Gael’s squeal brought all the dogs running, wagging, and barking.
“Be good, guys. Not in the face.” Ryan turned to Theo. “They’re super gentle with babies. They’ve known a lot of kids.”
“I think we Calhouns reproduce by splitting cells. Boop.” Liam chuckled, “Come on, pups. One at a time. Okay, I know you need me to work now.”
“I really do. The winter is coming fast, and we have to winterize.” Ryan shrugged at him, winked. “Theo is rocking the kitchen and pantries and everything.”
Liam winced. “I feel like a dick. Shit, we still need furniture.”
“Gage and Dean are bringing up a load tomorrow. Stuff Theo picked out from the pics they sent.”
That got him a searching look. “You’re okay?”
Theo gave him a gentle grin because becoming a wolf for the first time was a big deal. “They sent pictures from the attics and the shops. I am more than okay. I promise. I chose well—both for Gael and the new baby.”
“Oh.” Liam looked a little… deflated. “Did you already get a cradle?”
He blinked a little, then glanced sideways at Ryan, who gave the barest shake of the head.
“Nope. I did get all the other stuff.” He shrugged, cheeks heating. “I mean, we do have a crib for Gael. Something warm and safe.”
“Of course. We have some good ones down at the trading post. But I’ll deal with the cradle. And I’ll make something for Gael, too.”
“Oh.” He had to smile, his cheeks still hot. “I’d love that. Very much.”
“Oh, good!” Liam came to kiss him. “Okay, Ryan, let’s get to work. I’ll work the evening shift after you quit.”
“Sounds great, brah. Let’s do this thing.” Ryan chuckled softly and stood. “You good, Theo?”
“I am, brother. Thank you.”
“Just yell if you need me, Theo.” Liam kissed him again before getting back to work.
He missed playful wolf Liam, but Ryan was right. They only had so much time before winter came. It would be fast and furious once it did.
Then they could relax and enjoy one another, really become a pack.
Chapter
Eleven
Liam woke up fuzzy.
It had happened a lot since he started shifting, but he was getting pretty adept at shifting back before Theo woke up.
He was also working on a cradle for their baby, keeping it in one of the outbuildings with the tools and such.
He and Ryan had gotten the plumbing, solar, and generators all working, and the floors were all cleaned and repaired. Now they were painting and cleaning and moving in the stuff his brothers had brought up.
Theo had made the big kitchen spick-n-span, with everything in its place. His brothers had supplied them with jars and jars of food, enough provisions for a whole pack.
And Theo was busy working on the greenhouses and the heated chicken coop as well, making it so they could grow some food all year long. Liam felt glad they hadn’t had to start from scratch, but he was super proud of what they’d accomplished.
Theo stretched, belly just barely beginning to show a swelling. “You okay, mate?”
“I am. I was just admiring us as a group.” He picked up Gael, who was grunting at him.
Gael cooed and kicked, smiling at him, little fingers reaching right for his nose.
