He looked so pathetic, but I knew better. “The minute I call them and cancel, you’ll regret it.” It had happened a couple of times before with other plans. “And it’s a beautiful, warm day. We’ll go, sit in the shade, and look out over those beautiful fields and vines. If you get tired, we’ll be back in an hour.”
“You’re mean.”
“No, my love.” I reached for his hand and drew him to his feet. “I just know my omega.”
And an afternoon of pleasant conversation would do him good.
An hour or so later, after more attempts to wiggle out of our plans and a quashing by me, we were on our way to the vineyard. My omega needed to get out into the fresh air more. I made a mental promise to see to it.
“The parking area is awfully full,” Oswald said as we approached the lot. “I hope there is a table save for us.”
“Since we were invited for lunch, I imagine there is. If not in the public area, in the family kitchen.” Where I’d eaten once or twice when I first was befriended by the kind vintners. “It’s nice and also has the beautiful view.”
“That might be even better.” Oswald pulled the seat belt away from his rounded belly. “If there’s one thing I don’t need today, it’s a crowd.”
“A nice quiet lunch with friends.” Sounded perfect to me. “Speaking of whom, here they are.”
Jett and Macsen met us at the car, and together, we all wandered up toward the patio dining area. I would have suggested their kitchen but couldn’t think of a way to ask, especially when they said they had saved the best table for the four of us. “It’s right this way, through this hedge.”
“I don’t recall the tables extending this far,” I said. “Is it a new area?”
We stepped through the arched opening into a private garden, filled with streamers, colorful tablecloths, balloons, gifts, and a huge cake.
“It’s the brand-new party area, and you’re our first surprise party!” Jett clapped his hands and everyone stood up and sang a few bars of “You’re Having My Baby.”
“Wh-what is this?” Oswald stood just inside the grassy-floored space.
“It’s your baby shower, silly.” Macsen took him by the arm and led him to the table nearest the overlook. “See? Told you we saved us the best table.”
I was afraid my omega was going to fall over, and guided him into a chair. Then sat down myself, completely floored. “This is no quiet lunch for four,” I said, stating the obvious. “How did you—what did you?”
“All your friends who have gotten to know you since you arrived wanted to show you how much we appreciate you and your librarian omega. His programs for the children and the seniors are so wonderful. And your afternoon teas…exquisite.”
“All part of the service,” I replied. “But my omega’s proof that librarians are magical. Our baby will be reading before they can hold up their own head.”
Everyone who had been to a story time or a book club or a discussion group, asked for book referrals…they were there, eating the vineyard’s delicious buffet spread and watching us open their generous gifts. There were the usual silly games and the cake. But they all showed up for us, letting us know we were part of the community and that our babe would be as well.
That was the best part of all.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Oswald
With Greg’s care and me adhering to everything, my blood pressure and swelling had greatly improved. I only worked one day a week now and while I missed it, I knew it was for the best for our family. Flint had taken over, and while I thought he wouldn’t, he stepped up and handled things like a champ.
Greg was going through the house, cleaning up for the weekend. There was a spring festival in town and we were booked up solid. Jett and Macsen had become our very good friends and since I was so close to giving birth, they offered to run the inn in our absence until I was released and we had settled in with the baby.
They were the best friends.
Greg got a look on his face when he was tidying his den, his words. His brow was deeply furrowed. He pursed his lips. It was a sight to behold.
“It’s clean,” I said as he mopped the floors in the living room. Again.
“I know but I can’t stay still.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “I’m the one who’s supposed to be nesting. You’re supposed to be pacing and worried.”
He put the cleaning supplies away and breathed. “I’m not worried. I’m…I want it perfect.”
