“Looks like you’re about six weeks along, maybe closer to seven since we got an audible heartbeat,” the tech told us. “Did you want me to print some of the screenshots?”
“Please.” The word was past my lips before I’d even thought it. I needed to start one of those photo frame collections like kids had for every year of school pictures, but with more to include the ultrasounds and all the birthdays leading up to school. Was it too early to order one?
Fuck it. Never too early to plan for the future. I was going to order one as soon as we got out of here.
For the past week, I didn’t know where to turn. Between planning the grand opening of the new OHI building, everyone getting serious about Madison’s pregnancy care, preparing to move into our new pack house, and the spiral of worries over the impending life joining our family, I had exhausted myself.
Madison was meeting my family today. I couldn’t tell if she or I were more nervous about it. I had dropped such a bomb on them, and they’d taken it in stride, but I was nothing if not a worrier.
“I want to thank all of you for being here today.” We had a crowd of a few hundred staring at me where I stood behind the podium. “The Omega Housing Initiative has always been a project dear to my heart, and I am blessed to have worked alongside so many incredible people who share my vision.” I went down my gratitude list, until I reached the portion for Madison, though I didn’t need any written speech for her. “One who deserves our thanks and admiration, is our interior designer for this building, Madison St. James.Not only did she step in to help when we needed her, but it was clear to all involved how much passion and expertise she brought with her. For your countless hours dedicated to the omegas moving in, I want to thank you. I know we’ll see incredible things from you in the future because we already have. Now, I invite all of you to enjoy the refreshments provided by Aleida’s Elotes, and the omegas moving in can join us inside to receive their keys.”
From the audience, Madison looked up at me with shiny eyes. She had done such an amazing job with the suites, and I wanted everyone to know it, since few would actually be privy to her work in person.
Beau approached both of us with a tired smile, greeting Madison and our pack in turn. “I’m sorry I wasn’t more help at the end.”
“We managed.” I pulled him into a hug. We were past handshakes by this point. “You have new children to care for. I’m glad you could make it today, though.”
“Me too.” Beau nodded and turned to Madison. “I saw the progress updates. You have a gift.”
My omega’s cheeks flushed. “That’s so sweet to say.”
“I’m serious. You did such a great job with our nursery, so I had no concerns when Alve pitched you to take over for Tiffany. You should be proud.”
She was. I felt it in the bond, the warm bubble of pride filling up her chest.
My family waved in the crowd, and I waved back, but I’d already told them it would be a little later in the program before I could step away, so I was able to avoid introductions for a few more moments by taking Madison inside to show the omegas their new homes.
All of them cried. Happy tears ranged from misty eyes to wracking sobs. Ordinarily, I would’ve been deeply overwhelmed by so many crying people, but Madison was so happy and that kept a cage on my nervous reactions. They swamped her with hugs as she showed them around and I handed off their keys after the final paperwork was signed. This was why I loved the OHI so much. Omegas deserved more than just a safe home, they deserved a beautiful one, too.
“I have more good news,” I whispered to Madison when the final set of keys had been handed off.
“I love good news.” She stepped into my arms snuggling close.
“We secured the land grant for the new building.”
“Tyler’s company lost?” Petty glee erupted in the bond, and I couldn’t blame her one bit for that.
“It did. We got the email this morning, and once the permits go through, we can start construction.”
“Alve, that’s amazing!” She hopped up to reach me for a kiss and I spun her, my smile getting too big and breaking the connection.
A throat clearing drew our attention. My oldest sister, Annika, peeked around the corner, two of her young sonspeering at us from behind her legs. “Are we ever going to get to meet her? You’re taking forever.”
Embarrassment flooded me, but Madison took my hand, stopping much of it in its tracks.
“It’s so nice to meet you.” Madison beamed at her, stepping into a hug without letting go of my hand. “I’m Madison.”
My tongue tangled itself, but I managed an introduction. “This is Annika. My other sister is Hedda. These two are my nephews, Aaron and Andy.”
Madison crouched down to greet each of them individually, and I could tell Annika was charmed by that.
“No fair.” Hedda appeared around the corner. “You were supposed to wait for me.”
Madison grinned, standing again. “You must be Hedda.”
“And you must be the secret omega.” She said it with a laugh, though I had already parsed her tone and found no derision. “Okaa-san is dying to meet you.”
My family had grown significantly since my youth. On top of my sisters getting packs and having children, my mother had also gotten a pack. For years, she’d only been with my father, but after I’d left for college, she’d added two more to the ranks.
