“I was too hurt and angry.” She wiped her eyes and then smiled. “I tried afterward. I did an internet search, checked the records, phone book, did everything except hire a PI or come here myself. Then I decided to focus on my career. I’m good at burying stuff, it seems.”
“We all do what we have to do to make life easier.” He looked down as Tickles wound her purring body around his legs. “Some of us adopt pets.”
“That would be the sane thing to do. Unfortunately, I lived in an apartment where they weren’t allowed.” She bent forward awkwardly and stroked Tickles on the head. “But you two look made for each other.”
“We made the best of it. But things have changed, and I think Tickles will love having a child around.” Simon picked up the cat and hugged her close. “Won’t you, girl?”
“I’m not so sure Tickles will like giving up her quiet life with you for a life with a child who will probably pull her tail and hug her too tightly.” Gemma nestled her face into Tickles’ fur. “But we’ll do our best to protect you and teach the baby to be gentle.”
“Speaking of the baby, let’s get you to the hospital.” He took his phone out of his pocket and texted Kit to tell him they were on their way. “Kit said he’d find someone to see us. Or else he’ll rearrange his appointments.”
“He’s very kind.” Gemma walked toward the front door while Simon collected his wallet and keys.
“He is. Most people are in Bear Creek. It’s a great place to live and a great place to raise kids.” He smiled as she gave him a sidelong glance. “Am I overselling it?”
She turned around and placed her hands on his chest. “I want to stay, Simon. I’m sold on you and the town and everything.”
“But...” Here it came, the but he’d been waiting for.
“But...some things are out of our control.” It was an evasive answer but one he would have to accept.
“And sometimes you have to take back control. This Gianni is not an all-powerful god. He can’t come here and take away your baby.”
She thought for a moment. “So far he’s ruined everything I’ve built for myself. And I don’t even know how. All I know is he is ruthless when it comes to getting what he wants and right now, what he wants is this baby. I won’t allow you or the town to be brought down with me.” Her tone was firm when she asked, “Do you understand?”
“I do. But you also must understand that wherever you go, I go. And I’m not convinced Gianni is as far-reaching as you think he is. Sure, in a town or city he knows, but this is bear country.”
“And your bear is going to protect me?” Gemma asked.
His forehead wrinkled. “No.”
Gemma’s eyes widened. “He doesn’t approve of you taking a mate who is pregnant with another man’s child?”
“Oh, we’re fine with that,” Simon told her as he opened the front door and went outside.
“Then what?” she asked, her voice a whisper as she breathed in the freezing cold air.
“I’m not a bear shifter...”
“Oh, I thought you said...” Now she looked thoroughly confused. “But how can we be mates if you aren’t a bear shifter?”
“I am a shifter,” Simon said. “But I’m a wolf shifter.” He smiled his best wolfish smile.
“Ahh.” Gemma turned her head coyly to one side. “I feel like Little Red Riding Hood about to be gobbled up by the big bad wolf.”
“No gobbling, I promise. But make no mistake, if I need to be, I will be big, and I will be bad.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her lips before murmuring, “But never toward you.”
Chapter Seven – Gemma
A wolf shifter. Who knew? Well, it seemed fairly obvious really. If there were bear shifters, why wouldn’t there be other kinds of shifters? And werewolves had been a thing since...since forever.
“So if you bite me, will I turn into a wolf, too?” They were driving to the hospital and Gemma was attempting to keep her mind off being followed.
“No, unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that.” Simon chuckled, a sound she liked and so did the baby, who was in an active mood. Perhaps he too was feeling revived after a big breakfast.
“Pity. I’d love to run across the mountains and howl at the moon.” She looked up toward the snow-covered peaks in the distance. “If Gianni is a shifter, will my child be a shifter, too?”
“Yes,” Simon said quietly. “But he won’t shift until puberty, so there’s plenty of time to figure out if he is or not.”
“Like a DNA test?” Gemma asked.
“We can ask if there’s a test.” Simon wasn’t sure, it wasn’t something he’d ever considered since most shifter children were born into families where their parents were mates. But every family was different.
“What’s it like? You know, shifting. Does it hurt?” She rested her hand on her swollen belly. The thought of her child one-day sprouting claws and fur was difficult to imagine.
“No, it’s more like we swap places in this world. Magical. I’d call it magical rather than a biological change.”
“Like Christmas magic?” Gemma stared out of the window as a flurry of snowflakes took aim at the car. “You know what would be great?”
“I’m already looking at it,” Simon told her with a cheesy grin.
“Cute, I can see why you’ve been alone all this time.” She reached over and placed her hand over his. “That was a joke. I love the way you talk to me.” Her voice caught in her throat, she was so close to tears the whole time. “I love the way you think I’m special. I’ve never felt that before.”
“You are special. Not many people would have found the strength to keep going when everything goes against them.” Simon turned toward Bear Bluff. “The hospital is in the next town over.”
Gemma nodded. “Okay, so maybe my wish might not be the best.”
“Tell me what it is? Or not, it’s up to you.” The snow came down heavier, but Simon knew the roads well and kept to a sensible speed, guiding the car around the bends as the road meandered along the fringes of the mountains.
“I was going to wish we could get snowed in. That way no one could come and try to take the baby.” Gemma looked at the mountain range. “Or maybe we should just pack enough food and clothes for the winter and go and hibernate in a cave somewhere.” She glanced across at Simon. “Wolves don’t hibernate, do they?”
“No, they don’t. No shifter does.” They reached the main road into Bear Bluff and Gemma sat back to look at the houses and stores as they passed by.
“I don’t have anything for the baby,” she muttered to herself, as panic filled her. She tensed and sat up in her seat.
“It’s okay, after we’ve been to the hospital, we can visit all the baby stores and get what we need. Okay?” His reassuring tone calmed her.
“I’m still not sure about accepting your offer of financial help.” Gemma considered her predicament for a moment. “I should just sell the jewelry.”
“A loan. Remember? As soon as we work things out, we can get your bank accounts unfrozen and you can pay me back.” Simon ducked his head, looking at the sign for the hospital, and turned into the parking lot.
“What if that leads them to me here?” Gemma asked. “What if they can trace where the money goes?”
“Hey, we’ll find a way. If not, we manage with the money I have.” He leaned forward and kissed her lips as he switched off the engine. “I’ve lived a very dull life and I’ve saved my money and invested wisely.” He gave her a lopsided smile. “Yes, I know it’s boring, but there it is.”
Gemma lifted her hand and stroked his cheek, running her fingers over his lips. “I can’t tell you how much I want boring in my life.”
“Then here I am.” He kissed her fingers, sending shivers of desire through her body. He awakened her need for love and she longed to make love to him. But would he want her while she looked like a beached whale?
“Here you are.” She kissed his lips, nipping his bottom lip before pulli
ng away from him. “Let’s go. I can’t wait for you to hear the baby’s heartbeat.”
Gemma opened the car door and got out awkwardly. With some effort, she waddled around to meet Simon. She felt heavy, as if she’d gained another ten pounds overnight. Looping her arm through Simon’s, she leaned on him as they walked slowly toward the hospital. He held the door open like a true gentleman as she entered the building then he escorted her to the reception area.
“Hello there,” the receptionist asked. “How can I help you?”
“We’re here to see Kit,” Simon said easily.
“I’ll page him.” She smiled efficiently, and Simon led Gemma away from the desk while they waited for Kit.
Five minutes later, the elevator opened to reveal Kit. “Hi there, it’s good to see you took my advice.”
“Hi, Kit. Thanks again for last night,” Gemma said brightly, feeling more at ease now that they were here.
“The best reward is to know you’ve decided to have a proper exam. I’ve spoken to the OB/GYN department. They are willing to fit you in between appointments. I told them you are visiting in town and need a quick checkup.” Kit led them to the elevator and pressed the button for the second floor. “They are discreet.”
“Discreet sounds good.” Gemma smiled tightly. “I’ve explained to Simon.”
Kit let out a long sigh. “Good, this is not the kind of thing you want to face alone.”
“We’re in this together, just as we’re in everything together.” Simon slid his arm around Gemma’s shoulders as if to emphasize this.
“I’ve told them your name is Gemma. I didn’t give them a last name. That is up to you.” He glanced at them both. “But this will go on the system. It’s hospital policy.”
“I can use my father’s name.” Gemma nodded.
“And once you are married, it won’t matter.” Kit stepped out of the elevator. “I might suggest you get married soon. Very soon.”
Gemma stood still, it was as if someone had put glue on the soles of her shoes. “Married.”
“We can talk about it later,” Simon shot Kit a warning look.
“Sorry, I was only thinking that Gemma and the baby would be harder to trace if they had a different last name.” Kit ushered them forward and Simon took Gemma’s hand and pulled her gently out of the elevator.
“It’s a good idea.” Gemma nodded and then she covered her mouth as a sob erupted from deep inside her.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Simon asked as he gathered her into his arms.
“I’ve done this all backward. The baby, getting married while I’m pregnant. It’s just...not as I planned it.” She had some idea how Simon must be feeling. His dream of finding a mate and having a child must have been dealt a huge blow when he found her last night.
“It doesn’t matter,” Kit said. “Life throws stuff at you. There’s no one right way. Believe me, I’ve seen enough to know that. All that matters is that you’ve found each other, and this child is going to be born into a happy family with a rock-solid relationship.”
“Thanks, Kit.” Simon urged Gemma forward. “Come on.”
Gemma followed them along the corridor, embarrassed at her outburst. She wasn’t used to being so emotional. But everything seemed to make her overreact. The smallest things sent her into floods of tears, particularly if it concerned the baby.
However, when they finally got signed in and her medical history was taken, the sight of her baby on the monitor as Melanie, their midwife, swept the wand over her sticky gel-covered belly made it all worthwhile.
“There it is.” The midwife’s voice filled with excitement. “It never gets old, seeing a new life.”
“It’s beautiful,” Simon said as he gripped Gemma’s hand. “I hate calling the baby an it.”
“Do you want me to tell you if it’s a boy or a girl?” Melanie asked.
“No.” Gemma shook her head firmly. “Unless you want to know?” She’d never considered anyone else in the whole pregnancy. She’d done every test, every scan alone. But now that Simon was here, it was only right he had a choice, and an opinion, too.
“This seems to have been the season for surprises. I’m happy to go with the unexpected.” He stared at the screen. “Look at those little hands. And those tiny feet.”
“Everything looks good,” they were reassured.
“Everything looks amazing from here,” Simon said as he looked at Gemma with an expression she would treasure forever.
“Absolutely perfect,” she agreed as tears ran down her cheeks. This time she didn’t wipe them away.
“Do you have any names picked out?” Melanie asked.
“Not really.” With the upheaval of the last couple of months, Gemma had never allowed herself to hope that everything would be resolved, and she would get to keep her baby. In the back of her mind, the niggling thought that Gianni would win, and make her give up their child to him, had shut down any plans for the future—other than staying one step ahead of him.
“Well, you should start thinking about names soon. I’m certain you are further along than you thought.” Melanie did some calculations and took measurements as panic tried to push its way to the forefront of Gemma’s mind.
“At my last hospital appointment, they were fairly certain on the dates.” Gemma watched her baby move and stretch, its leg pushing into her abdomen. It was weird connecting the movement on the screen to what she was feeling.
Taking hold of Simon’s hand, she placed it on the side of her belly, so he could feel it, too. They waited, watching for baby to make its next move. There it was! Gemma was certain she was carrying around the next big football star, with a kick like that he’d go far.
A smile spread across Simon’s face. “That’s incredible.” He waited for another kick and when it came, he burst out laughing. The baby moved, as if hearing the laughter.
“He knows your voice,” Melanie said as she watched the screen. “He likes his daddy already.”
“I’m...” Simon was shut down by Gemma squeezing his hand tight.
“He does know his daddy’s voice,” Gemma agreed with Melanie. “He knows how much his daddy is going to love him and protect him.”
“You’ve got to love shifters,” Melanie mumbled as she made a note of the measurements.
“You can tell?” Gemma asked, meaning the baby, but Melanie looked at Simon and then at Gemma.
“I could see you were fated mates as soon as you walked in through the door. There’s always a look, I don’t know, something that passes between a shifter and his mate. I’ve never been wrong.” She smiled brightly. “You make a wonderful family.”
“Thank you.” Simon stood up as Melanie switched off the machine.
“Now, I’ve made some notes. We’d like to keep a special eye on you considering your age.” She held up her hand. “I’m not calling you old, but you are one of our older mommies. So make an appointment at the desk outside and I’d like to see you again in four days.” She handed the notes to Gemma. “And I’ve written down a revised date. Honestly, it might even be sooner. The head is down but the baby hasn’t dropped yet, but at these late stages that can, and does, happen quickly. So just make sure you have your bag packed.” She smiled as she warned, “And don’t go into the mountains unless you are prepared to deliver the baby yourselves.”
Melanie giggled at her own joke and Gemma grinned in return as Simon opened the door for them. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Thanks so much for everything,” Simon said as he wrapped an arm around Gemma and guided her out of the room. “You look as if you need a cup of chamomile tea and a sweet treat.”
“I think so, too. Then we need to go and buy all the things we need.” She smoothed her hand over her baby bump. She was going to get at least one of her wishes coming true. Her baby might be making an appearance very soon.
All of a sudden, she seemed totally unprepared.
But the calming presence of Simon, who handled all the pa
perwork and made her an appointment, made her realize she was not in this alone. He was there for her and always would be.
Chapter Eight – Simon
“I can’t believe how much stuff a baby needs.” Simon set the last of the packages down in the hallway of his house and looked up at a smiling Gemma. It was good to see her happy. Immediately after the visit to the hospital, she’d been a little distracted. However, once they found the local mother and baby store, she’d soon snapped out of her troubled mood.
Retail therapy for the win, his wolf said happily as Gemma picked up a stuffed plush wolf and wagged it at Simon.
“I love this the best. I’m going to leave it in the crib next to the baby, so he loves wolves the best above all else.” She smiled brightly, her cheeks full of color and her tiredness gone.
“I’m not going to argue with you.” Simon put his hands on his hips and looked at the packages, then at the stairs. “Shall we go and pick out a nursery?”
Gemma’s smile faltered, and she nodded, her eyes misted with tears. “Yes, please.” She dashed a stray falling tear away. “I had a room in my apartment that I chose to be the nursery.” Her hand balled into a fist. “I’m so damn angry at Gianni for what he’s done, what he continues to do.”
“Don’t let him spoil the day,” Simon warned.
“You’re right.” She took a deep shuddering breath. “You know the sheriff in town.”
“I do,” Simon acknowledged.
“Will you come with me tomorrow to speak to him?” she asked.
“You want to report Gianni?” Simon would love to see the man brought to justice. Although, he was unsure what proof Gemma had of the things he’d done to wreck Gemma’s life.
“I do. It’s the only way to end this. I’ve tried running, but he’ll never stop.” She nodded resolutely. “Now, let’s go pick out a nursery. Do you have any sunny rooms? Not too hot, of course.”
“I have the perfect room.” Simon held out his hand and she took it. Taking the stairs slowly, they headed to the first floor and along the hallway.
The Wolf Wants a Wife (A Second Chance Christmas in Bear Creek Book 2) Page 5