Page 52 of Executives' Omega
“But it’s still dark.”
“Exactly.”
I cocked my head to one side.
He smiled and sat at the edge of the bed. “It’s a new day for you, Bug. You, your son, and your mates deserve to start it as a single family unit.” He squeezed my leg. “I’ll always be here, you know that. But for this morning at least…” he paused. “This morning is about the next chapter in your life. You’ve found yourself some good men, and I shouldn’t intrude any longer.”
I frowned, which made him laugh.
“I’ll call you later,” he said. “Let me know when you’re all back home and I’ll bring over some pizza. You know I’ll need some snuggle time with my Mini-Bug, and that’ll give you all a chance to eat.”
“We have a nanny…” I started.
Owen pressed a finger to my lips. “And you have me, you’ll always have me. But I have to take on a new role now: the fun uncle who sometimes cuddles Papa.”
“Uncle?”
He grinned. “Try to explain ‘cousin once removed’ to a toddler.”
I smiled. “Uncle Owen it is.”
“I like the sound of that.” He stood, leaned in, and kissed my forehead again. “I’m proud of you, Bug. And I know you’re going to make a great papa.”
“Thank you.”
“Enjoy some time with your new family.”
“Ok.”
He stepped back, gave me a small wave, then quietly left the room.
I looked at my mates and smiled. Four men who’d taken a chance on me, and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.
Lightly slowly crept into the room, and Zane—as usual—was the first to wake.
“Where’d Owen go?” he asked softly, looking around.
“He went home,” I replied. “He said we needed to enjoy our time as a family this morning.”
He nodded, walked over, and sat on my bed. “You’re ok with that?”
I thought about it for a minute, then returned the nod. “Yes… and no. I understand why, and I’m grateful, but that tiny part of me that’s always needed him is scared.”
Zane rubbed my arm. “It’s a big change, and you’re used to him being around when things change. But you know he’s not going to leave an Owen-shaped hole in your life.”
“Yeah.”
Raphael made a fussing sound, and Zane held out his arms. “When was his last diaper change?”
“A few hours ago.”
“It’s probably time then. I’ve got it.”
“Ok.”
Zane changed Raphael, then took some time holding him while we waited for the others to wake up.
The sun cleared the horizon, bathing the room in soft hues of gold, blue and pink. Owen was right, it was the dawn of a new day, and I was there with my mates and our baby—the people I loved most in the world.
I was surrounded by people who believed in me and lifted me up, and the next chapter was waiting to be written.
It was up to me—to us—to make it a good one.