Page 20 of A Pact for Porter
I always slept better when my mate was there. We climbed into bed, and I snuggled in, using his chest as a pillow. “We still have some things to do inside around here, but I think I can have the courtyard done in time. What do you think?”
“It will be the most used room in the house.” He then reminded me I was pregnant and didn’t need to get anything done to which I stuck out my tongue.
“So, by room, do you mean we should add the roof?”
“Nope. By room, I just meant a private shared space. I’m leaving all the design to you. If you want a roof, we’ll make it happen.”
“I want our beasts to experience all four seasons there.”
He cupped my cheek. “Then no roof it is. No go to sleep, my sweet mate. You have babies to grow.”
He said something else afterward, but I was already dozing off.
Chapter Seventeen
Porter
As the pregnancy progressed, we solved one of the problems we’d been struggling with from day one. Chip brought the idea to me one morning as I was having coffee and oatmeal before leaving for the office. He’d been sleeping in lately, whenever he was home, so seeing him rushing into the kitchen this early had me on my feet.
“Mate, are you feeling bad? I’ll call the doctor.”
He jerked to a stop, leading to a head-to-jiggling, and grabbed the edge of the table. “I-I’m fine. You just startled me, jumping up and shouting.”
“I’m sorry.” Taking his arm, I eased him into a chair at the table. “I was just concerned because it’s so early. Can I make you a cup of tea? There are banana muffins.”
“Tea in a minute, please. Sit down. I want to tell you something.”
I hovered. “Whatever it is, we can handle it together.”
He rolled his eyes. “I said I was fine. Sit, alpha!”
I dropped into the opposite chair. “All right. If you’re fine then what is wrong?”
“When did you become such a worrywart? I am fine, the babies are fine, except for a streak of overreaction, I assume you’re fine. This is a good thing, all right? Ready to listen?”
I drew in a deep breath and let it out in a whoosh. “Go.”
“I figured out how to avoid so much travel.”
“You’re going to stay home with the babies? Because I am sure I can pick up a part-time job to fill in whatever my regular one doesn’t cover so you can do that.”
“Two things. One, your listening skills are not at peak today, and two, I am not quitting my job. I’ve realized that I have so much work that I can’t take because I’m only one person, and at present carrying five people with me every time I cross the room. I’ve been handling my work in the wrong way. I will be opening Capybara Habitat Designs, LLC.”
“Go on.” I didn’t know what that meant entirely, but he was right about my not listening properly.
He grinned at me, but went on without commenting on my improvement. “I am hiring a staff and turning the attic into an office. I will go out once to survey a job and then work from home unless I am needed for something in particular or want to check in. And then at the end. And as my staff is trained, it might be less.”
“That’s genius, omega. When are you planning to start?”
“Today. I am setting up the LLC this morning and putting out an online call for staff. I know it will be an investment to begin, but we have been able to put away some money and I wanted to know if you are all right with me doing that?”
“Chip, most of those savings are from your habitats anyway.”
“Only because we budgeted to try to live on what you make, other than emergencies.”
“Okay, they are ours and I cannot think of a better use. You’re going to need a logo.”
He blushed. “I might have already commissioned one. Want to see?” He held out his phone.
