“Of course he did,” Frederic interjected, “as any good mate should. But my grandson should also know we’d never do anything to hurt his mate.” His tone was chiding.
“His pregnant mate,” Sofia added, and I looked over and saw her grinning.
“I know, Pops, but you know…” Gabe’s shoulder lifted and dropped.
“I do,” Frederic acknowledged, patting Gabe on his shoulder.
“How are you feeling?” Sofia asked. “I hope my grandson is taking good care of you.” She clapped; excitement rolled off her. “I can’t wait to be a great-grandma.”
“You look too young to be anyone’s great-grandma,” I told her.
“Oh, you’re too kind, son.” She smiled. “I love my grandkids, but they’re too old. More great-grandkids, that’s what I need to keep me young.”
“We have a video, of the ultrasound,” I clarified. “Would you like to see it?”
Gabe clapped. “That’s a great idea. We have a surprise for you guys.”
“I would love to,” Sofia replied, her hands clasped to her chest.
“Me too,” Jon chimed in. “If I had known, I would have come over the moment you got back from the doctor’s.”
“We know, Papa,” Gabe said. “But we wanted to share the surprise with everyone at the same time.”
My mate looked like the cat that ate the canary, bursting with excitement.
“Surprise? What surprise?” Jonathan looked between us like he thought he’d read the answers on our faces.
“A very good one.” Gabe grinned. I moved to stand, but he patted my shoulder, keeping me seated. “I’ll grab the laptop. Sit, babe.”
I rolled my eyes and watched him until he disappeared into the house.
“My grandson is very lucky,” Sofia murmured.
Heat suffused my cheeks. “I’m the lucky one,” I assured her.
“Bet he’s driving you crazy,” Jonathan said.
I groaned, nodding. “You can say that again.” But as much as I complained, I really wouldn’t have it any other way.
Stefan nipped Jon’s shoulder, and I saw his body melt. “Is that a complaint?” Stefan asked, brow raised.
I could imagine Gabe and me, years from now, watching our kids with their own mates.
Gabe came back with the laptop and put it on my lap. “Why don’t you do the honors, babe?” He handed me the USB.
We shared a smile as I opened the laptop. I folded it over so it was a tablet and put the USB in, then opened it up. I couldn’t help it. I stroked the screen as our babies appeared.
“Oh my.” Sofia’s voice caught, and I lifted my eyes to meet hers.
“I want a look too,” Jonathan said.
I smiled and handed it to Sofia. “How about we pass it down the line,” I suggested. Of course, no one listened. They all crowded behind her to get a peek.
“Kian and I are having twins.” The pride was unmistakable in Gabe’s voice.
I used the back of my hand to smack him. “You could have let them be surprised.”
“Twins,” Jonathan and Rhys gasped. My best friend must have slipped out of the pool without me noticing.
