"See you later, Benny."
I walked down the hall and made it to our suite. I was tired. That was another change I noticed. I got tired faster.Maybe after my shower, I'll have time for a nap,I thought. I entered our extensive bathroom and shook my head. Kris left his dirty clothes on the floor again. I turned on the shower and let it heat while I straightened out the room.
After stripping off my clothes, I looked down at my stomach. I still couldn't believe I was pregnant, but the proof was there. I entered the shower, and the warm water felt like heaven against my body. I stood there not moving, allowing the warmth to loosen up my muscles. I let my mind empty of all my thoughts. Finally, after what seemed like hours, I quickly washed and exited the shower. I wanted to try that nap.
Entering our room, I paused. Soft music played from the other room. I scowled as I rushed to get dressed to see what was going on. As I entered the living room, I paused again. The soft glow of candlelight lit the room, and flowers were everywhere. The dining table was set for two and had a single rose in the center.
What was all this?I thought.
Krispin
“Hello,love,”Isaidfrom behind Ben.
I was nervous; I wanted everything to go well. With the circumstances of how we met, I really didn’t have a chance to woo my mate. On top of that, the other day, he’d admitted that he’d never had a real date before, and I wanted to make that happen. In my life, I never really had a relationship. That’s how it was for paranormals. We knew we had a soul mate, so why do relationships? But I did, however, go on a date or two.
“Kris, what is all this?” he asked.
“We didn’t have the opportunity to really get to know each other or even really talk before bonding. What better way than through a date? And given that you said you’ve never been on aproper date, I thought it was about time we changed that. Here, sit down. I have everything ready,” I said, guiding him to the chair.
Ben allowed me to move him to the chair. As he sat, he gazed up at me, and a soft smile on his face. I did a mental fist pump every time I saw him smile. I had done something to please my mate. It was the best feeling in the world, and I never wanted to lose it. I vowed I would work every day to see a smile on my Cardia’s face. I had fallen completely and utterly in love.
“Thank you; I can’t believe…when were you able to do this?” Ben asked as he looked at the room and the setting.
“While you were with Devin, I set this up. I’ll admit Roarke, Stephen, and Semais helped. Semais, especially. He helped me cook the meal. I’m not a really a good cook,” I said sheepishly.
He laughed. “That’s okay. I’m not a very good cook either. We might need to think about hiring a cook, or we’ll probably end up with takeout every night.”
I smiled and served our meal. “Consider it done, unless… what if we learned to cook together? It would be something we can do as a couple.”
“I’d like that, but I have to warn you I’ve burned water. When I was younger, I caught the stove on fire. Semais banned me from his kitchen from that day forward.”
I smiled. “My father, Callum, was an amazing cook. Even though he was the king, he would take time to cook for us every Sunday.” I paused, thinking of my father. He was a great king, and he loved his family with all his heart. I’m sure it broke his heart to see what Kenneth had become. No, I shook my head. I wouldn’t think of him tonight. “I, on the other hand, took after my dad, Duncan. He didn’t have a cooking bone in his body,” I continued.
“That’s a great memory. Do you remember much about your parents? I don’t really remember mine, it was so long ago, and Iwas so young when I lost them. I do remember that my mom had beautiful blond hair, and she was tall, taller than my dad. He was only about five-six. I was thankful I took after my mom in the height department,” Ben said with a smile.
“I’m glad you have that memory. Usually, when I think of my parents, I think of the last day, but lately, after finding you, I remember the good stuff,” I said with a smile.
“It’s good to remember the good stuff. I want to tell our son all about his granddads. Have you thought about any baby names?” he asked, changing the subject.
I shook my head. "To be truthful, not really. All I care about is that our son is healthy and happy. Have you thought of any?"
"I've thought of a few. I was thinking maybe Avery or Jameson, but I'm not sure."
They were good names; I could live with both. I'd be more than happy with whatever Ben chose. "They're good names. Were they your favorites?" I asked.
He shook his head. "There are two others that I was thinking about, but I kind of want to wait to see him. I want to see if they fit. I know it sounds stupid."
"It doesn't sound stupid at all. We have the time to pick. Even if we wait for our son’s arrival. I would be happy with anything. Well, almost anything. We can't name him William. William is my veto name," I said with the best serious face I could muster.
He scrunched his eyebrows and tilted his head. "William? Why not, William?" He asked like I knew he would.
I grinned. "Because his nickname would be Willie, and there is only one thing I think of when I hear that."
He burst into laughter. "Okay, okay. No Willies. What about Peter or Richard?" He asked, giggling.
I groaned, and he laughed harder. I joined in his laughter. I loved hearing him laugh almost as much as seeing him smile. We settled down and continued our conversation. We talked abouteverything, and I fell more in love with him with everything I learned.
When I saw he was finished with his meal, a thought occurred to me. I rose from my chair and stepped beside him.
