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“I can’t believe this,” Uriel said, leaning against Bruiser’s chest. “I’m actually enjoying this book.”

Bruiser’s chest vibrated as he laughed. “Same. I guess we can’t be mad at them now.”

“Maybe a little,” Uriel said, settling in to read about the baby that Ulgon had found on his doorstep.

Next to the couch, Cassie gnawed on her new favorite toy. The shopping cart explored the living room, and Hunner made noises in the kitchen.

Ever so slowly, the scent of garlic bread filled the air.

It was buttery, yeasty and garlicky, and on any other day, Uriel’s mouth would’ve watered.

Today, his stomach turned and heaved. “Oh gods.”

He ran out of time. Uriel dropped the book and scrambled off Bruiser’s lap, dashing for the nearest bathroom.

26

PREGNANCY (PART 2)

Uriel barely made it to the toilet before he threw up, losing all the peppers he’d eaten.

“Sweetheart?” Bruiser skidded in after him. “Was it the peppers?”

Uriel heaved again. “Think it was the garlic. I smelled garlic.”

“Oops,” Hunner said. “I didn’t mean to make you sick.”

Uriel sighed miserably. “On any other day, I would’ve loved to have garlic bread. Morning sickness sucks. I didn’t miss this part of the pregnancy.”

“Damn it. I’m sorry.” Bruiser sank to the floor next to Uriel, rubbing his back. He looked stunned, but also regretful. “What can I do to help?”

“Water? Maybe some ginger candy?”

Bruiser hurried to grab a glass of water. Uriel accepted it gratefully, rinsing out his mouth. When he felt less nauseous, Bruiser helped him to his feet, keeping him steady with a hand at his back.

“It’s still sinking in,” Bruiser murmured, rubbing Uriel’s belly. “You’re pregnant with my baby.”

“Our baby.” Uriel narrowed his eyes.

“Ours,” Bruiser said sheepishly, rubbing Uriel again. He stared at Uriel’s abdomen for a long time. “Doesn’t quite feel real right now.”

“It takes a while,” Uriel said, but his heart was already warming toward the life in his belly.

Hunner showed up with a glass of ginger ale, with a long flag glued around the straw. “On behalf of Long Hose Master,” he said apologetically.

Uriel had an idea what the words were on the flag, but he read it anyway.

On the anniversary of your throwing up, I will throw up along with you to prove that my love is true. We will both spew unicorn sparkles and rainbow glitter, from both ends of our bodies, and together we will form a circle of liquid love.

“Oh my dear gods,” Uriel whispered.

Bruiser read it and grimaced.

Hunner beamed. “You like it?”

“It’s... very liquid,” Uriel said.

Hunner snickered and flounced away. “Happy fluid sharing!”