Fox cupped Vale’s cheeks. “I was foolish once, but I won’t be a second time.”
Vale furrowed his brows but didn’t ask any questions, which Fox was grateful for. A few weeks ago, Fox hadn’t known what kind of world he’d woken up in. The more he read and researched, the more he understood—realizing he belonged in this world where supernaturals were real, and men could give birth if they wanted. In his past life, the only one he needed to worry about was himself, but he was no longer alone. He had a little girl to think about.
“I want to build a future with you as well, but not without Genesis. My daughter means the world to me, and if you can’t accept her, I—”
Vale kissed him tenderly, shutting down the words he didn’t want to say. “When I talk about our future, I’m including Genesis. I know I’m not her sire, but one day I hope you’ll both come to see me as her father.” Vale looked at Genesis, who was sleeping in her crib, then back to him. “I will love her as if she was my own. And I know we have a lot to talk about, but for now I just want to enjoy my moment with you.”
Tears welled in Fox’s eyes, but he blinked hard, stopping them from falling. “Okay. I like you, too, Alistaire Vale
* * *
Fox walkedout of Doctor Evans’s office feeling very pleased with himself. For the past couple of days, he hadn’t been able to keep the smile off his face.
He and Vale were finally together, and according to Doctor Evans, Genesis was the perfect baby. Her weight and growth were excellent. He was on his way back to Vale’s room when he was stopped by Doctor Jerry David, the Chief Cardiologist who had taken over his heart case after the first attack when he was eighteen.
“Crevan, I’m so glad I bumped into you.”
“Doctor David, how nice to see you. How are you?”
“I’ve been great. The question is, how are you doing? You missed your last appointment.”
“I’m fine,” Fox honestly answered.
“Are you sure? You’re not feeling any pain or discomfort?”
“Nope.” Fox smiled.
Fox had been avoiding the cardiologist because he was afraid to know the status of his heart condition. The last time he’d seen the man was after he’d woken up in the hospital and his prognosis was still the same, but the doctor was always worried Fox was going to die. Fox was happy his family wasn’t around to hear the doctor’s doom and gloom diagnosis.
Fox was hoping to push the doctor visit’s off for a bit longer. From reading Crevan Hannigan’s journal, he was getting a pretty good understanding of what caused the hole in his heart. Aria was wrong about them having the same empath abilities.
Fox wasn’t sure what to call it, but his ability dealt more with feeling other people’s coupled with his loneliness could have affected his heart. Even with a loving family, Crevan Hannigan had watched his brother find not one but two mates along with friends he no longer spoke to fall in love while he remained unmated and alone.
“I’m delighted to hear that,” Doctor David said. His brows knitted together as he peered into Fox’s face.
“Is there something wrong?” Fox asked, stepping back.
“I’m sorry for staring. It’s just you look different.” Doctor David stepped closer to him.
“Different how?”
“Healthier.” He leaned back, looking a bit embarrassed he’d been so close to Fox. “Um…since you’re here, do you mind if we run some tests? I mean, that’s if you have time.”
Fox sighed and nodded, giving into the doctor’s request. It seemed he wasn’t going to avoid an examination. He followed behind the doctor pushing Genesis’s stroller, hoping the tests wouldn’t take long. He didn’t want to be away from Vale for too long. Butterflies fluttered in his stomach at the thought of his lover.
I have a lover, and his name is Alistaire Vale—the sexiest man in Vale Valley.
A giggle bubbled out of Fox, causing the doctor to stop walking and turn to look at him.
“Did you just giggle?” Doctor David asked.
Fox rolled his eyes or hoped he did since he was unable to stop smiling. “Adults don’t giggle. That was Genesis.”
Simultaneously they both looked down at Genesis, who was off in baby dreamland.
“She must be having a great dream.” The doctor coughed as if he was trying to hold back from chuckling.
Both Fox and the doctor looked at each other, noticing the other man smiling. Having enough of the silliness, Fox started walking faster, pushing Genesis’s stroller away from the doctor. “Did you say something about tests? Why are you still standing there?” Fox refused to look back at the doctor, who was now laughing instead of chuckling.
