Page 78 of Rhett

“Bad or good?”

“Good, but strange. Especially when Heidi shifted into a gigantic bunny after giving birth.”

“She had to shift in order to start her body’s healing process.”

I sighed heavily. “I have a lot to learn about shifters.” Regardless of Heidi’s shifter healing abilities, tomorrow I planned on visiting her to make sure her newborns transitioned well and that Heidi was recovering.

“But you will,” he reassured me with a rub on my shoulder. “From what I’ve heard, most shifters giving birth just push and hope for the best. What you did with Heidi was guide her through the birthing process, making sure the bleeding was appropriate. Believe me, townsfolk will be talking about what you did for Heidi for days to come.”

After the delivery, Rhett had told me that everyone had gathered outside the tent and used their shifter hearing to eavesdrop on Heidi’s birthing process.

Gently, he tugged me to stand in front of him. “I’m proud of you, Nova.”

“Thank you, but I’m just doing my job as the town’s midwife.” I trailed my fingers across his chest.

He tilted his head and studied me. “So that means you’ve decided to stay?”

“Yes. In all good conscience, there’s no way in hell I can walk away from women who can use my help.” I sighed heavily. “No doubt, it will probably be rough in the beginning gaining the trust of the women in this town, but I’m up for the challenge. Besides, I’ve always wanted to open my own clinic, and this town just feels right to build my dream.”

“This dream…” He reached down and took my hand, squeezing it softly. “Does it include me… us?” He watched me closely, the look in his eyes making me feel beautiful and precious.

“Yes, Sheriff, it does.”

His hungry eyes scanned me, making me tremble and yearn for him. “I don’t want to push, but I want you to spend the night with me.”

“Push, shifter.” I backed him against his cruiser.

He growled, grabbing the back of my hair, nipping my lips.

“Sheriff,” a woman’s voice called out.

With an aggrieved sigh, he pressed his forehead against mine. “What now?” he mumbled.

The woman called again, “Yoo-hoo, Protector.”

“Hi, Trudy,” he said while turning me around, pressing my back against his chest. “How can I help you?”

Trudy ran up to us with a flustered expression. “Hi, Nova. Great job back there with delivering Heidi’s babies.”

“Thank you,” I replied, deliberately pressing my ass against Rhett’s hard cock. Trudy gave me a wide smile. “This town sure needs a midwife like you. I was just talking to Bo, Piper, and Freya—”

“Trudy?” Rhett interjected. “You came over here because you wanted something?”

“Oh yes.” Her face flushed. “Sorry, I almost forgot what I came over here for. It’s about Henry.”

“What about him?” Rhett said.

“Well, it’s not like him to miss tonight’s festival. And I’ve been asking around, and folks haven’t seen him in days. I’m worried about him. Can you ride over to his place and check on him?”

“Sure. No problem, Trudy,” he replied.

“Thanks, Sheriff. Night, you two.” Trudy waved before bustling away.

“I’m sorry, Nova.”

Turning around, I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I know, duty calls.”

“Rain check?” he asked.