Then it wasn’t laughter at all anymore, and the tears held the grief of loss of all the time with Bennett and Parker. “I thought”—I gasped a breath—“I thought I could just go forward with things and be glad for what I have, but I missed everything. I never even saw him get his first bath. Didn’t change a single diaper.”
And my sobs brought my friend around the desk to kneel at my side and bring me in for one of his big hugs. “I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Did you just not hit it off? Why haven’t you been together all this time?”
I swiped at the tears, resting my forehead on his shoulder. “I met him at a concert in the city, and we spent the night together.”
“And?”
I drew a shuddering breath. “And I left my information, somehow it got water spilled on it, and he never knew how to find me. I thought he didn’t want to.”
“So you forgot about him until he showed up?”
“Not for one minute of one day.”
“I see.” He set me away from him and held my gaze. “So you want the omega, you definitely want your son...do they want you?”
“I think Bennett does.” I rested a hip on the desk. “We’re telling Parker, my son, our son, this afternoon.”
“Whew.” Edison wrapped an arm around my shoulder and led me toward the door. “Go see to your family.”
“No, I have responsibilities that I—”
“You do so much more than your share here. Your primary responsibility going forward is your omega and your son. Remember, I had to learn that, too. Also remember, Anderson and Janelle are adopted, and not as babies. We missed all those things you’re talking about, but that makes them no less our children. I’ll meet you here tomorrow morning at dawn and help you with everything that needs doing here.”
I didn’t have the strength to fight it, especially when he was right. So I stopped and picked up some lunch and headed in the direction Parker and Bennett. There were no guarantees things would go smoothly. In fact, I was fairly sure they would not. But it didn’t matter. They were my family. We would make it work.
And now...now we were having lunch and about to have the biggest conversation of any of our lives. Please let it go well.
Chapter Thirteen
Bennett
I couldn’t even get my chopsticks into the noodles without my hand shaking. George stared at my hand and then up at me and winked, as though winking would take away all the anxiety I was holding. Okay, it kind of helped.
I took a breath and realized it was time to put it all out on the table in the gentlest way I could, right next to the Kung Pao chicken.
“Parker, there’s something we need to talk to you about.”
From his eye roll and continuous munching on rice, no shits were given on my son’s part about what I had to tell him. That would change in seconds.
I looked to George who had stopped chewing. Probably holding his breath as well.
“Son, listen to me.” I reached across and put my hand on his. “What have I told you about your father?”
That got his attention. We avoided the subject at all costs. Mostly because I mourned what could’ve been, but he didn’t know that.
“He was a kind man, and you said he had the best eyes. That’s all I know.”
George grinned, and the tips of my ears became red hot.
“Well, I met your father again the other day.” Not the way I wanted it all to come out, but I rolled with it.
“And? He’s a loser or what?” I cracked up. The kid was ridiculous, and when he said that, his Big Apple accent was more pronounced.
“No. He’s an amazing man and he wants to be in your life. In fact, he kind of already is.”
He put down the rice and looked at me. “Who?”
The kid wasn’t the fastest today. I blamed it on Sunday sleepiness in my mind.
“It’s me, Parker. I’m your father,” George blurted, and a thousand pounds of weight were lifted from my shoulders and chest as though I’d been carrying them around the entire decade since he’d been gone.
Parker sat silent for a minute and then looked at my mate, his father, really looked at him. “You’re my dad? Are you sure?”
We both chuckled.
“I’m 100 percent sure, buddy.”
Parker sighed, and I knew he would need some time to process it all. He may need some time away from George and some space. I would give him all that.
“Can—can I hug you?” A searing streak of jealousy ripped through me. Parker hadn’t hugged me in months, and certainly not after I informed him that we were moving.
George looked to me for permission, and I nodded slightly.
“Of course.”
Parker got up and Hallmark-Channel slowly walked toward his dad with an unsureness about him I hadn’t seen before. This is what my boy needed, an alpha father in his life, and another person to trust and keep him safe. George opened his arms, and I felt the wetness on my face as they finally embraced.
My alpha was crying more than me.
They broke apart and spoke some words I didn’t hear and then Parker turned to me. “But dads are supposed to live together.”
Oh gods, I had no idea that was coming.
“Well, George and I…need to speak about that.”
“Do you love him? Don’t you still love my dad? You said you did.”
I scoffed, but knew deep down it was true. “When?”
Parker crossed his arms over his chest. “That New Year’s we spent in Times Square, and you made me hold your hand ’cause there was so many people and, at midnight, I asked you why you were crying, and you said you wished my dad would find us.”
As he told the story, I sobbed even more. I couldn’t believe he remembered that.
“I did say that,” I confessed.
“Haven’t we wasted enough time, omega?”
Oh, I saw how it was now. They were ganging up on me. “I think George and I need to speak in private.”
Parker huffed, “Fine, but after that I want to play Call of Duty with my dad.”
George ruffled his hair and promised there would be games later, before switching chairs to come sit closer to me. “Be honest with me, omega,” he whispered.
“I thought we were taking this slow.” My heart was beating out of my chest, and though it all felt right, it also was rushed and I was terrified it would all fall apart. “I’m scared.”
George brushed my hair behind my ear. “Scared of what, love?”
That word, love, so deep in my heart, but to hear it made it even more real. “Scared of getting in too fast and having it all come undone.”
He nodded as though he had the same concerns. “I’m not gonna let this fall apart, Bennett. You and me—no one or no thing is ever going to take you away from me ever again. You’re mine and if I’m honest, I want it all. I want to move in and marry you and be Parker’s dad and be your alpha for the rest of our lives. I’ll never let you go if you don’t want me to.”
His words pierced me, and I knew they were true. George leaving his information the morning after our tryst meant he wanted more, but fate had other ideas.
But we were together now.
“I want all of that, too,” I said between choking up from crying, and George reached out to hold me and pulled me to his chair.
“Your place or mine?” he asked, murmuring into my ear, and I knew no matter where we lived, he was my home.
Chapter Fourteen
George
Packing day. I was very lucky that the building I lived in had a waiting list because I was able to break my lease and walk away with thirty days’ notice. Not that I’d be there for the thirty days. Just paying for them. I never planned to stay another night anywhere but under a roof with my family.
I’d been working long hours, first on the grant proposal then all the other things then heading to Bennett’s, heading home after stops at my place for a change of clothes for the morning, and a carful of other
things. But a few weeks later, with the thirty days looming, I’d managed to put out all the fires at work and finally had a day free to rent a truck and empty the place. Luckily, Bennett’s place in the city had been much smaller so he had lots of room for my things in his home and I didn’t have to get rid of my furniture. Not that I cared about most of it, but it was good quality and a few pieces were antiques.
I was just filling a box and marking it kitchen when the most welcome greeting echoed from the foyer. “Hi, Dad. We’re here!”
My family.
“Come give me a hug, Son.” Because I had a lot of hugs to make up for.
He flung his arms around my neck and squeezed. “What can I do to help?”
Bennett, entering the kitchen with an armload of boxes, froze. “Who is this child?”
Parker turned to face him. “It’s me, Parker.” Then he took a box from him and headed for the kitchen drawers. He was tossing silverware and utensils in with little finesse, but I didn’t say a word. He was helping. Enthusiastically. Sounded like a win to me.
I headed for Bennett and relieved him of the rest of his load and set it aside so I could get a hello kiss. Something else I was making up on lost time for. “This is our son. Parker.”
“You aren’t going to try to tell me he’s a perfect angel. Just because his wish—one he never actually expressed to me—came true, and he has his other dad, he’s not going to lose all the attitude long term.” He sighed. “As much as I wish it might be the case. How has he been at the center?”
“Good. Or pretty good. I think he’s riding the high of my dad is one of the ‘bosses’ here, so I’ve had to take him aside and slow down the bragging, but Edison thinks it’s kind of a normal reaction.”
“Like you hate that he’s bragging you’re his dad.”
I could feel the smirk on my lips. “Not for one second. But he’s new and needs to make friends if he’s going to be happy here. And that’s very important to me.”
“Me, too.” Stepping away from me, he threw himself into the packing, too, and within five or six hours we had everything loaded on the truck and, after turning in my key, with my son in the front seat beside me, I drove it to my new home, my omega driving his car behind.
Once we got there, we powered through the unload so I could return the truck before we had to pay for another day, and at seven that night we sat, surrounded by boxes and random pieces of furniture that had not yet found a home, eating delivered pizza and wings and guzzling soda.
“Remember, this is a special treat, Parker,” Bennett chided as our son guzzled the sugary soft drink. “Back to milk tomorrow. And water.”
“Yes, Dad.”
I got another look of shock from my omega at that, but managed to suppress my smile. Sure we were on a honeymoon as a family where everyone was on their best behavior. And it wouldn’t last forever. But perhaps in Parker’s case this respite would be enough of a break for him to come back a little less on the train to sassy teenhood. For now.
The day had worn us all out so we only lasted until nine before we all tumbled into bed. But two hours later, Bennett groaned and rolled to stand, gripping his stomach.
“Are you okay?”
“No,” he muttered, shoving his feet into slippers. “I must have eaten dinner too fast.” And he was gone. From behind the closed bathroom door I heard him retching, so I followed and knocked.
“Can I do anything?”
More retching.
I waited.
“Bennett?”
“Just leave me alone.” His garbled reply at least let me know he was alive, so I’d settle for that for now. I slid down to sit against the doorframe and wait.
Finally he came out, face flushed and eyes teary, I panicked and leapt up. “We need to go to emergency.”
“No, we don’t.” He clutched something in his fist and waved me toward the bed. “I’ll be fine, but I need to sit down a minute. I hope you won’t be upset. I mean...I don’t think you’ll be too upset, but I’m not entirely sure because it’s sudden to spring this on you but…”
I lifted him and carried him to the bed, settling him among the pillows and blankets. “What is it? Is there something medical you haven’t shared with me? Tell me, quick. I won’t be mad. I just need to know how to help you.” Thoughts of every kind of illness flashed through my mind. Could the fates be so cruel as to steal him from me right after we got back together?
He blinked. “Oh god no. Nothing like that. And I know we’ve kind of talked about this, but I mean it’s so soon and shoot, you just moved in today.”
“Uh-huh…” If I got any more confused...then I looked at his hand and saw the end of a stick poking out. And dumb me finally got it. “You can’t mean it. Are you pregnant?”
He opened his palm to reveal the testing stick. But I didn’t know how to read it. “Yeah. Already.”
I knew how I felt about it, but how did he? “Are you happy?”
He looked at me. “Are you?”
In a deadpan voice I said, “Ecstatic. Please be happy, too.”
He let the tester fall to the bed—we’d clean that later—and flung himself into my arms. “Yeah, me, too.” Was there ever a luckier man than me?
Chapter Fifteen
Bennett
My alpha was getting more and more antsy by the moment. He’d been elated when we found out we were expecting another child, but in the few months afterward, he’d become a big ole worrywart.
It was kind of adorable.
And a little annoying.
Then again, I’d done this before. I considered myself a pro at the being pregnant thing.
“George,” I called, standing at the foot of the bed, nothing on, trying like hell to be sexy even though my tummy looked like I’d had a few too many beers and pizzas over the years.
No answer. He was deep into another pregnancy book. He alternated between those and the ones about infancy and giving birth. Between those books and his time with Parker, along with extra hours at the center, trying to get a grant to keep them open and running, there was no time left for me lately.
I missed him.
“Alpha mine,” I called out and couldn’t help the desperation in my voice. He didn’t mean to ignore me. He was simply trying to be the best alpha he could and spreading himself too thin.
That got his attention.
“Bennett,” he said, tipping the book down and taking off his reading glasses. “Why are you standing way over there?” Looking me up and down, just like I wanted him to, he put the glasses and the book aside, pulled back the covers on my side, and patted the mattress.
“I feel like I don’t see you anymore,” I said, walking over and getting into bed then sliding over to plaster myself against him.
“I know. I nearly took my lunch hour to come over here and see you, but then I thought you might be busy...I should’ve come. I’m sorry I’ve been distracted. I’m overwhelmed.”
Poor guy. A dad to a nine-year-old, a new babe, an alpha, and living in a new home all in the span of a few months. There was a lot to juggle, mentally.
“It’s okay. But no more reading all those books, okay? I kind of know what I’m doing pregnancy-wise, and I’ll help you with everything else. What Parker and I need most from you is your time and attention. Got it?” I said and tickled his side.
“What kind of attention, exactly, omega?” he asked, his voice carrying that sexy bass tone he knew I loved.
“The kind that requires this.” I reached under the comforter and sheet and began to pump his already-hard cock up and down in my hand. George leaned over and took my mouth with a fury, as though he was as hungry for me as I was for him.
“On your back, omega,” he said, and moved so that he was poised on top of me. I let go of him and took hold of my own dick while I felt my entrance begin to slick.
“I’m ready for you, alpha.”
He smiled at me then, that smile that held a little mischief. My favorite smile. “
But I thought my omega wanted some special attention? And I intend to give it to you.”
He moved down and sucked on each nipple, almost making me come undone. They were sensitive because of the pregnancy, and the mix of pleasure and pain struck just the right chord. His hands kneaded my hips and I was pliant under his touch.
“Almost to my favorite part,” he growled, and then I watched him trail his mouth over my stomach and then take my hardness between his lips.
I almost came right then.
His head bobbed up and down, taking me over waves of pleasure. Both of his hands now massaged my ass, but the movement was simply a tease. He knew where I wanted him to be.
“What?” he said, letting me go with a pop. I must’ve made a whining noise at his teasing.
“Stop teasing. It’s not nice,” I commanded.
“Yes, omega. I love it when you tell me what you want.” He returned to sucking me off while he parted my thighs and delved not one, but two fingers into my entrance and worked them in and out with the rhythm of his sucking. His tongue swirled around my head and then took a moment to pay some extra attention to my sac.
The pressure of the incoming climax built inside me as he resumed his blow job and I jerked and moved my hips with his fingers inside me.
Before I knew it, I cried out his name, my hands tangled in his hair.
“On your knees, omega. This is going to be quick. You’re so beautiful when you come.”
I did as my alpha said and got onto my knees and shook my ass a little, waiting impatiently. He swiftly entered me and, three strokes later, it was him calling my name.
We collapsed into a heap of exhaustion.
“I love you, omega mine. You and my son and this babe,” he said a few minutes later when we had both caught our breaths. He rubbed his hand over my belly.
“I love you. Parker has taken this remarkably well,” I murmured. I actually worried a little about how well he took it. George had taken him for ice cream the day after we realized I was pregnant and told him the news. He seemed happy and excited, but hadn’t said much about it since.
The Alpha's Ginger-Kissed Omega: An M/M Non-Shifter Mpreg Romance (Alpha Kissed Book 5) Page 5