“Yes, we did, but the video will be useful for those who don’t.”
~/~/~/~/~
Steel found his mother in the solarium reading one of the many books in his library. Sitting down in one of the large, plush, club chairs next to hers—as he waited for an acknowledgment—his thoughts drifted to Logan and his incredible design ability. He’d already told Jackson he had no objections to Logan doing the nursery, great room, and dining room, but now he had another design project for Logan to do. It would have to be kept secret and Steel just hoped Logan would agree.
Oracle inserted a bookmark, closed the book and looked at her son. “I assume you want to see me about something, sweetie?” Oracle asked.
Steel handed his mother the list of baby clothes Logan prepared. “Logan gave us this list a couple of days ago and said it’s what the pup will need for his first six months.”
Oracle glanced at it. “Okay, what do you want me to do?”
“Wait, are you telling me we’ll need all these clothes for a baby who is going to sleep most of the day?”
“Ah-hh-h, you think the list is excessive, is that it?”
“Well, yes. Look at it. Don’t you think it’s a bit too much?”
“Not really, I think it is quite conservative. If I had done the list, there would be plenty more on it. But maybe Logan was careful about spending your money,” replied Oracle.
Steel’s mouth flopped open as he processed what his mother said. More clothes? Bending forward, he buried his face in his hands so his mother could not see his panic. This was too much.Don’t I have enough to worry about just keeping my mate safe? Now I will have a helpless baby. What if I screw up? Hurt the baby? Shit, shit, shit.Oracle set the list down and leaned forward. Steel felt his mother take his hands away from his face as she said softly, “What is the real problem here, sweetie? Why are you so upset about the clothes?”
Steel looked at his mother, sighing. Trust her to know him.
“I freaked out when Jackson handed me this list. Then he talked about a nursery and suddenly I panicked because I’m not ready to be a father. What if I screw up or hurt my pup? Ever since I saw that list, I’ve been freaking out. I’m trying to hide it from Jackson because he’s also freaking out with his own worries and fears.”
Oracle took her son’s hands in hers, “Look at me, Steel. Every new parent feels exactly as you do. We all worry something will happen to our babies. We never want to let them out of our sight. And we all think we will be the worst parents and screw up our kids so they will hate us forever.”
“Did you feel this way? Did Dad?”
Oracle chuckled. “Someday, I’ll tell you all the stupid and dumb things we did as new parents. But you know what? You and Slate survived and even thrived. You know why? Because we loved you with our whole hearts. And love overrides a lot of dumb things new parents do.So, my advice? Don’t worry. You and Jackson will be great parents, trust me. And besides, you have Mystia and me as backups if you ever truly fuck up.”
“Mother! Jeeze, when didyoustart using that language?”
Oracle laughed. “Oh sweetie, I’ve never stopped but just never did it around you. Now, do you want me to take care of the clothes list?”
“I thought Jackson and I could do it—or at least start—when we’re on the babymoon. I looked online and bookmarked some stores that sell stuff that’s on the list and I’m sure he’ll enjoy doing it but if not, it’s all yours.”
“When are you going on the babymoon?”
“I’m hoping we’ll go next week”
“Does Jackson know about it yet?”
“Yup, but not where I’m taking him. And before you ask—no, I’m not telling anyone because I want it to be a total surprise,” Steel said, grinning at his mother before getting up and walking toward the door of the solarium.
“Wait. Where are you going?”
“Uh, uh. I know when it’s better to retreat than stay and get interrogated,” Steel called over his shoulder.
~/~/~/~/~
Today, Jackson hoped they would find out the sex of the pup. Not that he really cared, but he hoped it was a boy, for Steel’s sake. His mate stood by his side as he lay down on the examining table with his hand resting on his baby bump, noticing it was a little bit bigger than the week before. Jackson was trying to imagine how he would look with a big belly when he heard his mate say, “You will be beautiful.”
Damn. “Was I broadcasting again?” Jackson asked. “It’s a little creepy how you know what I’m thinking.”
“Babe, as your pregnancy progresses, I will be able to hear more of your thoughts. I think it’s a protection mechanism in case you’re in trouble.”
“You forgot to tell me that,” said Jackson petulantly, not sure how he felt aboutthatside effect of his pregnancy.
