“I can’t put my fucking shoes on!”

John poked his head into the room and frowned, half of his face still covered in shaving cream, the other half silky and smooth. I sat on the edge of the bed, fuming and frowning as I felt another pain in my back. All I wanted was to take a walk, but my fat feet would no longer fit into my favorite sneakers.

“I brought you a pair of flip-flops, remember?”

“No, I don’t remember John. I can’t remember anything and even if the shoes were right here,” I pointed to the floor. “I wouldn’t be able to see them because I’m the size of this house. Literally.”

“Not literally…” as I raised a brow he backed off. “I’ll find them for you and put them on, okay? You want to go sit out back and get some sun?”

I pouted and nodded slowly. “Sorry I’m so cranky.”

“You’re a week over your due date, you’re allowed. Still, love you!” He called as he disappeared around the corner into the bathroom.

I smiled. How did I ever get so lucky to have such a sweetheart? I sighed softly and tugged the shirt over my head before I fixed my hair in the little mirror John had set up for me beside the bed. When he came back in, he found my new flip flops and slipped my swollen feet into them easily before helping me stand up.

“Better?”

I nodded. “Much better actually. Thank you.”

I let him help me out to the backyard because there was no point in being stubborn. Sometimes I just had to let him help me and I was coming to terms with that. Lately I’d even let him help me clean. Work was impossible, so I decided to take paternity leave and work on the house and nursery. The past week I’d spent most of my time cleaning, cooking extra meals and finishing up the baby’s room. It was now perfectly set up and I had nothing to do but wait.

John disappeared and came back with a mug of tea. I looked up at him gratefully before I took a sip and tasted sweetness and peppermint. He knew me so well. I leaned against his shoulder as we gently began to swing back on forth on the bench swing he’d installed. It was so relaxing.

“I wish this baby would hurry up and come out.”

“I know baby,” he answered quietly.

“I’m surprised you’re not grossed out by me.”

“You look beautiful and you’re amazing for carrying our child. Nothing to get grossed out about.”

I smiled as I nuzzled against him. Perfect. No matter what issues we might have in the future, I knew we’d face them together, and in this moment I was completely and totally content with him. We could get through anything together. Another sharp pain shot through my back and I hissed. John glanced down at me.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, my back’s just killing me today. It’s been like that since yesterday.”

“Contractions?”

I shook my head. “I don’t think so.”

“I’ll call Dr. Campbell.”

“No, it’s alight. Really. If I start feeling it more then we’ll call him. Okay?”

John nodded. “Okay.”

We enjoyed our time outside, talking about TV shows and what movie we wanted to watch that night. It was so relaxing just being comfortable and cozy with him. By the time I finished my tea, I figured I could go inside and work on the nursery a little more.

“I thought you were done.”

“I thought so too, but I’m sure I can find something to do. Besides, isn’t it time for you to go to the gym? I thought you were coaching that young guy again.”

“Oh yeah, I am, but that’s not until later.”

I smiled as I slowly stood up. “I’m so proud of you for helping him. When are you going to go back to fighting again?”

John shrugged. “I don’t know that I am.”

“You love it though!”

“I love you more,” he placed a hand on my belly. “I love our baby more. Might be time to find a new line of work.”

Reaching out, I caressed his cheek. “Whatever you choose to do, I’ll support you.”

“Thank you.”

As he stood up to follow me back inside, I felt a tightness around my belly and gasped. Pain shot through my body as I panted softly and groaned. I could hear him calling me, but I could only hold up my hand and tell him to wait as I tried to compose myself. The wave of pain subsided, and I could move again. John helped me inside to our bedroom before he looked me over.

“I’m calling Dr. Campbell.”

I frowned. “I want to object, but it’s probably a good i-ah! Shit that hurts!”

John held my hand until the contraction passed before retrieving his phone and calling our doctor. It didn’t take long for him to get from the main hospital to our home. Following right behind him were Corbin, Niko, and Mason. They all came in to see how I was doing, but I kicked all of them right back out.

“Let’s see how far along you are.”

As he examined me, I panted, my breathing coming in spurts as John reminded me to calm down and breathe slowly. It was easier said than done because my whole body was hot and tight. I gripped my belly as another contraction came, yelling out before it passed again, and I was left tired and drained.

“Looks like it’s time,” Dr. Campbell said softly. “John, I’m going to need you to leave like we discussed.”

“I want to stay.”

“Absolutely not. I don’t deliver babies with alphas around, they tend to do something stupid and jeopardize the entire delivery. Go wait downstairs with your friends.”

As he began to protest, I growled. “Get out! I’m not waiting one more minute to have this baby!” I gripped his shirt. “This is your fault, so you better listen to me and go. Tell Corbin to come here!”

John scrambled out of the room quickly after that, sending Corbin in. He took my hand as the doctor nodded. The contractions were so strong at this point and the pain so intense, my body was so exhausted just from the contractions, I wasn’t even sure if I could push.

“You can do it,” Corbin urged. “Come on, a few big pushes and then guess what? You’ll have a baby to hold.”

Gripping his hand tightly, we started working together to get the baby out of me. Below I could hear John being calmed by his friends. As much as I wanted him in the room with me, I could tell by how agitated he was that Dr. Campbell was right, he couldn’t be allowed anywhere near me while I gave birth. He would just freak out. As strong as alphas were supposed to be, they could be complete babies themselves.

My mind became occupied with the task at hand. Even though I was sweating and sure I was going to fail, I finally heard what I’d longed to hear all these months. The baby’s cry was loud, filling the entire room.

“It’s a girl!”

Dr. Campbell passed the baby to Corbin as he continued to work, and then she was handed to me. Corbin retrieved a blanket and wrapped her in it as I held her to my chest. All the exhaustion and pain became worth it as I broke down sobbing. She was so perfect. I counted her fingers and toes, brushed my fingers over her dark curls, poked her chubby cheeks. She was beautiful.

The door opened, and John stood there, staring in amazement. He seemed out of it almost, his hair a messy mop on top of his head as he slowly walked over to us. The doctor lifted the scissors for him to cut the cord and he did so with pride.

“Come say hi to your daughter,” I said softly.

John’s eyes watered as he reached down and touched her gently. “Hello, darling.”

I handed our daughter over and he snuggled her against his chest. She was still crying her head off, but as he held her, she seemed to calm down a bit, her crying only a small wail of distress. John hugged her tightly, his lips forming into a huge smile as he stared lovingly at her.

“Did you ever decide on a name?” I asked.

“Yeah,” he said quietly. “Mandy, I liked that one the best.”

I nodded. “I like it too.”

“She looks just like you.”

“And like you.”

John seemed to choke on his words as he leaned over and kissed me deeply. He bounced her softly, rocking her and calling her name. I laid back against the pillow, my body tired. Corbin passed John a premade bottle he’d warmed up down in the kitchen. John thanked him and slipped the bottle into her mouth. She greedily began to suck it down and I laughed.

“Still just as hungry, I see.”

“That’s your appetite for sure.”

“Hush.”

Dr. Campbell finished up and smiled. “It was a success. I told you, difficult pregnancy, easy birth. That’s usually what I find anyway,” he patted John on the shoulder. “Congrats to both of you. I’ll come back and check in on you tomorrow. Get some rest for now.”

We both thanked him as he waved and headed off down the stairs. I lifted my arms, wanting to hold my baby girl again. He laid her in my arms and plumped up the pillows, so I could sit up better. When he was done, John helped me lean back and I rocked her gently. I was so enamored with her, and I only glanced up when John sat something on my belly. Looking down, I tilted my head and gasped.

“W-what’s this for?”

“What do you think?” John asked.

The ring that sat in the box was bright. Diamond’s decorated a gold band and each one seemed bigger and brighter than the last. As I glanced over, John slipped to one knee, smiling.

“What do you say? Want to marry me?”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes, very serious. I can’t imagine spending my life without you. I meant it when I said I wanted us to be together forever. You’re my future.”

My eyes clouded as I felt tears roll down my cheeks. Glancing at Mandy a moment ago, I hadn’t been able to comprehend how my life could be so perfect or even begin to contemplate how lucky I was. Now I was even more surprised.

“Of course, I’ll marry you!”

John smiled and leaned over, kissing my lips. When he pulled back, he slipped the ring out of the black box and onto my finger. I admired it happily for a minute and kissed him again.

“I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” he grinned. “He said yes!” He called out.

The room was flooded quickly with our three closest friends. They congratulated and hugged us, their faces so happy and I couldn’t help but want the same for all of them.

“Welcome home, Mandy,” I smiled down at our daughter. “And to your crazy new family. You’ll love them,” when I looked up everyone was talking and laughing, I grinned. “I know I do.”

“We’ll babysit a lot,” Corbin offered as he poked Niko in the arm. “Isn’t that right?”

Niko sighed. “We’re not having this discussion again.”

I pointed between them. “There’s something going on here and I want all the details!”

Corbin grinned. “Get some rest, we’ll have plenty of time to explain later.”

John took Mandy into his arms. “He’s right about that. Rest for now. I love you so much.”

As he kissed my head, I hummed. “I love you too.”