Ronin couldn’t take his eyes off the image on the screen. It was no more than the size of a little peanut, but since wolf pups only gestated for three months, even now he could actuallyseetheir little peanut.
“Wow,” Ollie gasped. His eyes met Ro’s and there was a wide grin on his face, even as tears rolled down his cheek.
“We’re having a baby,” Ollie whispered.
“We are.” Ronin lowered his head and kissed Ollie. His chest and throat were tight. It was such a weird feeling... he was both ecstatic and absolutely terrified. “I love you, baby,” he whispered, “So much.”
“I love you, too, Ronin.” Ollie kissed him again.
“Okay, lovebirds.” Ryder’s voice pulled them out of their moment. “Everything looks perfect guys. We’ll set up weekly exams, and here are some vitamins for you to take, Ollie, since you are a little underweight and a tad anemic.”
“Will that affect my baby?” His mate’s hand went to his belly even though the gel was still on it.
Ronin’s eyes went over to Ryder. “Will it?”
Ryder shook his head. “No, but we will have to watch your weight.” Ryder met Ronin’s eyes before going back to Ollie. “I’m pretty sure my brother will make sure to feed you.”
Ronin nodded and pecked Ollie. “Damn right I will. Even if you want ice cream, pickles, and marshmallows.”
“Marshmallows?” Ryder said, brow raised.
“Yeah, you never know” Ronin shrugged, then reached for the wipes Ryder had grabbed from a pack and was handing him so he could clean Ollie’s belly.
“I feel more like steak... ohh and mashed potatoes, and maybe beans, and gummy worms.” His mate’s eyes grew rounder with every word he spoke.
“Well, looks like you have your appetite in check. If you start getting morning sickness, let me know. We want you to gain weight, not lose it. Okay?” Ryder smiled at Oliver.
“Thank you, Ryder.” Ollie shot his brother a grateful look. “And it was so lovely to meet you.”
“You, too, Oliver, and welcome to the family.” Ryder went over to a printer and picked up the images he’d printed for them, then handed them to Oliver.
“Thanks, Ry.”
His brother nodded. “How about I give y’all a moment and let Oliver get dressed. I have other patients and I’ll see you later at the parents’ house.”
Ronin sighed. “I totally forgot.”
Ryder snorted, “Yeah right. You mean you’ve been avoiding.”
“You know Papa is going to do a lot.” Ronin sighed again.
“He’s happy. Let him have this moment to celebrate a new son and grandkid on the way. If you keep avoiding, you know he’ll show up at your house. I bet Dad had to physically restrain him to keep him away.” Ryder chuckled and snorted, clearly amusing himself.
Once they got home from the clinic, they showered quickly and got dressed—Ollie changing three times, wanting to find the perfect outfit to meet Ro’s parents in—then they left for the barbecue being thrown in their honor.
“Babe, you have nothing to worry about. My parents are going to love you,” Ro said on the short drive over, clasping his mate’s hand tighter. “You’ve already met my brothers, and they do.”
Ollie looked over at him, and Ro could smell the nervousness rolling off his mate.
“I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it.” Ollie let out a breath. “I’ve never met anyone’s parents before.”
Before Ro had a chance to respond, he was already turning into the driveway.
“Ready, love?” Ro asked.
Ollie looked over and gave a small smile. He opened his mouth to reply, but a gentle tap on the passenger side window drew both their attention. Standing there with a giant smile on his face was Ro’s papa.
“I guess he couldn’t wait for us to knock on the door,” Ro said, shaking his head and chuckling.
