Chapter 15
“It’s too early to talk baby names,” Fallon said with a chuckle as she and Avi basked in the afterglow of him waking her up with his talented fingers.
“Just hear me out,” he said, snuggled up at her side, his voice low and growly. “Favi.”
“What?”
“It’s a mix of our names. Or how about Avion?”
“That’s not even a word!”
“It doesn’t have to be a word, just a name. But all right, I can see that you’re looking for something more traditional. How about Seabiscuit?”
She snorted so hard she had to cough. Rising above him, she stared down at him as he grinned, his face alight with humor.
“You’re so silly,” she said. She brushed her lips over his.
“I have one favor, though,” he said.
“We’re not naming the baby Seabiscuit.”
“No, not that.” He laughed, wrapping his arms around her and rolling her to her back. As he straightened his arms and gazed down at her, he said, “I want us to all have the same last name. I want you to be not just my mate and the mother of my child, but my wife.”
She opened her mouth in surprise.
“Before you say anything, I will ask you properly with a ring and everything, but I didn’t want to go a second longer without telling you that I want to marry you.”
Her cheeks hurt because she smiled so broadly. “I’d love to.”
They kissed again and he held her so sweetly and closely. She closed her eyes and just enjoyed the moments that followed, the pillow talk filled with plans and hope for the future.
Love, marriage, and babies.
Suddenly, the idea of a name came to her mind and she said, “Hope.”
Avi hummed in question.
“If we have a girl, we should name her Hope. Because that’s what she’ll be. The hope of the next generation, a perfect mix of you and me.”
“I love that. And I love you, sweetheart.”
* * *
Later that day, Fallon’s mom helped her get ready for the joining ceremony.
“Are you nervous?” Sera asked.
“Kind of? I know I shouldn’t be.” She looked at herself in the mirror hanging over the back of the bedroom door that Zara had brought for her. She was wearing a dark green dress that fell just below her knees and a pair of comfortable slip-ons.
Sera handed her the soft white wrap she was going to use once the sun went down and she laid it on her shoulders.
“It’s okay, I think there’s always nerves. It’s an exciting event. And how neat is it that the herd is going to add a new element to things tonight to celebrate the baby?”
“It’s really cool. I can’t wait. I want to shift and run around with Avi, but I’m so excited to see the stallions too. They’ve been so welcoming to me.”
“They’re a really special group.”
Sera touched Fallon’s cheek. “I was scared when I was pregnant and also just so full of joy. I didn’t know it was possible to feel both those emotions at the same time.”
“I get that,” Fallon said.
“You’re going to be a wonderful mom. And Avi is exactly the sort of male I hoped you’d find. Someone who cares deeply for you, protects you, wants the best for you.”
“I thought I’d live in Tennessee my whole life. And while it was scary to leave, I wouldn’t have found such happiness if I’d stayed.”
“You’ve got a wonderful future ahead of you, and I’m so glad I get to be part of it with you.”
Fallon hugged her mom as tears stung her eyes.
There was a knock on the door and Sera answered it, finding the females in the hall.
“We have a gift for you,” Zara said, handing over a velvet box.
Fallon opened it and saw a necklace with a horse pendant. “Oh, I love it! Thank you so much.”
“We all have them,” Tatum said with a smile.
Tris helped her put it on. “It’s a tradition just for us females.”
“I love it and I love you all.”
“We love you too and we’re so glad you’re here,” Nancy said.
“Are you ready for the ceremony?” Zara asked. “The guys are waiting for us, and then we’ve got a great menu for tonight—all your’s and Avi’s favorites.”
“I’m ready. And I’m so happy to officially be part of the herd.”
The females escorted her down to the backyard for the ceremony and party. Fallon held tight to Zara and Nancy’s hands as they led her to where Dexter and Crew stood with Avi underneath a large tree with lanterns hanging from the branches.
The ceremony was a blur to Fallon, because all she could think about was how happy she was and how crazy she was about Avi. The herd welcomed her with open arms, cheering loudly when the short ceremony was finished and Avi drew her close for a kiss.
Crew lifted his hand and everyone quieted. “Fallon, welcome to the herd. And Sera, as Fallon’s mom and Avi’s mother-in-law, you’re part of the herd too. And now, it’s time to eat!”
As Avi led her to the table filled with food near the grill where barbecue chicken roasted over low flames, she said, “I heard your stomach growl, so I’m curious if you’re more excited for the food or for the shift and run after?”
He grinned. “Well, I’m really excited to see you shift, but I’m starving and everything looks wonderful.”
They filled plates with chicken, pasta salad, and coleslaw and took their seats at one of the tables set with her favorite wildflowers picked from the woods and electric candles wrapped with ribbon.
She lifted her utensils and smiled at her mate. “You’ve made me the happiest female on the planet.”
He nudged her with a wink. “Just wait until later.”
* * *
Fallon rested her hand on her belly and looked around the yard that was decorated with twinkle lights and torches. The low hum of voices and music mixed in the air and made her feel at peace.
“Can I get you anything?” Avi asked as he settled next to her, setting a chilled bottle of water on the table.
“I couldn’t eat another bite.”
He laughed lightly. “Me neither. The herd really went all out tonight.”
Crew rose to his feet and said, “If you two are ready, we’d love to shift and do our celebratory run around you, and then head out into the fields. It’s the perfect night.”
“I’m ready if you are,” Avi said.
She and Avi headed to the clearing behind one of the barns with the females, who each held a gift bag and a bouquet of wildflowers. They set their gifts and flowers on the ground at their feet, saying a sweet wish for health and happiness for her and the baby.
One by one, the males came out of the barn in their stallion form and ran in a wide circle around her and Avi while the females stepped back and watched. First Crew, and then Dexter, followed by Khyle, Ford, and Grey.
The pounding of hooves made something inside Fallon feel like she was fully part of the herd, and she turned into Avi’s arms and said, “I love you, stallion of mine.”
Avi smiled, but before he could say anything back—
Clap. Clap. Clap.
The sound was slow, deliberate, and came from the open doorway of the barn.
Fallon flinched, the joy in her chest evaporating in an instant.
From the deep shadows inside the barn, Colton emerged, his expression twisted into something smug and cold. He continued to clap as he stepped fully into the light, flanked by two males.
She knew in her heart that they’d been watching the whole time, biding their time in hiding until they emerged like thieves.
Crew and the other stallions raced forward, putting themselves between Avi and Fallon, as Avi shouted for the females to run to the farmhouse.
Her mom didn’t leave, though. She moved next to Fallon and touched her arm lightly. “Who are these guys?” Sera asked.
“Bad news,” Fallon said. “Really bad news.”