Good.
I wanted to say all the right things. I wanted Hailey to trust me. To care for her and our child was an absolute gift. Despite the situation, I was more than excited, and I wanted her to know that.
“Of course, it's the least I can do. Have you booked any medical appointments?”
“I need to book another sonogram soon, but I need to pick which doctor I'm going to. I'm probably a few weeks behind.”
“I think that's more than fair, considering everything that's been going on.”
Now that she was bonded to Merrick, and the separation sickness was slowly easing, we had the time and space to ensure the baby was healthy and well.
“Okay, next stop is the vitamin aisle.”
“Vitamins?” Hailey asked with an adorable scrunch of her nose.
“Yes. You need prenatals, and a bunch of other supplements. No arguments. Iama nurse, remember?”
“That reminds me. What’s happening with your work?”
The last thing I wanted to do was make Hailey feel bad, but I was missing my work desperately. As much as I enjoyed being there for her, Merrick was usually by her side. So, I was spending a lot of time justexistingand not doing anything useful.
“I took an extended leave when we realized we needed come here. In a few weeks, I have to decide what to do. I can't see us leaving this place anytime soon, though.”
“I'm sorry,” Hailey whispered, her hand reaching for mine. It was sympathy hand holding, but I’d take it.
“You've got nothing to apologize for. It was Preston who upturned our lives. I love my job, but I'm sure I can find something else.”
Even as I said it, the words felt odd, slightly hollow in my chest.
I adoredmy job and my team back in Seattle. I’d been working at the same hospital for nearly five years, and I had an excellent rhythm there.
Deep down, I knew the chances of me going back there were minimal, but it didn't mean I wasn't going to miss it terribly. Then again, I’d happily walk away without a complaint for the sake of our omega.
“They're always looking for nurses here,” Hailey said. “I've got a friend who works at the hospital, and she's alwaysbitching about how short-staffed they are.”
Did I want to continue nursing? I knew I wanted to do something that involved helping people, and nursing had been an excellent way to fulfil that desire.
Soon enough, though, there would be a baby in the picture. A tiny human who would need copious care and affection.
While I had no doubt that Hailey would be an amazing mother, I also knew from the few conversations we’d had that she would go back to work when possible. It was clear that being a paramedic fulfilled her—though she had mentioned nursing school. She would have an excellent tutor in me, if that was what she wanted.
So, having someone at home to put their effort and energy into caring for the baby would be endlessly useful. I could support my omega in chasing the career that she enjoyed while also helping to look after our child.
Would Hailey be open to having more children?
I’d always imagined having a large family. The idea of a huge, chaotic house filled with laughter and children seemed like a dream to me.
Only, that was no longer up to just me. Hailey was the one who would have to birth any babies, so however many children we had would be up to her.
These were all very heavy questions, though, and for now, I needed to support her in getting her snacks.
“If the place and the people are right, then I'll go for it.”
What I didn't say was I wasn't sure how long we would be in town. Would Hailey be willing to follow us to Seattle? What about Merrick? He was settled in a job here. But Nolan, myself, and Preston had a life in Seattle.
Complicated.
A very serious conversation about all that was in our near future, but I didn't want to bring it up while I was enjoying holding my omega's hand in the grocery store.
