Creed continued talking as if he hadn't heard Winter.
"I've been thinking about it for a while now. I know he's my nephew and I will tell him about his dad. But he's become more than just that, I see him as my son. It's a part of us moving forward. I think I stopped seeing him as my nephew, and more as my son a long time ago. But I've felt guilty saying it out loud until now. Tonight, when the doctor kept calling him our son, it felt right. I didn't feel any guilt as if I'm betraying Richard."
Creed looked down at Connor and smiled seeing he had fallen asleep. Winter had noticed lately how much the baby was starting to resemble a miniature version of Creed and Richard.
"I want us to have a big family..."
"I think I'm pregnant," Winter said, cutting off what his mate was going to say. "I'm not sure...but I've been feeling off and throwing up...and..."
"Let's make it official, then. Marry me and take my last name. Let's become a true family."
"But we're not sure if I'm pregnant."
Creed stood slowly then walked over to the crib and laid Connor down, trying not to wake him. He stepped over to Winter and cupped his cheeks. "I don't care if you’re pregnant. We're mates, and I know it will happen eventually. But I also want you to be my husband."
Winter went to speak, but the curtain was drawn back, and two nurses along with Doctor Sierra walked in.
"Don't look at them. Look at me." Creed stepped into his line of vision.
"But Connor..."
"Will be fine for one second. I need you to focus on me right now."
Winter was sure he already knew his answer. But something was bothering him, and he wasn't sure if he should tell his mate.
"Do you need me to go down on one knee," he said reaching into his pocket, and pulled out a small velvet box, going to one knee. "I planned on asking you to marry me tonight on our first official date."
Creed opened the small box, and Winter gasped, covering his mouth. Nestled inside the little plush cushion was a diamond encrusted platinum ring. He couldn't believe it, Creed really planned on proposing to him during their date. They'd finally planned one, and Creed had asked Winter’s parents to watch Connor while they were out for a couple of hours. But when he realized something was wrong with the baby, he couldn't leave his child, not even with his parents.
Winter realized he was attached to Connor as if he was the one that gave birth to him. But it also scared him that he wouldn't be able to give his child the same love and affection he had for Connor. Or if he would end up choosing his and Creed's child over Connor. He didn't know if other parents went through that feeling and he was afraid to ask.
"I don't know if I'll love our child as much, or if my love for Connor will wane once our child is born."
"I think you're wrong. I've seen your heart, Winter, and it's big enough to love me and our children. Your love for Connor won't change; it will only grow as he grows." He rested a hand on Winter's stomach. "And that goes for the little one or two that's growing inside of you now. The tenderness you show Connor is one of the reasons why I fell in love with you. You protect him with such fierceness it makes me proud. And I know that I can trust my heart and our children with you.”
“You make me sound like a saint.”
“You’re not, and that’s why I love you.”
"You love me?" Winter asked in surprise.
"With every fiber of my being."
Winter stared at his mate who was down on one knee, a ring in one hand, and the other on his stomach.How can I not love him?"I love you, too."
"Can I take that as a yes to my proposal?"
"Yes," Winter said.
Loud cheering greeted his answer, and it was then he realized the hospital staff was watching and waiting for him to say yes. Creed pulled his attention from the staff by kissing him with such passion, reminding him of what love felt like.
* * *
Creed walkedinto his office the following Monday with a bright smile on his face. Things hadn’t gone as he planned for his first date with Winter, but he was satisfied with the outcome.
“What’s got you so happy?” Riley asked him.
“Winter said yes to my marriage proposal, and we found out he’s pregnant.”
