Page 283 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus

Melody’s eyes get huge as she peers around Miller. I knock my shoulder into Nik and nod to Mel.

“Damn, gorgeous,” Nik says, elbowing Miller back. “I guess you really are growing a human being in there.”

“Yeah, I guess so,” she whispers.

Nik kisses her forehead. I pull my phone up, taking a picture even though my hands are shaking.

I need more baby booksnow. We only have twenty-eight weeks or so, and that’s if the baby comes on time.

“Are you okay?” Carver asks, giving my shoulder a squeeze.

I nod. “Melody and I bonded, which I read was safe during pregnancy, but is there anything I should know?”

Dr. Blake chuckles. “You’re in for about twenty percent pain crossover during delivery. The more bonds you have the more the pain will transfer. It’s a great way to share that misery.”

Melody’s eyes fly to mine and she looks worried.

I head over to her and slide between Nik and Miller. “I’ll gladly help shoulder that pain if it’ll lessen the burden for you.”

“Famous last words,” Dr. Blake says.

The asshole.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Melody

Dr. Blake makes it clear it’s too early to determine gender. He gives me samples of prenatal vitamins to try, and he suggests I try each for a week to see if any cause symptoms like nausea.

If they don’t, I can get a permanent prescription once I find a doctor in Virginia. He also gives me a prescription for anti-nausea meds, but that’s only when Nik pushes the issue.

My estimated due date is September 18th. Which is crazy. I’m going to turn twenty-seven while pregnant. Not that I usually drink or go out partying.

The more I think about it, nothing will really change on that front.

The trip to the airport is hazy at best. My brain is elsewhere, but no matter how I try to focus, it’s all one big jumble of stress and things that need to be done.

Miller is a huge comfort. Carver drives. Oliver stays glued to his phone. Nik talks a little about the OPA investigation into the unsanctioned bonding and how shitty he feels to be leaving Nathan with that mess. He may end up needing to fly back to give a statement, but he’s clear about flying to Virginia with us.

Check-in at the airport goes smoothly. The plane isn’t huge like a commercial airliner, but it’s ridiculously large and spacious for the five of us.

“How are you doing with everything?” Miller asks as we wait for the flight to take off. He turns toward me, planting a giant warm hand on my belly.

“Excited, nervous, I don’t know. Maybe terrified is a better word choice,” I say, giving him a tense smile. “I know I’m going to have to talk to Ben, and I feel like I probably shouldn’t do it over the phone.”

Miller nods. “We need to plan a trip to Texas to retrieve your things, but there’s no rush. I do think it would be best to rest for a few weeks and give yourself a chance to settle in.”

“I have a deadline I need to meet before I can take some time off.” I lace my fingers with Miller’s.

“Would you like to give me a hint on your pen name?” Oliver asks, wiggling his eyebrows. He’s in one of the seats facing us. “I’m trying so hard not to cheat, but it’s tempting.”

“Ohmigosh.” I chuckle. “No way, I’ll never be able to look you in the eyes again.”

“Aww, hell,” Carver says from the row next to ours. “You just gave me a semi.” He gestures to his crotch. “If it’s that dirty then I’m going to need to read it too. For research purposes.”

“Are you feeling all right?” Nik asks, coming to sit across from Carver. “I checked and they have ginger ale and water.”

“I’m good for now.” I give him a sincere smile, snuggling back into Miller’s side. I say a silent prayer that it stays that way.