He knew that Laird had seen things that he would never talk about to Devon in car accidents, so having this car seat and having the most protection for their baby was absolutely paramount for his husband.
“Yes, it’s amazing. Of course I have to admit, whoever brought the little koala bear in the kilt, the handmade one, is a genius. How many babies get their first bear with a kilt in his tartan?”
“Well, I know for sure one does.” Laird’s laughter jostled him, and he cracked up as their son kicked hard, reminding him who this party was for.
“Hey, I felt that,” Laird said, hand on his belly.
“Yes, my wee McCallum wants his cake.”
“Let me wave down… Hey, Nick. Can you bring us cake?”
Nick glanced over, appraising the situation, then laughed. “Yeah, you look comfy. I’ll be right back.”
“Thanks, man.” Laird kissed his neck. “Service with a smile.”
“I’m glad we decided to have it here and not at the hotel,” Devon murmured. “Not that I don’t like it there.”
“Yeah, it was super nice of Charlie and Jack to offer, but they had that big wedding coming in at the same time, andwe just thought it would be crazy busy for them. And Dave had this shiny new back room.”
“It’s like free advertising for him, huh?” Devon grinned. “I like it.”
“It is.”
“Hey, you guys.” Raven came over holding an iPad. “Talk to Dev’s mom.”
“Mom! Hey!” Devon beamed at his mom, who was so little on the screen.
“Hello, darling. Are you having fun?”
“We’re just about to eat cake. How are you?”
“Excellent. Things are going very well.”
“Thank you for the strollers, Mom. They’re amazing.”
“You are very welcome. The one is trail rated as long as there’s no serious rocks or tree roots. I know you like that one trail that’s graded so nicely.”
“I do. I’ve been running about twice a week still, nice and easy.” There wasn’t any reason that he shouldn’t, and he really enjoyed it, so he kept doing it.
“Now just take it easy. Make sure that you go with Laird. I don’t want you out there running and then all of a sudden need something and not have any way to get hold of anyone.”
“I always bring my phone, Mom. Always.”
Of course, now that everybody at the baby shower heard his mother worrying, he wasn’t going to be able to run alone until after the baby was born. He would have company eternally.
He could see that in a bunch of EMT’s eyes.
Especially Nick’s.
Laird chuckled and kissed his head. “You know I’ll go with you, baby.”
“I know.”
“Me too,” Nick intoned, ever so serious. “No running amok alone.”
“Okay.” Devon held up his hands. “I promise.”
“Good deal.” Nick grinned at him, his expression lightening up. “I worry about you, man. You’re like, my brother’s omega.”
