Page 62 of Sobek’s Joy

Warmth flooded through their bond, so intensely Rudy had to blink back fresh tears. His new husband was going to be insufferably overprotective for the next nine months, and Rudy loved him for it.

“Toast sounds good,” Rudy conceded. “But I’m not staying in bed all day. The kids need…”

“I’ll handle the children.” Sobek was already heading for the door. “You rest.”

Letting out a long breath, Rudy waited exactly thirty seconds after Sobek disappeared down the hallway before climbing out of bed and padding to the bathroom. He brushed his teeth, splashed water on his face, and studied his reflection in the mirror.

He looked the same. He was still short, still freckled, still sporting bedhead hair that never seemed to smooth down even when wet. But inside his unremarkable body, something new was growing. A life he and Sobek had created together. Not just any baby, but their baby.

Rudy pressed both hands to his stomach, which still felt perfectly flat. “Hey there,” he whispered. “I don’t know if you can hear me yet, but...I’m your dad. Well, one of them. You’ve got another dad who’s probably already researching every paranormal pregnancy resource in existence.” He smiled. “And you’ve got three siblings who are going to spoil you rotten. We’re a little chaotic, and definitely weird, but I promise we’ll love you with everything we have.”

Movement in the doorway made him look up. Sobek stood there, tray in hand, eyes suspiciously bright.

“Eavesdropping?” Rudy asked.

“Always.” Sobek set the tray on the counter - toast, tea, and sliced fruit arranged in beautiful patterns. “Come back to bed. Please.”

This time, Rudy didn’t argue. He let Sobek guide him back to the bedroom, let himself be tucked in and fussed over, because beneath the slight irritation at being treated like glass, he recognized what was really happening.

Sobek was terrified too. Thrilled, yes, but also absolutely petrified of anything happening to Rudy or their baby.

“I’m fine,” Rudy said softly, catching Sobek’s hand. “We’re fine. I promise.”

“I know.” Sobek didn’t sound convinced. “But I’m still going to hover.”

“I figured.” Rudy nibbled the toast, which did actually help settle his stomach. “So... when do we tell the kids?”

“Whenever you’re ready.” Sobek settled on the edge of the bed, one hand resting possessively on Rudy’s thigh. “Though Rose will figure it out soon. Her panther senses will detect the change in your scent.”

Right. Because apparently, having a shifter daughter meant pregnancy couldn’t be kept secret.

“Let’s tell them today,” Rudy decided. “After breakfast. All together.”

Sobek nodded, and through their bond, Rudy felt his husband’s fierce protectiveness expand to encompass their unborn child. It should have been overwhelming, but it really wasn’t.

They finished breakfast in comfortable silence, Sobek watching Rudy like he might vanish if left unattended. Eventually, sounds of daily life drifted up from downstairs - Rose’s laughter, Jack’s deeper voice, Timothy’s occasional chirps interspersed with words. Their children were awake.

“Ready?” Sobek asked.

Rudy took a deep breath. “Ready.”

/~/~/~/~/

The children were in the living room when Rudy and Sobek came downstairs. Rose had claimed the couch, still in her pajamas, while Jack sprawled on the floor with a book. Timothy sat in his favorite spot by the window, staring out at the backyard pond.

All three looked up when Rudy entered, and Rose’s nose immediately wrinkled.

“You smell different,” she announced. “Did you use Papa’s soap?”

“No, sweetheart.” Rudy settled on the couch, pulling Rose into his lap. “But that’s actually what we need to talk to you about.”

Jack abandoned his book, moving closer with the wariness he sometimes still showed when expecting bad news. Timothy slipped off his perch and padded over, climbing onto Sobek’s lap without hesitation.

Sobek wrapped an arm around the hatchling, meeting Rudy’s eyes over Timothy’s dark hair. Your choice, his expression said. However you want to do this.

“So,” Rudy started, then stopped. How did you explain pregnancy to a five-year-old, a four-year-old, and another four-year-old who barely spoke? “You know how families come in all different shapes and sizes?”

“Like us,” Rose said immediately. “We’re all different, but we’re still family.”