Maybe he needed a moment to process it all.
“He has. I’m not sure it’s hit him yet.”
“Should we bring him to the ultrasound?” I asked, and that piqued George’s interest. I could tell by the way he moved his ears.
“I don’t think so. Is it selfish that I want that moment just for us?”
I ran my fingers through his hair as he leaned on my chest, walking his fingers along the edges of my belly.
“No, not selfish at all. We’ll show him the pictures.”
George nodded and before long, I heard soft snores coming from my alpha.
Chapter Sixteen
George
Bennett’s concern about how Parker took the news about the baby and all the changes in his life held merit. He knew our son better than I did, and the more I thought about it, the more suspicious I got that a kid who’d been on the verge of expulsion at his previous school wore a halo now that beamed throughout the whole center and our home. I was feeling a little guilty about not wanting to take him for the ultrasound that was scheduled for later in the week. The twenty-week shots would give us the sex—should we want to know. And we still hadn’t decided about that.
Although I wanted to take credit for Parker’s amazingly good behavior, to crow that he had done a one-eighty strictly because he had me in his life—I knew that was crap. Sure, he and I were bonding like crazy, but he was still him, still growing older and facing the challenges all kids did. And in a new school to top it all. And he was spending a lot of his time at the center, shadowing me and helping out. When I suggested he go play with the other kids, more often than not he said he’d rather hang with his dad.
And of course, my ego ate it up.
Not necessarily to his benefit. Shit.
While I was staring blankly at a sheaf of grant announcements, hoping to find something we could use and that I could convince the grantors we deserved, the phone rang.
“My Brother, My Sister, this is George.”
“Oh, good. I’m glad I got you, George. I wasn’t sure if you would be in so early.”
“Who’s calling?” Because, one, I came in every morning after dropping Parker at school, and two, I had no idea.
“Oh, I’m sorry. This is Scott Keating, Parker’s teacher?” Uh-oh.
“Hi, Scott. I enjoyed meeting you at the parent-teacher conferences last month. I hope our little guy hasn’t been up to any shenanigans.” Apparently when I became a dad, I became one from the 1950s.
“Oh, that’s not why I’m calling.” Although it also didn’t answer my question. “I was hoping you were free for lunch one day this week. Some of the kids in my class are working on a project, and since they are in your program, I wondered if your staff could help them out.”
“I’m free today.”
“Oh...well, sure. I can do that.”
I didn’t think teachers had very long lunches, so I suggested I bring us both sandwiches from The Bistro, and from his eagerness, I’d made a good choice.
The school was buzzing when I arrived, kids zooming through the halls on their way to the playground or cafeteria, faculty strolling the halls, chatting about whatever things faculty chatted about. I found my way to Parker’s classroom where Scott Keating sat behind his own pile of paperwork. Teachers never got to rest.
“Roast beef dips okay? With their spiral fries and pickles?”
He rose, a grin revealing straight white teeth. “That sounds great. I have some fizzy waters here if you’d like one?”
We sat down and unwrapped the sandwiches, and for the next ten minutes it was all about the amazing food prepared by Harry at The Bistro. He was a genius, and everyone figured it was only a matter of time before he quit his small-town job and headed for the big city where he could open his own restaurant and become a star on the culinary scene.
Finally, half my sandwich demolished, I slowed down. “Whew. Okay, I suppose we’d better get to business or you’ll have a classroom full of students again. So what’s this project you’d like us to help your students with?”
“Well, six of the boys got the idea that instead of a book report, they’d like to act out a scene from one of their favorite stories. So, they’ll need help with the script, rehearsal...maybe costumes. Is that something your staff could find a little time for?”
“Absolutely. If you can get a lesson plan for us so we know what you’re going for, that would be a big help. When is the ‘report’ due?”
“Not for three weeks. But you know kids. On their own, they’d be starting it in two weeks, six days. Since they are all excited, I’d like to take advantage of that energy, and who knows? Might be something we do again. I wish I had time to do it in class, but with testing coming up…”
“I get it.” We continued eating while we chatted, and by the time I crunched on the last bite of The Bistro’s own garlic dill, it was time for me to go. But first… “I wanted to ask you how Parker is doing. I mean, I see his grades and the online updates you send us, but I want your thoughts. Is he happy? Making friends? Settling in well? He’s had a lot of adjustments to make and I’m a little suspicious of how well it’s going. Is that crazy?”
He shook his head, crumpling his sandwich wrapper. “It’s not crazy. I understand you and your omega are having another child as well?”
“Right. Has he been talking about it? He seems okay but kind of detached.”
Scott bit his lip a moment. “That’s a good word for it. He does all his assignments, answers when called on, and is always very polite.”
“Isn’t that okay?” I was still trying to put it together.
“Yes and no. For some kids, this is normal. But the kid who walked in this door was anything but detached. A little sassy but enthusiastic.”
Oh man. “Are we doing something wrong? In your professional opinion? We both spend time with him and he’s with me every afternoon at the center. In fact, one of us is with him all the time.”
Scott swept the debris into his wastebasket and stood. “Maybe that’s part of the problem. Does he feel a part of your family expanding? Because he’s never even mentioned the baby. I only know because I spoke with your omega one day.”
And there it went. I wanted to keep him out of the ultrasound appointment, for what reason? It had seemed fine at the time, but now it just felt selfish.
“No...I don’t think we’ve been including him enough. But we’ll fix that. Right away. Any other suggestions?” I stood, too, as a bell rang announcing the end of lunch. “I’ll take any tips you’ve got.”
“He needs friends so maybe at the center try to get him involved with the other kids more than being your helper. I know you value every moment with him, but it’s important that he get to spend time with his peers.”
I shook his hand. “You’re right. In fact, you’re a genius. Now, I’d like to get out of here before he sees me. I think I have an idea of exactly how to accomplish both of those goals.
On the way back to work, I called Bennett and filled him in. He was 100 percent on board.
Two days later, not only was Parker present at the ultrasound, he was the only person the tech gave the critical piece of information to.
Chapter Seventeen
Bennett
The smile on our son’s face was priceless. George may be new to being a father, but it was clear he was meant for the task.
“Don’t even think about it.” George raised his voice to me, something he never did.
“What?” I said, poised with a unicorn in one hand and one foot on the ladder.
“Please, please don’t get onto that ladder. Let me do it.” His voice became almost whiny, and I chuckled.
“I’ll be fine,” I said, mentally waving off his concern and intending to finish what I’d started.
“Omega mine, for the love of...get down. I’m not asking.” His voice took on a huskier tone, and I froze on the second step.
I stepped down and put my hands on his chest. “You’re
telling me what to do?”
George reached out and put both hands on my belly. “Yes. More every day I’m turning into an overbearing, protective beast, I know, but your safety and this baby’s health is everything. Besides”—he took the unicorn decoration from my hand and climbed the ladder —“You put the other ones upside down.”
I looked around the room and saw that I had, in fact, put a lot of things on the wrong way. This one was the first one to hang from the ceiling, but the proof was clear, pregnancy brain had taken over.
For his little comment, and for being the most adorable, overbearing beast possible, he got a hard slap on the ass while on the ladder.
“Save that for later, omega. Now, what else needs to be done?”
Hands on my hips, I walked over to the island and looked at the list. I’d dropped Parker off with Liam to make the cake since he was the only one who knew the gender of the babe. Since finding out the gender and being more involved in the pregnancy, our son had embraced being the big brother, and I thought it would be really good for him.
“Just the cake and cupcakes. Other than that, I have to pick up in the living room a little.”
George got down from the ladder and wrapped his arms around my middle, splaying his hands over my belly. “I think you need a nap before the festivities.”
I stuck out my ass and wiggled it against his pelvis. “A nap would be nice.”
“No, not that kind of nap. I mean a real one with eyes closed and sleeping.”
I yawned and was disappointed, but he was right. Today had been busy, and we had even more to come. “Thank you. I’m gonna get on the couch.”
“Good, love. I’ll take care of everything else.”
On the couch, I didn’t even remember my head hitting the pillow and I was out cold.
I was woken up sometime later by the opening of the front door and Parker’s voice along with Liam’s. It must’ve been time for the party to begin, and I probably looked like a hot mess.
“Dad?” Parker came to my side to help me up from the couch.
“So, did you color the cake pink or blue?” I asked.
Parker opened his mouth and then shot me a stink eye. “Dad, you can’t trick me. Mr. Liam already told me you would try.”
I looked up at Liam who shrugged, cake in hand.
“Well, good. I was testing you in case your friends tried to trick you.”
Just as we’d gotten the cake into the fridge, the people, both friends and Parker’s friends began rolling in. We had so much finger food, courtesy of Harry and his blooming catering business. Sandwiches, appetizers, and dips were everywhere.
“Parker, I think it’s time!” I called out after the roar of the crowd died down. We had gifts to open and people to chat with, but I wanted to know what my babe was now.
Parker came in, friends in tow and my hands shook as everyone gathered around to see me cut the cake.
“I can’t,” I said to George, handing over the knife. The whole thing was too nerve-wracking.
“I’ve got it.” George cut once and then twice before pausing to kiss me. “No matter what the babe is, it’s a miracle to me.”
Slowly, he pulled out the slice, and I couldn’t believe what I saw.
Blue.
Another boy.
I held my breath while Parker screamed, “I’m gonna have a little brother!”
George looked at me and plopped the slice onto a plate. Liam took over cutting the rest while George wrapped his arms around my shoulders. “Another son. Just when I thought you’d already given me everything I’d ever wanted.”
“We’ve got a lifetime, George.”
We reached out and enfolded Parker in our embrace. “Let’s name him Perry,” he said.
“Perry?” I asked, knowing the only Perry I knew was Perry Mason from TV.
“Yeah, like Perry the Platypus,” he answered, and I didn’t let him know that it warmed my heart he was back into kid things like cartoons.
“We’ll consider it,” George said, bending down to kiss Parker on the head.
The rest of the day went smoothly. Parker and his friends played outside and popped in for the occasional drink of punch or slice of cake while George and I were overwhelmed with the generosity of our friends. Along with the things I’d kept from Parker being a baby, we would have most of what we needed for the new babe, including a crib courtesy of Edison and Liam.
As the afternoon came to a close and we were saying goodbye to everyone, I realized I’d never had a baby shower when I was pregnant with Parker.
“This was fun. I never had one of these with Parker.”
“No?” George’s eyebrows furrowed.
“No. I was alone without many friends. I bought most of his stuff secondhand and made do. We are so blessed.”
George looked down. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there with you.”
I walked over to him and with my thumb, wiped away a lone tear from his face. “That’s okay. You’re here now. But I have one question.” George looked at me and took my hands in his and kissed each one. My tummy whirled with nervousness. “Wanna marry me?”
Chapter Eighteen
George
“Say yes!” Edison was bouncing on his toes. “Everyone, come back! They’re going to get married!” Suddenly all the people who’d been trailing out the door, lingering to chat by their cars, and a few who’d already started their engines, surged back into the house and the party was on again.
Harry, who’d been consolidating the bits and pieces from his feast, hugged us both hard. “Now, you don’t have to do a thing. I’ve been dying to add a little party planning to my repertoire so I’ll do it all. You just have to tell me your colors, your venue, and where you want to have the reception and I’ll do the rest. No charge for my services. I’m just so excited.” He gave us a squeeze and broke away. “Now, where’s Liam...there he is. Liam, buddy, have you ever made a wedding cake?”
We just stood there in the center of the storm while our friends drank, ate the last of the party food and the final tier of blue cake, and toasted “the grooms” over and over.
Parker had his own group of admirers lifting cups of punch and cheering him on. He was flushed and beaming, and I picked up bits and pieces of conversation about “me and my brother” and “my dads are always kissing so I figured they’d have to get married.” Our awesome little son.
Over at the dining room table, Edison had shoved all the platters aside to hold a committee meeting with Harry and Liam and a couple of our other friends. “Do you think we’re having a destination wedding?” my omega murmured, drawing my attention back to him. “Maybe Tahoe or Vegas?”
I chuckled. “Or the moon.” But then I took a good look at him. Bennett was pale and had circles under his eyes. He was past any morning sickness and overall doing well, but he was still pregnant and got tired more easily than usual. “Let’s slip outside for a few minutes and talk.”
He glanced around. “But what about all our guests? Wouldn’t that be rude?”
I took his hand and led him out the door. “I don’t think they will even notice. Besides, before we let them book the ‘venue,’ we still have business to take care of.”
“We do?” He sounded puzzled.
I led him past the patio and onto the lawn then dropped to one knee. “Bennett, my omega, the love of my life and father of my children—children!—will you do me the honor of becoming my husband?”
He arched a brow and frowned at me. “Didn’t we just do this?”
I reached into my pocket while continuing to hold his hand with my other one. “You didn’t answer me.”
He flushed, a grin breaking out like sunshine after a storm. “I didn’t?”
“Nope.” I brought out the box I’d been carrying around for weeks. “But I wish you would now.”
“That box for me?”
“Depends.” I waved it enticingly. “On your answer.”
He shook his head slowly and ru
bbed his fingers through my hair. “George, I’ve known you were the one for me since that night in New York. You don’t even have to ask, but since you have, I’d be honored to marry you.”
I started to reply, but he pressed the pad of his finger on my lips and continued. “And it’s lucky you want to be married, too, because it saves me from following you anywhere you ever go. Me, Parker, and what was that name he wants to call the new one?”
“Perry, I think.”
“Yeah, him.”
I flipped the lid of the box and showed him the rings. “I had thought we could slip away and get married at city hall.”
“With Parker...that would be perfect.”
“But everyone knows, and we’d hurt their feelings.” I tugged him to his feet and drew him in for a deep kiss. “I think the best we can hope is a small event here and maybe convince them that it’s exactly what we want.”
He kissed me again, for a while then stepped back. “You know what? It is what we want, or at least what I do. Today was the best day ever...do you think we could just have a picnic wedding?”
“Maybe...we can try!”
Since we told our wedding planning team we wanted to be married two weeks later, we were able to talk them down to an elegant garden party...their compromise to our request for a picnic. It was a beautiful day with not a cloud in the blue sky. The flowers were all in bloom, and in the few places where the garden wasn’t providing, beautiful bouquets were tucked. We had a new gazebo and tents scattered around. Balloons—at Parker’s request—and the tallest cake I’d ever seen.
But that all faded when Parker escorted Bennett down the aisle. My family approaching me, both in pressed jeans and button-downs with navy blazers. I wore the same. Probably goofy but it made us happy. We stood in our gazebo, with a breeze ruffling the trees and our friends sitting in the rows of rental chairs.
The Alpha's Ginger-Kissed Omega: An M/M Non-Shifter Mpreg Romance (Alpha Kissed Book 5) Page 6