mom hugs she gave out.
Then she eyeballed me. “Hey, no more scares, okay? You had all of us worried.”
“Don’t worry. The pack is making sure that I behave,” I grumbled playfully.
Avery walked up with her guys, Arden raising an eyebrow at me. I had purposely not chosen him at the clinic since he was not only Hailey’s boss, but Avery’s Alpha. But it seemed word spread fast.
“I hear you’re quite the troublemaker,” he teased.
“Dr. Clark is making sure I don’t cause any more trouble,” I reassured him.
“As far as I know, you’re still on bed rest. Let’s get you somewhere more comfortable,” he said.
Before he could reach out to help me walk, my pack was already there. He let out a chuckle and raised his hands. “Sorry. The doctor in me just wanted to make sure she was good.”
“Thanks,” I told him, Avery and I sharing a smile. There was no jealousy there. She knew I didn’t want her alpha, and he didn’t want me. Usually, omegas were territorial, but thankfully, since we were like sisters, our packs became more like siblings by association.
Beckett and Drew helped me over to the patio table before everyone else got to work bringing out more tables, putting on tablecloths, and loading them with food. Sidney cranked up the music on a speaker now, so it echoed across the lawn.
I waved Spencer down, worried about the cats. “Did anyone secure the kittens? I don’t want them running off when someone opens the door. You know with this many people, they’re going to be in and out.”
“Don’t worry. We set them up in their own little cat room, another project of Drew’s,” he teased.
“Our cats have their own bedroom now? How long have I been on bed rest?!”
“Just act surprised. He’s probably trying to surprise you,” he admitted. “But, they’re safely locked away with food, water, litter boxes, and toys, and we’ll give them extra snuggles tonight.”
“Perfect,” I said, relaxing back into the chair. He ran a hand gently down my stomach and placed a kiss on my temple.
“Have I told you today that you look radiant?”
“Thank you,” I smiled up at my beta, resting a hand on his cheek as I pulled him into a kiss, this time on the lips. Spencer was always so gentle and made me feel so cherished. I could feel my omega humming in my chest.
Everyone was talking and laughing around me.
This was why I loved Rockwood Valley so much.
There was a sense of community that was unmatched.
Add in the family that adopted me into their own, and I never had to feel that sting of loneliness again.
That rejection that came from knowing your own family didn’t care.
Hailey and I had both been right, our lives were easier without them.
Our mom hadn’t tried to reach out once, and I didn’t think she ever would.
Imagine holding on to a grudge against your two daughters because your evil sister and her spawn told you to.
I guarantee they were chirping in her ear, feeding her every lie they could think of, and I bet she believed every single one.
Because, of course, they were never the problem, and neither was she.
A round of laughter echoed across the yard, and I looked up to see Mama Whitaker with my pack, laughing at something Beckett and Cade were saying. Their faces were open and happy.
Just like that, they’d been accepted into the fold.
As if they could feel me watching, both Beckett and Cade turned toward me. Beck gave me a wink, and Cade beamed like the sun.
They’d pretty much admitted they didn’t have a family that genuinely cared.
Any last lingering guilt or worry that they wouldn’t enjoy Rockwood Valley completely evaporated.
They were right, we got to live here and soak in all that Rockwood had to offer, and I got to keep my town.
But once things settled, we’d also be spending time in the city now and then.
It really was the best of both worlds, and our baby would be lucky to experience both.
Drew settled down next to me, Spencer taking the seat on the other side, sandwiching me between them. Each of them grabbed one of my swollen feet, rubbing gently as they checked in again.
“How are you feeling? Do you need water or anything?” Spencer asked.
“I’m just feeling happy,” I said on a sigh that rang with contentment. Drew leaned in, brushing a kiss over my lips and then my forehead.
“Just so you know, Mama Whitaker is over there talking baby showers. Once my mom arrives, it’s over for us. We’re going to have everything we could need and more.”
“You hear that?” I said as I leaned down, rubbing my stomach. “You’re already so loved, and you’re not even here yet.”