of there with a promise to be back immediately.
Everything was a constant swirl of activity, and I still didn't have Charlie in my arms. My wolf was getting pissed, and I was right there with him. I was about to offer to move Alex to a more comfortable spot when Tom sniffed the air and gave Charlie a closer look.
"Um, Charlie? Have you been having any more gas pains?"
Charlie turned pale as he nodded. Pressing both hands against the sides of his belly, he winced in pain. "The whole time we've been sitting here. I got a sharp one when she pulled out the gun, about the same time I peed my pants. They haven't stopped, either. It's gotten so bad. As soon as one passes, the next one starts."
"Darcy, grab more tablecloths." Tom didn't hesitate to start barking orders. "Josh, your brother is fine. I don't care how you do it, but I need you to move him over there to your right. Alpha, if you'd be so kind as to lift your mate onto the counter after Darcy spreads out a few tablecloths, I'd appreciate it."
Slapping at Tom's arm, Charlie looked completely panicked. "Tom, stop messing around. You almost made me think I'm in labor."
To his credit, Tom remained completely calm, rubbing Charlie's back. "Sweetie, you’re in labor. You didn't pee yourself—your water broke. There was just too much going on for anyone to notice."
"Charming, I can't do this. Not here! I don't want Gidget born on the counter in the middle of the tasting room. Take me somewhere, anywhere."
Josh was struggling, since Alex had shifted back without waking. To simplify things, I lifted him and carried him over to the table Tom had pointed out, the furthest point in the room from their dead mother's body. However they'd come into her life, she'd raised them, and I couldn't imagine how rough this whole situation was for Josh and how Alex would feel when he woke up.
Move accomplished, I strode over to my mate and finally lifted him into my arms. Cradling him close, I kissed the top of his head while Darcy quickly finished preparing the counter. When I went to lay him down, Charlie clung to my neck, shaking his head. This time, he spoke aloud. "No, charming. I can't do this here. By the goddess, our customers drink our wines at this counter."
I wasn't sure how he'd react, but I actually had a good response. "And more than one of them haven't been able to handle their alcohol and proceeded to throw up on it. We'll do the same thing we do there—sanitize it and get it nice and clean for the next people who need to use it."
"Ew. And you want your daughter born where people puke?" Charlie started giggling, giving up the fight when Tom cleared his throat. "Fine, but try not to let anyone see. I've been pretty dang preggo lately, and I'm not sure how well the landscaping has held up, if you know what I mean."
His brothers both laughed at my answering growl. Rolling his eyes, Darcy lifted another tablecloth from the cabinet. "Charlie, in case you missed it, your mate is saying he doesn't want anyone looking at your precious bits any more than you do. Now let's get those pants off. I have a tablecloth to spread over your legs. Nobody will see your business but Tom. And we both know he'll be too laser-focused on performing the perfect delivery to notice anything else."
Tom nodded as he shrugged. "It's like they know me or something. Although I will go on record and say I told you so, Charlie. You said I was being overprepared when I studied how to deliver a baby and made you take me on your last doctor appointment so I could pick Dr. Diego's brain. See? I was trying to extend my knowledge, but now I can help you in your hour of need."
If he was attempting to distract Charlie, it worked beautifully. Charlie was too busy muttering about cocky, know-it-all brothers to pay attention as I carefully removed his pants and shoes. As promised, Darcy whisked the tablecloth right over him, forming a perfect barrier to satisfy Charlie's modesty—and my wolf's and my own need to keep prying eyes away from what was ours. I felt like a caveman, but there was no fighting natural instincts at a time like this.
Further distracting Charlie, Tom started his examination, asking Charlie to describe the pain