Make A Wish (Dandelion #1)

by Jenna Lynn Hodge

  “I want to hear all about you and my soon-to-be grandchild.”

  BEAU

  Juliette and my mom talked for hours. She talked about her childhood—growing up in the group home with Saylor. Her experience when she found out she was pregnant. The kidnapping. They talked about the ultrasound and finding out that it was a little girl. Juliette mentioned some baby names she’d been thinking about.

  My mom talked about me and told some stories from my childhood, to my utter dismay. Time got away from us as they laughed and cried, enjoying every moment of being in each other’s company.

  I never spoke a word. I sat off to the side watching the interaction between my two favorite women. My heart leapt in adoration.

  My mom had gotten Jules to open up about things that she hadn’t even spoken about with me—things I never would’ve thought to ask her.

  Juliette stood up and excused herself to use the restroom, giving me some quality time to chat with my mom.

  “Wow, Beau. I really don’t know how to put into words how impressed I am by her. She is so much more than I imagined her to be. When you told me about Jules before, I could see the emotion that you felt for her. Though time has passed and she went through this unspeakable experience, I still see the way you look at her, how much you care for her. When she looks at you, it’s clear to see she’s crazy about you too.”

  “I think she’s it, Mom. My soul mate.” I looked at my mom, waiting for her to speak.

  “How can that be?” she asked, though for my sake, she didn’t deny it.

  “I haven’t had the courage to tell her what I discovered. I just don’t know how. Harlow was able to prove that our child is full Were, which only left more questions. So she analyzed Juliette’s results, and it has been proven by her blood that she is as well. I don’t know how it’s possible because Jules doesn’t have any wolf abilities and has never phased, but it is.”

  “God works in mysterious ways, my boy. Soul mate, huh?”

  “Yeah. I think she is. I feel complete when I’m near her, and it’s as if my heart beats just to put a smile on her face.”

  “I’m so proud of the person you’ve become, Beau. You’re a worthy man. Now you need to tell her how much you love her. She deserves to hear it.” My mom winked as she stood up and began clearing the plate of cookies and glasses of milk. “You know, I wasn’t expecting a grand baby so soon, but I’m so incredibly excited to meet her. A girl, huh. Who knew?”

  “It’s pretty incredible isn’t it?” I smiled real big.

  Juliette made her way into the room. “B, I’m not feeling good,” she said as she walked over to me, leaning against my body to keep her balance. “I think I ate too many cookies.” Juliette’s face was beginning to lose coloring and she looked miserable, struggling to keep her eyes open.

  “Mom, I have to get Jules home. She isn’t feeling well right now. Do you mind if we come back another time to finish catching up?”

  “Not at all—get the poor girl home.” My mom began ushering me to quicken my pace.

  With the tiniest movement, I had Juliette’s body cradled in my arms, her head curled into my chest.

  I slid into the driver’s side of the car and held her as I drove quickly but safely back home. She looked tiny and fragile in my arms, her baby bump barely adding any weight to her small frame.

  JULIETTE

  Beau sat beside me in the bathroom, holding my hair back as I threw up everything in my stomach. It was humiliating and so not attractive—not like I was trying to impress him or anything, but it wouldn’t hurt.

  “Oh god no… Not this shit again,” I whined, wiping my mouth with a strip of toilet paper. “Last time I was puking my guts out was when I had morning sickness— which by the way, is awful. You’re lucky you’re a guy.” Beau looked at me, worried, and it only left an unsettling—well, even more unsettling—feeling in my stomach.

  “That bad?”

  “Yeah, that’s not even the half of it.” I smiled at him as he stood and pulled me to my feet. “You don’t have to be so good to me, you know.”

  “Yes I do. You deserve to be taken care of, and since it’s my child inside of you, you’re going sit back and enjoy it, keeping that pretty little mouth of yours shut.”

  I could only roll my eyes to hide my momentary shock as I stumbled back to the couch that I’d taken up residence on for the past day. “I really can’t catch a break. Whoever is up in heaven playing games with me should stop. It’s getting really old.”

  “You don’t actually believe that, do you? That someone in heaven is messing with your life?”

  “B, I don’t even know what to believe. I just know I want things to go smoothly for once in my life. It’d be nice to have some semblance of peace.”

  Beau sat on the ground, his back leaning against the couch I was laying on, clearly in thought. “You’re kinda pessimistic, Jules.”

  “Oh shut it. If you were me, you would be too.” I sighed, covering my head with the blanket—willing sleep to take over. After no more than five minutes, I grumbled, twirling to lie on my back. “Great. Now I can’t sleep. As much as I love our child, B, the huge belly is super inconvenient. Being fat sucks.”

  Beau’s shoulders shook against the couch and I couldn’t stop myself from smirking. “Are you laughing at me?” I asked. I was glad to be of his amusement.

  “No. Not laughing at all.” He winked as he stood up and bent down beside me, giving my baby bump a gentle kiss. “Night, my beautiful girls. Get some sleep.” He kissed the top of my head afterwards—which only left my cheeks flustered—before he made his way out of the room.

  I couldn’t help falling asleep thinking about how possessive his voice sounded in regards to our daughter and I, but a part of me thoroughly loved it. I could feel myself beginning to care deeply for him, but as quickly as that thought appeared, it floated away.

  BEAU

  I sat in my study—worried. Worried about Juliette and our daughter. Something wasn’t right about her all of a sudden becoming sick. Maybe I was being the paranoid expectant dad or maybe I was on to something.

  It’d been a day since we were at my mother’s place and Juliette had become worse, though she tried her best to stay in good spirits.

  I kept my voice low while I paged Harlow. It was late, but I knew I’d be able to reach her; she was well known for being available at crazy hours.

  It had taken two minutes tops for her to reach my home and walk into the study. I put my pointer finger to my lips and motioned for her to be quiet, closing the door behind her.

  “What do you know about pregnant werewolves getting sick?” I spoke loud enough for only Harlow’s ears to catch, making sure we wouldn’t be heard through the thin wood door.

  “Since pregnancies are rare, it doesn’t happen often, but I’ve been alive long enough to have seen a few things. What’s going on with Juliette?”

  “We went to my mom’s and she ate some cookies and milk. Within a couple hours, she was struggling to stand and keep her eyes open. For the past twenty-four or more hours, she’s been basically living on the bathroom floor throwing up anything she puts between her lips.”

  “That’s an easy fix, Alpha,” Harlow responded. I couldn’t help the instant relaxation at her words. “From first hand experience, when it involves food and pregnancies, its most likely a temporary food allergy that the pup obtains while in the womb. I can give you a few antibiotics that will work wonders in her werewolf system—human meds won’t do a thing.”

  “That’s all it is?” I really wasn’t sure whether I believed her, though I knew she’d never been wrong before.

  “Alpha, I’m certain. I can tell you’re worried about them both but I’ve been doing this for a very long time. It’ll help. I’ll drop some medication off first thing in the morning and it should begin to take effect after about a day or so.”

  “Thank you for all your assistance, Harlow. While you’re here, any luck on the other thing you�
�re looking into for me?”

  She bowed her head respectfully before speaking. “No, Sir. Nothing, but I intend to continue searching. There must be something somewhere in the archives.”

  “Okay. I appreciate it. Goodnight, Harlow.”

  “Night, Sir,”

  ***

  The pain in Jules’ back was so massive that she couldn’t help but cry and moan.

  I’d been by her side since the moment she’d woken up complaining about the shooting pain in her waist. I rubbed her back and massaged her shoulders—even ran to the store and picked up some hot and cold patches—which didn’t seem to help.

  “Make it stop. Make it stop,” she cried, hugging her knees as close to her as she could, begging for the pain to subside, if for only a moment.

  “I’m trying, Jules. I really am.” My eyes were filled with fear and it hurt to see her in so much pain and not be able to do anything to really assist. She really looked like she needed a doctor but I was terrified of them running blood tests, plus the last time she’d gone to the doctor, it had ended horribly wrong. Harlow was our only chance.

  I grabbed my phone and speed dialed Saylor, Eve, and Griffin—asking them to bring anything they thought might alleviate her pain. Eve somehow knew to bring some werewolf herbs in case whatever was causing the pain was baby related—which was smart considering she didn’t yet know that Juliette was like us.

  The four of us rushed around her, putting our four brains to use. Griffin was in the kitchen whipping up a smoothie with some of the herbs Eve had brought. Saylor lay beside her friend, soothing her and getting her to calm down—which I was eternally grateful for. Eve rushed back and forth, gathering anything that was asked of her, though most of the time it included ice packs, pillows, and lots of blankets.

  Saylor had managed to soothe Juliette enough for the tears to calm, her breathing still labored. Having managed to usher the group from the room, I leaned my forehead to hers, breathing in her scent and whispering words of encouragement and strength.

  My heart held so much worry. I just wanted to see her sweet smile make an appearance and the gleam in her eyes as she purposely irritated and teased me.

  “Drink this. Please, for me,” I begged as another round of pain coursed through her, sending her back into a ball of tears. “I can’t bear to see you like this, please.”

  With the straw held out to her, Juliette hesitated before placing her baby pink lips over the straw and sucking—taking in the mixture of fruit and herbs.

  “There you go. Keep on going, Jules. Just a little more.” I continued urging her to drink a little and then a little bit more, until I heard her small voice fill my ears.

  “B?”

  “Yes? I’m here.”

  “That was the pure definition of hell on earth,” she said, the words leaving her mouth in a breathy whisper.

  I smiled at her, seeing her bright spirit slowly begin to seep back into her face. “I know.”

  “She’s good now?” Eve and Saylor popped their heads into the doorway at the same time.

  “For the time being. Harlow is bringing some meds by, but it’ll take a bit for them to kick in all the way. Thanks for the herbs, Eve. They seemed like they helped almost immediately. And last but not least, ladies, please take it easy on her,” I warned, which only had all three girls rolling their eyes in perfect sync.

  “Shut it, B. I won’t be running a marathon anytime soon but I can talk to friends.”

  “If you insist, but don’t think I won’t be watching. If I see you strain once, they’re gone.”

  “Gah… You’re such a billy buzz kill.” Saylor flicked me off, which only caused a giggle from Juliette as she laughed into the pillow to avoid my gaze.

  Clearly surprising everyone in the room, I returned the favor, holding up both middle fingers at her.

  “Oh, Boss grew some balls. Who knew?” Griffin laughed from the doorway he’d been leaning against.

  “Regarder vos mots, mon ami,” I said to him while he held his hands up in surrender, suppressing the urge to laugh.

  “Oui monsieur.”

  “What’d they say, Evie?” Saylor whisper yelled to Eve, who’d been watching the exchange between the guys.

  “Beau said ‘watch your words, my friend,’ and Griffin said ‘yes, sir.’”

  “You’re no fun, B. I thought his joke was pretty funny,” Juliette whined and I could only smile at her, super happy she had enough energy to laugh and joke around with the others.

  “I’m sure you did, Beautiful.”

  JULIETTE

  After a single yawn, Beau had happily kicked everyone out of the house for the night to ensure, and these were his words, ‘that I got some much needed rest.’

  I waited for him to retreat to another area of the house before pulling out the baby journal that I’d allowed Beau to borrow. He’d returned it quietly and hadn’t spoken a word about it, so neither had I.

  I noticed a couple sheets of paper folded up and sticking out of the top of the book. With a gentle tug, they came freely into my hands. I unfolded them and gasped as I read the beginning of the first page.

  My Angel,

  I’ve dreamt of having a family since I was young. I was raised with a very strong single mother, who did her best and raised me to be the best person that I could be. I only hope that I’m able to do her proud and be as good of a father to you as she was to me.

  Up until I found out about you, I had given up every hope of ever having a family of my very own. A wife and mate that I can cherish every day for the rest of our lives. A child that is equally parts me and equally parts her, a perfect mixture of us both.

  When your mother walked into my life, my world was turned completely upside down. Everything that I’d been taught and had come to know was standing in the way of us being together and I let it. I wanted to protect her so I figured the best thing I could do was to leave, to protect her from the feelings that I was beginning to feel for her. But leaving only hurt her more and I wish there was a way to go back in time and fix it. But there isn’t.

  I intend to do everything in my power to earn her trust back so that we can be a family. All of us. You. Me. And her.

  When I found out about you, every hope and dream I had came true. I know that sounds silly and clichéd, but it’s true. For years I’ve looked at other people with their children and prayed that someday I would get to have that. To know that I get to experience that brings such joy to my life.

  I get to see you walk and talk for the first time, I get to sit in the audience at dance recitals, and someday, I will get the honor of walking you down the aisle as another man stands ready to claim your heart.

  I will always be the first man to love and hold you. I will always be here for you in the good times and in all the bad, that won’t ever change. Can’t wait to meet you in a couple months, my sweet little baby girl.

  Love Always.

  Your Daddy, Beau.

  I was beyond tired of all the crying, but when reading Beau’s letter to our daughter, it seemed to be an appropriate reaction. I hadn’t known that he’d felt that way about our child, and it warmed my heart to know he already loved her just as much as I did.

  Beau was one incredible man and never in a million years did I expect someone like him to walk into my life. Beau—the man who could literally have any woman— wanted me. He deserved far better; I just didn’t think he realized it.

  BEAU

  I was nervous and scared but also really excited to finally let Juliette know how I felt about her. Now that I knew she was full werewolf, deep in my gut I knew she was my one true soul mate. No other woman could ever compare—she was it for me.

  I had banned my entire pack from entering my office building and had spent the morning preparing a romantic setup. I removed all the furniture from the room and decorated the walls in strands of hanging flowers and twinkle lights.

  A large fluffy white blanket with pillows were set up in the middle
of the floor, and a plate of chocolate covered strawberries sat in the middle, accompanied by a couple sheets of paper addressed to her.

  Soothing instrumental music played in the background as I sat impatiently on the blanket, waiting for her to find her way there. With a small beep, a message flashed across my phone screen.

  Griffin: She’s on her way, Boss. Good Luck.

  I stood the minute I heard the door to the office building spring open. As she made her way around the corner and caught sight of the room, she froze, her mouth hanging open.

  “What is this, Beau?” The lights reflected in her eyes, her lips pursing in thought. I led her to the spot on the blanket across from me, my fingers never leaving hers.

  Despite my nerves, I managed to begin the speech I’d spent days going over in my head.

  “Juliette, ever since the moment I laid eyes on you, I’ve felt something draw us together. We shared one small yet painstakingly beautiful night together and have had to overcome some pretty intense situations since then, but I feel invincible with you by my side. Every time you’re sad or upset, I make it a game to see how quickly I can put a smile on your face. And anytime I’m frustrated or worried, one smile from you and my day is already much brighter.”

  I cleared my throat quickly before continuing. “You bring clarity and joy to my life that I hadn’t even realized I’d been missing. I couldn’t have chosen a kinder, stronger, more beautiful woman to be the mother of my child.” I looked at her with all the adoration in the world and took a breath, letting the words I’d wanted to say for awhile out. “Juliette, I love you so very much. I can only hope that you feel the same for me.”

  Part way through my monologue, Juliette had pulled her hand from mine and wiped the silent tears that streamed from her eyes. She looked around the room before bringing her eyes to mine.