Page 87 of Manny's Surprise Baby

“God, I hope not.” It was terrifying to realize I’d been unable to remember one of the most important people in my life. He already barely trusted that I would be a good alpha. “I don’t know why that happened to me, but I swear on my life I love you, Pierce.”

His eyes glittered. “I hope so.” I expected him to pull his hand away and possibly retreat back into his shell, but he didn’t. Instead he stood and came to me, kneeling beside me and laying his head on my lap. “It made me realize how much I need you. I can’t believe how horrible it was when I thought I’d lost your love.” He shivered. “It was a good reminder of how fragile life can be and that we need to grab hold of those happy moments.”

I tangled my fingers in his soft hair. “Yes. I’m not letting go of you. I can’t think of anything worse than losing you or my memories of you.” I sighed. “Look at me, Pierce.”

He lifted his head, his gaze warm and searching.

“I’m back. I’m here. I don’t want to lose you,” I said quietly. “Don’t doubt what we have. Please.”

“I won’t. That scared me, but I won’t let go of you so easily.”

Relief filled me. “Good.” We kissed and the warm touch of his lips was reassuring. When I lifted my head, I smiled at him. “The last thing you need in your condition is to be stressed-out about me.”

He laughed gruffly. “I was so distracted by what was happening to you, I didn’t even throw up once this morning.”

“I’m glad my global forgetful thing was good for something.”

“I’m so happy you’re back to your old self again. I’ve allowed myself to envision a future with you, Seth. And I want that. I really do. It was pretty upsetting when I thought it had been snatched from me.”

“I didn’t even realize I wanted an omega and a family until I met you.” I stroked his flat stomach. “What do we have, one more month before we go to the compound?”

He nodded. “Yes. That’s when I’ll start to really show.”

“Is it weird that I can’t wait for your stomach to get bigger?” I laughed, feeling self-conscious. “I never really was into pregnant women.” I flared my nostrils. “But I think about your belly full with my child, and it’s a turn on.”

“Really?”

“Yep.”

“The only thing I think is how unattractive I’ll be with a big fat stomach.” He sighed. “You’ll probably be grossed out by me.”

“I doubt that.”

He grinned. “I guess when I’m as big as a house, we’ll know the truth.”

****

“You’re back!” Emily hugged me tight.

“I’m sorry if I was acting weird.” I patted her skinny little shoulders, feeling protective of her.

“It’s okay.” She looked up at me. “You couldn’t help it.”

“You don’t have to worry about it happening again,” I reassured her.

“I know.” She grinned. “I’ve been researching.”

I laughed. “Really?”

She nodded. “Having it happen once doesn’t in any way increase your chances of getting it again.”

“You should be a private detective when you grow up.” I smiled.

“No, thanks. They sit in cars a lot and try to catch people cheating on their spouses. That sounds depressing.” She moved to sit on the couch.

“Yeah, it really does.” Pierce nodded.

“Oh!” She raised her eyebrows. “But I might like to be a doctor.”