“There’s a lot to worry about.”
His muscles flexed when he gripped the doorframe above him. “We’ll know more about the mission soon. We have to trust they have things under control.”
Hope squeezed past Tak with an armload. “I also brought your short nightgown and a robe.” After setting the clothes on the bed, she offered the medium box. “Where should I put this?”
“By the rocking chair is fine.”
Tak had vanished, but I spied a few nosy faces peering in from the corner sectional just outside the door.
Hope sat beside me. She put her head on my shoulder and felt my stomach. “You’ll remember this time for the rest of your life. Anything we can do to make it special or more comfortable, let me know. We’re all here for you.” She lifted her head and stroked my back. While Hope was younger than me, she was the mother I always wanted. “Would you rather move to our room? It’s no trouble. We have a private bathroom.”
“Your mate would never be in the mood again if we delivered a baby in there.”
Hope chuckled softly. “I’m sure Robyn and Montana wouldn’t mind giving up their room since they’re in the same hall.”
I didn’t want to steal anyone’s private space. “This room is enchanting, and I have so many good memories of us in here. Besides, I’m already settled in, and moving would only stress me out.”
“Once the baby’s born, you can shift to heal. My mother said to do it as many times as you can until you sleep for days. You’ll be weak from the delivery, so Tak will carry you to the bathroom until you regain your strength. This is what packs do for each other.”
That was a humbling offer. So many things hadn’t occurred to me about the delivery process and what happens after.
Tak and Archer carried in a table and two chairs and set them in front of the supply closet.
Hope watched them knock a chair over, startling Montana’s wolf. “Tak, it’s going to be a long night, and I think we should limit visitors to just the women.”
He smiled warmly. “Anything you say, beautiful. But when it’s your time, I’ll be the only man in the room.”
Hope stifled a laugh. “Unless I have a boy.”
Archer swaggered up and kissed me on the cheek. “I’m gonna be the favorite uncle.”
When he left, Tak knelt before me and placed his hand over mine. “Are you keeping it? You said before you might change your mind.”
The thought of giving up the baby pained me, and that’s when I knew for certain I’d made my final decision. “I’m keeping it.”
He moved his hand to my belly. “I vow to be a kind and fair Packmaster to your child—a leader they look up to for guidance. I’m still going to make jokes,” he said, amusement dancing in his eyes. “You’re the beginning, Joy. The start of our family.”
I cupped his face in my hands. “You’re so wonderful that it makes me want to cry.”
Color touched his cheeks. “Don’t make me tear up.”
“Yes, we mustn’t dothat,” Hope said before standing behind him and stroking his braid. “The men have a running bet on who will cry first.”
Virgil poked his head in, his hair damp and a blue robe wrapped around him. “My money’s on Bear.”
Tak stood and winked at me before exiting the room.
A knock sounded, and Cecilia came in. “Sorry to bother, but would you like a book? I can bring you something to read.”
I smiled at her. “Invite all the girls.”
Her eyes lit up. “Are you sure?”
“I’ll nap when I can, but I’d feel so much better with all of you in here.”
Hope smiled brightly. “I’ll bring the sleeping bags and pillows. Cici, can you find a few books and simple games? Joy needs her sisters, so I’ll let everyone know.”
Cecilia turned her head toward the living room for a second before looking back in. “They heard you. Everyone just ran to their rooms to get their things. I’ll be back!”
