After more sexy times in the shower—and then another time in Rhys’s big bed, after which, we had to shower again—Rhys and I barely managed to get ready in time to meet Jake at the Thai restaurant.

As we hurried back into his car, Rhys gave me a knowing look as he put his seat at the right incline and scooted it up. “We should try that again. Soon.”

Even after having sex with him four times today, the sultry tone in his voice turned me on again, and I let out a little whine.

He shook his head as he put the key in the ignition and put the car in reverse. “One would think you’d be sated by now.”

“I would think so, too,” I agreed mildly, “but I can’t seem to get enough of you for some reason.”

He laughed as we pulled out of the garage and onto the road. The drive from Rhys’s house to the restaurant was only about fifteen minutes, but it gave me enough time to fret all over again about Jake hearing the news. It could impact our family in so many ways. What if he was disappointed that I was having another baby? What if he was so concerned, it messed up his studies at college?

As if sensing my thoughts, Rhys grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze without taking his eyes off the road. “It’ll be all right.”

I gazed at him. “How do you do that? Know when I’m worried if I don’t even say it?” I hadn’t done anything to indicate that I was worried. At least, I wasn’t trying to.

He kissed the back of my hand. “I know you, Ethan. I know that when you’re happy, you want everything to be perfect. Which includes Jake. And I promise you, it will be all right.”

I closed my eyes and nodded. Rhys was right, of course. I couldn’t shake my worries, as being an omega-father meant that I worried about everything to do with my children. But I could smile and pretend until I had reason to really be worried.

We pulled up to the restaurant, and Rhys snorted. “The restaurant is called ‘My Thai-pe of Guy?’ The pun doesn’t give me confidence.”

I shrugged as I unbuckled my seatbelt. “It’s Jake’s favorite place. And it is pretty good.”

“So long as the owner isn’t the cook, I guess it’s all right.” We got out of the car and made our way to the front of the restaurant, where the decor took on the theme of the restaurant, a blend of traditional Thai elements and a funky vibe that somehow worked together. I’d been here once before with Jake and it was delicious.

“I think they’re one and the same.” I couldn’t help my grin.

Rhys slipped his arm through mine. “Then let’s hope they’re better at the cooking part.”

My laugh followed us to the table, where Jake waited for us. “Hey, Dad! Rhys!”

No awkwardness with the alpha I loved. Just my bubbly, warm son. I hoped that my unborn child had half the wonderful traits that Jake had. At that thought, I fought the urge to put a hand over my belly. No use in spoiling the surprise before we told him the news.

“So glad you’re looking well, Jake.” I hugged my son to me, and a sense of overwhelming joy filled me. Stupid pregnancy hormones.

“Jake,” Rhys said with a nod as he held out his hand.

“I think we’re on hugging terms, now.” Before Rhys could react, Jake threw his arms around the alpha and squeezed him tight. “After all, you’re making my dad happier than he’s ever been.”

Rhys grinned. “Well, except when he’s with you.” He winked at me.

I pulled out my chair and sat down. “Well, I’m happiest now, in that case.” I truly was. Because seeing the two people I loved most in the world—except for the baby I was carrying—brought me to a place I wasn’t sure I’d ever been in before.

Rhys followed suit and sat down next to me. “Ethan says that the food here is good?”

“The best,” Jake said.

“Even with the pun?”

Jake looked offended. “What, you don’t like ‘My Thai-pe of Guy?’”

Rhys glanced at me. “There’s only one type of guy I’m interested in.”

How adorable was he? Jake rolled his eyes and acted like he wasn’t amused. I couldn’t stop smiling, even as the waitress took our drink orders. Rhys knew all the right things to say.

My reverie only lasted for a few minutes, though. With every lull in the conversation, the butterflies would start up again in my belly, butterflies that had nothing and everything to do with my baby. I wasn’t sure how to broach the subject of the baby, and how Jake would take it.

Of course, it would be Rhys who would bring up the subject.

“So, Jake.” He leaned forward and put his elbows on the table, looking at my son straight in the eye. “What would you say if you had a little brother or sister in your future?”

Time slowed to a halt for me, and I just watched for Jake’s reaction. My son blinked at Rhys before leaning forward, a sly smile on his face. “Are you guys thinking about having a baby?”

Rhys nudged me with his elbow, a proud smile on his face. “We’re not thinking about it.”

“Not...exactly,” I amended.

Then the news hit Jake. “No way. No freaking way.” He was practically bouncing before he got to his feet and embraced me in a bear hug.

“You’re not upset?” I had been worried about breaking the news to my practically adult son, which was probably why Rhys just spit it out. He called it the Band-Aid method. Not that it hurt. The moment was blissful.

“I always wanted a sibling,” was Jake’s simple reply.

“You don’t even live at home,” I reminded him.

Oh, that was another bit of news that I needed to pass on to Jake. That Rhys and I had just bought that house together.

And it wasn’t like I wanted him to stay gone after his summer internship had ended, but the apartment complex had offered him a full lease. He and Scott took it, which was for the best. Sometimes you needed to let go. Not that it made things easy, but the best was not always easy, which I had learned far too many times in my life already.

“Which makes it perfect,” Jake said. “The little rugrat won’t keep me up at night. That’s all on you guys. I guess that means I need to start calling you Pops now, you know, to get you used to it.” Jake gave Rhys an arm bump as if to pretend the offer was in jest, but we all knew the offer was sincere.

“Or because I’d be honored.” Rhys bumped back in kind.

Jake laughed. “That too, Pops. That too.”

“We have another bit of news, too.” I used that moment to tell my son about the new house. Jake knew exactly which one we were talking about—after all, we’d driven by that house so many times in his life, and I’d always look at it so wistfully.

“This is unreal, Dad. Pops,” he added, nodding to Rhys. “Unreal. And just what you always wanted. You have an art gallery opening. A new house. The love of your life. And a new baby.”

“And you,” I said, putting my hand over his.

Jake laughed. “This is just perfect.”

I could only agree.