At that moment, Trudy straightens her shoulders. Glancing around, I realize the queen has walked in with one of her close friends. She greets everyone kindly before she stops at the counter to order.
The queen turns to Nadine and me, her eyes lingering on me. “Marriage appears to be treating you well,” she says with a dip of her chin.
I always feel flustered around the queen, but I gather my composure. “It does. I love this planet so much,” I say, my words coming out in a rush. “Thank you so much for welcoming me here along with other women from Earth.”
The queen’s eyes crinkle at the corners with her warm smile. “Women from Earth are always welcome here, as are men. And we are grateful to those of you who have chosen to stay and help us rebuild because we lost so many women.” She pauses, tilting her head to the side. “I sense you are with child.”
Heat rises in my cheeks. She nods again as if to herself. “I think you know it. Jane has told you where to go for medical care?” she prompts.
“Oh, yes. She introduced me to the doctor a few days before my wedding. I have an appointment next week. I hope to find out before Thorne has to travel,” I explain.
After the queen leaves, Nadine arches a knowing brow. “How does it feel?”
“How does what feel?” I hedge.
Nadine lets out a soft chuckle. “Being pregnant.”
I take in a quick breath, letting it out in a rush. “I’m excited, and I can’t believe it. When I was on Earth, the last thing I wanted was to end up pregnant. Here, I feel desperate to have Thorne’s baby. I want to make a whole family with him.”
Nadine reaches across the table to clasp my hands. “You will. Have you told Thorne you suspect you’re pregnant?”
Chapter Twelve
ROMI
A week later, Thorne is with me at the doctor’s appointment. “I’m never telling you again if I suspect I’m pregnant,” I tell him.
Thorne slides his gaze to mine and shrugs. “I thought you were pregnant anyway.”
Just then, there’s a light knock on the door. I call out, “Come in!”
The doctor, a beautiful alien woman with purple skin and a tail, walks in. I liked her immediately when Jane introduced me to her. She has a practical, comforting manner to her. At the moment, I’m relieved she’s here because Thorne has been driving me crazy with his protectiveness.
She glances from me to Thorne before her eyes shift back to me again. “He’s being overprotective,” she says matter-of-factly, quickly assessing the situation.
“Yes!” I exclaim. “Please tell him I’m fine.”
She gives Thorne an understanding smile. “Your mate is healthy and likely to have a safe, healthy pregnancy.”
Thorne shrugs. “I must take care of her.” His jaw is clenched, and his features are drawn tight.
“You are ridiculous,” I press. “I’m fine. Please, please relax.”
The doctor checks me over and confirms my pregnancy. I have to ask her because I can’t help it. “Is it safe to, um…” My cheeks are on fire. “You know, have sex?”
“Absolutely,” she says with a shrug. “There are no concerns until about a week before you’re due. Even then, you can still orgasm, but I would avoid penetration because you’re so close to delivery at that point.”
I’m seated on the examination table with paper crinkling under my legs. Thorne has already peppered her with questions, and he’s sitting impatiently in a chair.
The doctor studies him, her eyes narrowing. “I’m writing you a prescription,” she announces.
“For what?” His tone is sharp.
“To relax,” she says.
His gaze softens. “I love Romi, and I want her to be safe at all times.”
“We have the best healthcare in the galaxy,” the doctor assures him. “She is safe and healthy.”
