"I don't. But Bear is different."
He smiled like he knew exactly what I meant. "I understand."
"I feel the same way about your father." He wrinkled his nose playfully. "Weird, isn't it?"
"Totally."
He cast a glance at my belly. "So, how's pregnant life treating you?"
I pouted. "I want to eat. All the time."
Dad laughed. "Happens. That goes away eventually. What are you craving?"
"Sweets, mostly. Apples. Raspberries. Anything with sugar. Hell, if I could stuff a whole block of pure sugar in my mouth right now, I'd be so happy."
"Don't forget to eat your greens, too, Ashe."
I groaned. "Iknow, dad. I'm not a kid."
He ruffled my hair. "Wrong. Even though I'm about to be a grandparent, you'll always be my kid."
I grinned and bumped my shoulder into his. After hearing Bear's awful story about his parents, I'd never been more grateful for mine.
After a long sweaty hour of work, Bear shifted and shimmied down the frame, shook out his fur, then walked over to me and shifted back to human form.
"Time for a break," he signed.
"The cabin looks great," Dad said. "It's nice to have an extra set of competent, hardworking hands around here."
Bear nodded, smiling. He always seemed tickled when my parents complimented him. "Anything for my mate and baby." He turned to me. "Still have cravings?"
"Yes. Always."
Bear glanced back at the cabin. "There's a place I want to take you, but the work isn't done yet."
Zak popped up behind Bear and clapped him on the shoulder. "Oh, come on, you know we can finish it by ourselves." He poked his arm teasingly. "You don't need to show off your big muscles so much."
Kamari stretched as he rolled up beside Bear. "Zak is right, for once."
"Wow, rude."
Kamari ignored his mate. "I know what it's like to be pregnant and craving fiercely. Personally, I'd rather go indulge than sit around watching other people build a house."
"Thank you," I said. "Finally someone who gets it."
"Go ahead, Bear," Kamari said. "We can finish this ourselves."
"If you're sure," Bear signed, then Zak and Kamari both gently pushed him forward.
Bear took my hand and helped me up. He was such a gentleman.
"Come with me," he signed. There was a whimsical glint in his eyes. Where exactly was he taking me?
When we reached the edge of the woods, he shifted into his bear form. I followed his lead. Wherever we were going, it must've been easier to reach it on four legs instead of two.
Speaking of legs, mine felt heavier than usual. The growing baby was weighing me down. I glanced at my flanks. It looked like I swallowed a watermelon or two.
Bear's thick pelt brushed against me. His fur was warm and comforting.
