to this. I know Beau, and when this man gets focused on something, he doesn’t let go. I can clearly see his laser focus is centered on you.”
I chose to ignore the rolling of Abilene’s eyes and instead said to Mrs. H, “I want us to start discussing the menu. I don’t want to overstep, but I’ve been reading about certain foods that are rich with the vitamins needed for the baby. And I’m a bit concerned Abilene isn’t maintaining a healthy weight. It says in the book a woman should gain—”
“We are not going to discuss my weight!” Abilene interrupted.
“You’re underweight,” I said, giving her another warning look. “And calm down. Getting stressed isn’t good for the baby.”
“First of all,” she said as she took a deep breath. “I’m not underweight. We also don’t want me putting on pounds while I have to be buck ass naked in front of everyone for the Trials. Second of all, it is not me who needs to calm down. You’re wired so tightly right now that I keep waiting to see your head pop off.”
Rather than arguing with her, I redirected my attention to Mrs. H. “Can you also do me a favor? I want to start getting my place baby-proofed. I don’t even know where to begin or who to call on this. Is there a way you can help me out?”
“Beau!” Abilene said as she leaned forward and took a hold of my forearm. “I understand you are a natural-born planner. I appreciate that you want the best for this baby. But you’re really starting to freak me the fuck out.”
Mrs. H stepped forward and patted my back. “I agree with the lass. You need to relax. You getting all worked up isn’t going to be good for you, Abilene, or even the baby. Don’t worry. I’ll work on the doctor. I’ll also help with the safety of the house if it makes you feel better. But right now, you need to focus on finishing this Initiation. You both need to really concentrate on what still lies ahead for you.” Mrs. H then looked at Abilene. “Can I get you anything?”
Abilene shook her head. “No, thank you. I think I have plenty,” she paused to glare at me, “right here.”
With a final chuckle and another pat on the back, Mrs. H left us alone.
I made eye contact with Abilene then and hardened my expression. “I want you to be honest with me. Do you really feel like the baby is okay? This isn’t a time to be tough or to try to protect my feelings. I want the truth.”
She sat up and took hold of my hand. “I would never let anything bad happen to our child. You need to have faith in that. Everything is okay. I promise.”
Satisfied with her answer and finding comfort in the soothing way she delivered the message that I needed to chill the fuck out, I stood and reached for the blankets to tuck her into bed.
“It’s been a long night,” I said. “I’m sure you need your rest.”
“Wait.” She didn’t release my hand. “Can you… come be with me? I could really use…” She swallowed hard, her eyes diverted, but then refocused on me. “Could you hold me until I fall asleep? Please?”
I don’t think I could have stripped down and crawled into bed fast enough. I needed to hold her and was happy she also wanted that. I didn’t want to push too fast or too hard even though I really couldn’t help myself in that matter. But I needed to hold her.
And as I took her into my arms and rested my hand on her belly… I realized I needed to hold the baby too. It was all truly sinking in. I was going to be a father.
Abilene pressed her body into me in the perfect spoon. “We’re going to be all right,” she said softly. “We’re so close to the end. I’m sure we only have a couple of Trials to go, and this will all be over. We can walk out of here with everything we both ever wanted.”
I took a deep breath and inhaled the flowery essence of her hair. My dick was hard because it had a mind of its own, but I had no true desire to fuck her. I just wanted to hold her, hold my baby, and be as one.
“Beau?” she asked sleepily with a yawn.
“Yes?” I kissed her head and squeezed her to