22
Gabe
“Nothing fits.”He gestured to himself. “Look at me. I have my own gravitational field. Can we cancel, pleaseeeeee?” my mate begged.
“My grandparents are here, baby, and they’re excited to see you.” It wasn’t because he didn’t want to spend time with my family, but being a week to his due date, I knew it wasn’t comfortable for him.
My poor mate. He couldn’t even find a comfortable sleeping position anymore. I’d never say it to him.
“I weigh a ton, I can’t remember the last time I saw my feet, and I feel like your children are using my insides to play squash.” Kian sat on the bench in our walk-in, clothes everywhere. “I have nothing to wear.” He looked up at me, and his lips wobbled.
Fuck, not tears. I hated seeing my mate cry. I walked over to my side of the closet and grabbed a T-shirt and some sweats, then walked over to him. I squatted in front of him and pried the pants he held on to out of his hands and tossed them aside.
“We are just going down the road. How about you borrow some of my stuff? You know how much I love you smelling like me.” I used the pads of my thumbs to wipe tears from his cheek.
“Baby, it’s just the family. They won’t care how you look, but if you really don’t want to go, we can stay home.” Even though I knew Kian would enjoy it, I’d never make my mate do anything that didn’t make him happy.
Kian ducked his head. “I’m being a baby, aren’t I?”
“Don’t say that. Don’t even think it. Look at me, baby, please.” Kian’s head lifted, and our eyes met. “You’re pregnant. With twins. In your last month. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. Not for a second.”
Kian gave me a lopsided grin. He brushed my beard with his fingers. “I really like when you get all protective.”
“Oh, you do, do you?” I teased before pressing a kiss to his lips. As always, my mate responded. “SoModern Familyand takeout?” I suggested.
“Nope. Family time. I’m in. But I hope no one cares if I look like a bum. Okay mate, help me up.”
I grinned, got on my feet, and stretched my hands out for him. Kian placed his hand in mine, and I pulled him up slowly. I hugged my mate to me and kissed the top of his head. “If you want to leave, we’ll leave.”
Kian nodded against my chest, then pulled back. “You have to help me into my shorts.”
“It would be my pleasure.” I helped my mate out of the long shirt he had on. It was another one of mine, but with our height difference, it passed for a dress. A little snugger than usual since his belly had popped. I undid a couple of buttons. “Up, babe.” He did as I asked, and I lifted it off him. Kian pushed his boxers down, and I helped him out of them.
I couldn’t help taking him in—he was gorgeous. I knew he probably didn’t feel it, but to me, seeing him ripe with our kids was intoxicating.
He smacked my chest with the back of his hand. “Focus, mate of mine.”
“I think I am. On my mate.” I smirked at him.
“Later!” he chuckled.
“I’ll hold you to it,” I assured him, brushing my lips over his.
He pushed me away, laughing. “I need briefs.”
“I’m going. I’m going.” I walked over to the drawer and grabbed the first pair I could.
We got him dressed and then grabbed his favorite pair of Converse. I helped him sit and then slipped the socks on before his shoes.
When I looked up at him from my position on one knee, he smiled and leaned in for a kiss. “Thanks, babe.”
“Anytime, baby.” We left the closet, and I made sure to guide him down the stairs since his center of gravity wasn’t what it used to be.
“Drive or walk, babe?”
“Ian said walking can get labor going, so walk please,” he said.
No problem. I put my hand on his back and held him close as we strolled to my parents’ house. It wasn’t that long a walk, but we took it slow.
