the worried recesses of his mind was Kee falling over and something happening to him and the baby.
They finally arrived at the doctor’s office without mishap and Dian breathed a sigh of relief that the waiting room was empty. The Doc’s office door was closed – that was fine. Dian didn’t mind waiting, but he wasn’t sure he had it in him to be sociable when he had so much on his mind.
“Look,” Kee said quietly as they shed their coats and sat down, “I know worrying is your default setting but staying upbeat and positive is really important to me. My parents did a lot of things wrong so far as this pixie thing went, but my mom always believed that personal attitude had a huge impact on health. She never got sick when she was pregnant with me – she didn’t even think to worry about dying during childbirth, because to shifters, childbirth is natural. To me, it’s normal and natural. Can you at least try and understand my point of view?”
“I have a list.” Dian patted his pocket as he took Kee’s hand. “Quick questions – quick answers and then I promise I will be happy for us. Promise. But…”
Kee clearly wanted to ask something else, but the Doc’s office door opened, and a rumpled Deputy Joe came out, tucking his shirt into his pants. “The Doc will see you now,” he said, his cheeks going bright red. “Have a nice day.” Putting his hat on, Joe nodded, and power walked out the door.
Covering his mouth with his hand, Kee tried to hide his giggle. “I really don’t want to think about my doctor and the deputy getting it on in the examination room,” he whispered.
“Then don’t.” Dian got up and held out his hand helping Kee get to his feet. With his other hand, he reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone. List apps were one of his favorite things about having a smart phone.
Doc was dressed – that’s all Dian was interested in – and he was smiling as he looked Kee up and down. “This is going to be interesting,” he said, patting the table that was covered in a fresh white sheet. “Come and get comfortable.”
“My mate has some questions he needs answers too first,” Kee said, making his way to the bed. “He promised me happy happy joy joy if you answered them before we get to the good stuff.”
I promised happy. Dian managed a tight smile.
“Dian. I take it at least one of those pregnancy tests confirmed your shifter mate’s diagnosis?”
“All six were positive, Doc.” Kee beamed as he climbed on the bed. “Not a dud in the lot.”
“Just as I expected,” Doc said drily. “Okay then, Dian, hit me with your questions.”
Dian busied himself opening his phone, and accessing his app, scanning his list of questions. “Some of these clearly can’t be answered until Kee’s had the ultrasound, however, what signs should I be looking for that he’s due to give birth? Is there a specific time of day it’s more likely to happen?”
“I wish. Babies come any damn time they please.” Doc chuckled. “Come on Kee, lay back. I can check you over and answer your mate at the same time. To answer your question, Dian, you are looking for any sign of repetitive gentle pain around the abdomen or the back initially. If Kee has any super sharp pains, like doubling over gasping for breath type pain, even if it’s only one, get him in here.”
That doesn’t sound scary at all. Dian kept his sarcasm to himself. “Symptoms,” he said, swallowing the lump in his throat. “Kee hasn’t had cravings, morning sickness, or any sign of swollen ankles. Is that normal?”
“Every pregnancy is unique.” Doc gently lifted Kee’s shirt. “Some people are sick from conception and don’t stop throwing up until the baby is born. Some people never feel sick or are able to hide it better. It’s more common for people to feel nauseous during the first trimester while their body adjusts to the influx of hormones a pregnancy causes, but in paranormals, especially males, there are no rules. Kee is pregnant, that is the only absolute we have right now.”
He was busy feeling around Kee’s lump. Dian’s eyes narrowed. “Please tell me you washed your hands after handling Deputy Joe’s dick.”
“Dian!” Kee looked horrified.
Doc’s mouth tightened. “I refuse to feel ashamed of enjoying intimate time with my fated mate. And for your information, I didn’t