Duncan looked at me with wide eyes. “Yes. I did.” His body went stiff, and I could tell he was holding his breath.
“Breathe, sweetie. No matter what we’re having, I’m going to love you no less. And I’ll love our child regardless.”
“You’re having a little girl,” Dr. Birch said. “And there are no silverback markers in the bloodwork. Your daughter is a red panda shifter, as you are.”
Duncan’s eyes filled with tears. His head fell back onto my shoulder, and I held him tightly to my chest.
“Thank you, Dr. Birch. Duncan is quite happy with that news but is emotional at the moment.”
“Understandable. I’ll see the two of you next month for another checkup. Until then, please call me if any issues present themselves.”
“Will do. Thank you again.”
“My pleasure.”
The call ended, and I gave Duncan a squeeze. “I love you, and I can’t wait to meet our little girl. She’s going to have so many protective uncles.”
Duncan looked up at me with tears running down his face. How was it possible he was even more adorable now than the day I met him?
Chapter Eighteen
Duncan
“Are you sure this looks okay?” I asked Clay before we walked into the building that he and his brothers owned. It was where their company was, and for them, it just made sense to purchase the building rather than lease office space.
“Yes. You’ve already asked me that. Why?” Clay gave me a look.
“Well, I need to go shopping. I’m good for today, but these pants are snug. And they are my loosest-fitting pair.” I was starting to show, but just barely, and only when I was naked. My stomach was no longer flat and was now a bit rounded. Basically, I looked like I’d had a rather large meal and was a bit bloated. But my pants were all fitted. They weren’t overly loose. Well, except for my sweatpants. But I couldn’t go around wearing those all of the time. They were great for at home, but I didn’t want to embarrass Clay or any of his brothers by being underdressed in their place of business. They had clients in the office, and I needed to make sure I looked presentable.
Clay stopped and stared down at me. We were just outside the door, and I was suddenly concerned that he was going to pick me up and carry me off to the nearest store to go shopping.
“Your pants don’t fit?”
“They do. They’re just snug. Like…if I eat too much at lunch, they’re going to need to be unbuttoned. I’m not really showing, but my waist is thicker. And my sweatpants are the only pants I have that are slim-cut.” What could I say? I was skinny. Well, I was currently not quite as skinny as I normally was, but that would all change again once I had our little girl. I grinned at that thought. We were having a tiny little red panda princess.
“Let me go see what the schedule is like, and when I can swing it, I’ll take you shopping.”
I sighed and shook my head. I stepped around Clay and pulled on the door. I was tired of the morning sun beating down on my head, and I was ready to get back into the cooler air of the building. “No,” I said. “That’s not what I was saying. After work will be fine.” I stepped inside and was immediately engulfed in cooler air. How was it that it was so hot outside already? It was only just after eight in the morning.
“Are you sure?”
I smiled. “Yes.” I waved. “Good morning, Mica.”
“Duncan!” Mica came over to us and wrapped me in a hug. “How are you feeling? Do you need anything?”
I hugged him back. I could see why Mica was Charlie’s favorite. He was just so incredibly friendly.
“Good morning. I’m good. But thank you.”
“Are you certain?”
Clay moved closer and playfully pushed Mica out of the way. “Stop getting so friendly with my mate.”
Mica and Clay both smiled at each other.
“Seriously though, I’m glad you’re feeling better. We were all worried about you.”
“Thanks,” I told him. “It was never my intention to make anyone worry, but I honestly am feeling better.”
