Page 22 of Bone Collector’s Mate

“No. But I am worried about finding a job and some other things. I thought that might be the cause, general stress. Not because of you. It’s me.”

“Well…I’m afraid it might be my fault. Give me a minute.” He left me there and returned in a couple of minutes. “Benji is having another glass of milk.”

“Why would it be your fault? I agree we haven’t settled some things about our future, but you’re amazing. Look how you think of Benji all the time, and you’re taking care of me.”

“All true. Not sure if I’m amazing, but I do love taking care of you both. The reason I am willing to take blame, and the reason I asked if you were nauseated while carrying Benji was—”

“No!” I reeled back. “I can’t be. It’s too soon. We weren’t trying.”

“We weren’t trying not to, either.” He sat down beside me and took my hand. “But we never talked about you having another child. You already have so much responsibility. I understand if you are hoping you’re not.”

“No, it’s not that. But we haven’t had a conversation about it. After Benji was born, I didn’t get pregnant again, and I guess I thought I was done.” Or didn’t think at all. In fact, Adam was less and less in our bed then. Fortunately.

“Well, we can get a test and be sure.”

“Are you okay with it, if I am?”

He leaned in to kiss me, but I ducked back. “You don’t want any part of my breath.”

“I don’t care about that. I never thought I’d have a child at all, and now Benji is in my life. He’s more than I ever dreamed of being able to call family. If you’re having another, I’m more than happy. I’m ecstatic.”

“But I don’t have a job or anything.” I’d already been worried about child care for one.

“If you want to work fine, but if you’d rather stay home with the little ones, fine too. Whatever you want to do, we will make it happen. Got it?”

I nodded.

“Now, Benji was asking for you. You feel well enough to go out and reassure him that everything is fine?”

“I do. And we don’t need to take a test. My wolf just informed me that I am indeed pregnant again. You’re really ecstatic?”

“Only unless I can think of a bigger word to express my happiness.” He enfolded me in his arms. “You are the most wonderful mate ever.”

“And Benji is going to be the best big brother ever.”