Reaching out for Jackson’s arm to steady him as he got off the table, Steel was determined no harm would befall either his mate or pup at this point in time—or ever.
“So, now what?” Jackson asked Colton.
“I’ll need you back next week at the same time for the next ultrasound. Once I write up my findings, I’ll send them off to Dr. Wallace and we’ll wait to see what he orders. As far as I can tell, everything is looking good.”
“You don’t see any reason Jackson can’t go on a mini vacation, right?” asked Steel.
“No, I don’t, but it really isn’t up to me. I’ll ask the doctor if it’s all right, okay?”
“Yeah, that’s fine. Let me know what he says,” replied Steel.
After Jackson and Steel were gone, Colton took the information and pictures he’d made of Jackson’s baby into his small office next door.
He was pleased with what he saw and everything seemed normal. Jackson and Steel made such a great couple and they were so much in love. Colton admired Steel’sprotectiveness of his brother and their pup. But that wasn’t a journey Colton was planning to take anytime soon. He was determined to finish nursing school, get his degree, and then find a job in his chosen field.
Ever since he was a young child, he knew that medicine was in his future. Cody and Carson always teased him about healing every sick animal he came across. But he couldn’t help it; the need to help was so deeply ingrained in him, it could never be torn from his soul.
For the last few years, he was limited to injured animals he found in the forest. But now he’d gotten the greatest gift from his brother—someone who needed his knowledge and skills to have a healthy pup.
He put aside his musings, forcing himself to do the report for Dr. Wallace, not wanting to give the good doctor any reason to scold him for not sending the patient’s test results promptly.
~/~/~/~/~
Spending the morning in his study, Jackson was catching up on the pack’s affairs he’d fallen behind on due to the side effects of his pregnancy. But now, these having passed, he was full of energy more than ever. Doing the bookkeeping, he realized Steel had been paying for most of the pack’s expenses. That had to stop. Hearing a knock, Jackson said, “Come in!” and watched as Logan sauntered over to him.
“Hi bro, what’s up?” he asked.
After taking a seat, Logan studied Jackson. “You’re looking good.”
“You know what I’m getting tired of? Is everyone asking me how are you feeling or doing or whatever other crap they can come up with.”
“Hey, I didn’t ask you that!”
Jackson sighed. “No, you didn’t, but you examined me as if I were some kind of bug under a microscope.”
“Fair enough. I’ll try to refrain from looking at you anymore.”
“Fuck off,” smiled Jackson. “So, what did you want to see me about?”
“I’ve been wondering how long we’re going to be staying here.”
“Is there a problem about Steel’s home? Do the boys have any issues?” asked Jackson.
“No, no, nothing like that. It’s just that this house doesn’t feel like a home, you know, it’s all cold and impersonal. I redecorated my bedroom and I did some of our brothers’ bedrooms, but I was hoping you might talk to Steel about letting me loose on the great room and some other areas of the house. What do you think?”
“I think it’s a great idea. I’ll ask him today and get back to you.”
“Also, what are you going to do about a room for the pup?”
“Shit, I haven’t even thought about that. I just wanted to survive my morning sickness and exhaustion.”
“I’d be happy to use my skills to design a nursery. I’ve already done some research and made a list of what would be needed,” offered Logan.
“I’d love your input,” exclaimed Jackson “I’ll put the subject on the agenda when I talk with Steel.”
“And finally, what about clothes for the pup? Have you thought of what you’ll need? Or more like it, have you thought of it at all?” chortled Logan.
“Ha, ha. You know I’ve been a little preoccupied, oh brother of mine. But I’m not worried, because if I know you, all that has been taken care of already,” Jackson said, smirking at Logan.
