He was a rosy baby, flushed for all his quiet, and ready to latch on when the healer suggested that Cicek give it a try. They made such a beautiful picture together, I could have sat and watched them all day.
“He’s a very sweet baby.” Quinn had cleaned up and returned to join me across the room from my mate. “Do you have a name for him?”
I faced him. “No, we—”
“Merrick.”
We both turned toward the bed. “Merrick?” asked Quinn. “Wasn’t that your uncle’s name?”
“Yes. He was the one who set all this in motion by leaving me the shop. Had he not, I would have still left Derek, but I would have landed in an entirely different place. And maybe never found my fated mate here in Oliver Creek.”
“You did come and help your uncle, right?”
“Yes, but it has been a while, and I never met Zion before. His shop wasn’t open.”
“Then it truly is kismet. Zion was lonely, even if he never said so to anyone, and he kept to himself mostly. He could be convinced to come to birthday parties or things like that, especially where children were involved.”
“I was doing fine,” I protested. “Waiting for my fated mate who finally showed up.” I went over and sat on the side of the bed.
“Want to hold him?” Quinn asked.
“Very much.” I held out my arms, ready to support his little head. There was an advantage in having friends with so many kids in the area. “You think we should name him after your uncle” It’s a big name for such a little guy.”
Cicek laughed. “He won’t be little forever, and I’ll be happy if he has my uncle’s attributes. Do you like the name?”
I nodded. “I like that it was your uncle’s name. He was a good man, and that is what I want for him.”
“Then it’s perfect, alpha.”
“If you three are ready, you can leave anytime.” Quinn had left and come back again. “The baby checks out for everything I watch for at this stage.”
“What do you say, omega?”
He turned to put his feet on the floor and stood up slowly. “Whew, that’s a tough job.”
“Why don’t you just stay sitting until we have everything ready? You can hold the baby.”
His lips moved as if in protest, but then he sat right back down. “All right.”
A few minutes later, I’d gathered everything and put out a pair of shorts and a T-shirt for Cicek then took the baby and dressed him while my omega got ready to go home. We’d come here a family of two but were leaving a threesome. I knew from my friends that there were lots of sleepless nights ahead, but it would be worth it. Our son was here. Derek was a fool, but his foolishness made our life so much simpler. I was not going to write him a thank-you note though. He didn’t deserve it.
“Ready, alpha.”
“Me too, omega. I’m so grateful to you for our family.” I kissed the baby’s forehead and then Cicek’s lips. “It’s time to go home.”