The drive to the hospital was a blur. Since he’d called ahead, they had a group of friendly people in scrubs waiting with a wheelchair when Eric anxiously pulled up to the hospital’s front doors. He could barely stand to let Julian out of his sight long enough to park the truck, but the Omega assured him he would see him in just a few moments.

He parked, grabbed the bag, and crossed the parking lot at a jog. When he got to the paternity ward, a doctor met him in the hallway. “Is Julian ok?” Eric demanded. His Alpha instincts were in overdrive, so he knew he sounded rougher than usual, but he couldn’t help it. His mate and his son were in here somewhere, and he was not with them, and that was a problem.

“He’s fine,” the doctor answered calmly, clearly used to dealing with anxious fathers-to-be. “The baby’s heart rate is a little lower than we’d like, so instead of allowing him to continue labor we’re going to perform a c-section.”

Eric’s feelings must have shown on his face because the doctor patted his arm. “Don’t worry. Julian is in excellent health, and the baby is doing fine. This is mostly as a precaution. Why don’t you get washed up and changed and we’ll get you back to your husband’s room.”

A nurse brought him some scrubs and a hair net, both a little tight on his Alpha frame. He didn’t care and barely noticed as he pulled them on in a rush. He would have worn a clown suit and a tutu if that’s what it took to stay by Julian.

When they finally let him into the delivery room, he saw that the team had been at work preparing him. His Omega lay in the bed, looking small and vulnerable in a polka-dotted hospital gown. An IV dripped steadily next to him while a nurse gently washed his tummy. They had draped a cloth partition over his lower half so neither of them could see what was happening below the Omega’s waist.

The Alpha’s heart sank to see his darling husband with so many harsh-looking medical supplies surrounding him, but Julian gave him a calm smile, and that reassured him a little bit. Eric sat in a chair next to the top of the bed and reached out to take Julian’s hand. A nurse stood on the other side of the bed, watching the proceedings.

“Did they give you the good drugs?” the Alpha asked. He hoped his worry didn’t show on his face.

Julian nodded, giving him a lopsided grin. “I can’t feel a thing.”

“You’re so brave,” Eric murmured, leaning over and pressing a soft kiss to the back of his hand. “I wish I could do this for you.”

His Omega shook his head, still smiling. “No. I’ve wanted this my whole life.” He paused, glancing at the sheet and the tubes, then chuckled. “Well, maybe not this. But I dreamed of having a child with the love of my life. You’re making my dreams come true, Eric.”

The Alpha felt tears sting his eyes, and he reached over to cup Julian’s cheek gently. “You’re going to be an amazing father,” he said, knowing it was true. “I can’t wait to start a new life as parents with you.”

The nurse, who had also gotten a little teary-eyed, smiled down at them. “Ok, Julian, you might feel a pinch or a pull,” she said, glancing to the other side of the sheet.

His Omega didn’t say anything, but his grip tightened on Eric’s hand. The Alpha held on, his eyes never leaving Julian’s face. Eric felt so powerless, but he knew that Julian was strong enough for both of them.

“Almost there,” the nurse said. “You’re doing great, Julian. Keep breathing.”

A baby’s cry rose up over the sounds of the doctors and machines, a sound that made them suddenly parents. All Eric could see of the doctor was his eyes above the surgical mask, but he could tell he was beaming as he lifted their bright-red baby up over the sheet. “Congratulations,” he said. “It’s a healthy boy!”

* * *

Julian’s private room was quiet and half-lit. The operation had finished smoothly, leaving Julian pleased but completely exhausted. The nurses had brought the baby in, and he slept in the little bassinet next to the bed. Eric gazed down at him, marveling at the life they had created.

Julian had been dozing, but his eyes fluttered open. “How’s our boy?” he asked, smiling sleepily.

“Sleeping, like his daddy,” Eric answered, going over to sit carefully on the edge of the bed. He gently stroked Julian’s hair, pushing the dark strands back out of his eyes, and leaned down to kiss his forehead. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore, and tired,” Julian answered. “But happy. So, so, happy.” He turned to look at the little bassinet, and although his exhaustion was obvious, his Omega was beyond beautiful when he smiled. “Did you call your sister?” Julian asked sleepily.

“Yes, and I sent her a few pictures. They’ll come visit early tomorrow morning, along with Gabe and Logan. And Leah couldn’t believe it when I told her she had a namesake,” Eric answered. As if he knew they were talking about him, the baby opened his eyes and began to fuss and wiggle. The Alpha gently lifted him, cradling the tiny body in his arms. “Isn’t that right, little Lee?”