“I’ll support you all the way,” she said. “You don’t have to do this alone.”
Gage thought about her and the baby and how he’d never be alone again. He couldn’t believe he had gotten so lucky … and he still didn’t think he was worthy of this kind of happiness.
Especially because he was still keeping a secret from her.
As they looked into each other's eyes, Gage realized he had to tell her everything. He was a bear shifter, and she had no idea, even now. Their baby could be a shifter. He felt anxiety beginning to hum inside him as he thought about telling her.
He sighed, looking away. He had no idea how to do this. After baring his soul about his trauma, telling the complete truth should be easy, but it wasn’t. She trusted him, she loved him, and he’d kept this from her the entire time.
He resolved to tell her, right now, but he didn’t know where to begin. Before he could even contemplate any words, Rylee suddenly sat up and leaped off the couch, running for the bathroom. He heard her throwing up, and his guts turned to ice as fear streaked through him.
For the first time, Gage realized that her pregnancy might be very different from a human one. So far, everyone had told her she was healthy and everything was fine, but what if she needed a shifter doctor?
I’ve fucked up again without even trying. Dammit, how can I be such a fucking screw up!
Gage heard Rylee gasping and moaning in the bathroom as she struggled to pull herself together. He couldn’t help it. He was starting to panic. He got up and put his clothes back on, starting to pace. He couldn’t stop the restless fear that was stirring inside. He’d just promised to love and protect her forever, but he’d let her down already.
Rylee appeared at the bathroom door, her face pale and dark circles appearing beneath her eyes. “I threw up all my breakfast,” she said sadly. “I didn’t … hey. Are you okay?”
Rylee frowned, watching him pace. Gage’s hands opened and closed as if he wanted to choke the life out of something.
Myself. For being a stupid fuck.
“I want you to see a doctor. Right now. Today.”
Rylee laughed, shaking her head. “Gage, it's just morning sickness. I’ll put my feet up and rest. Maybe have some ginger beer. I’ll be all right.”
“No, I can’t just sit here,” he said, practically wringing his hands. “I want you to see someone. Please, to put my mind at ease.”
Rylee watched him, frowning. “But I just saw a doctor a few days ago. He’s going to think I’m a hysterical pregnant woman.”
“I’ll find you one,” he said desperately. “Please. Let me make a few calls. I want you to see one of my … family doctors.”
“Family?” she asked.
“It’s complicated,” he said flatly. “Please get dressed. I’ll find an appointment for us.”
Inwardly, he begged her to accept. He didn’t want to drag her, but he would. To his relief, she headed into the bedroom to find some clothes. She was shaking her head and muttering, but she was going.
Gage made a few phone calls, ending up getting shuffled around through some of the female clan members. He was cagey about why he wanted the information, even though they all questioned him about it. Eventually, he had a short list of names, and it wasn’t difficult to get into a good doctor in the next few hours … especially since he sounded so anxious.
When they arrived at the clinic, Gage was practically beside himself. His nervousness had only gotten worse, even though Rylee had perked up and had something to eat.
“I’m really okay, Gage,” she said as they entered the building. “It’s sweet of you to care so much, but you can’t rush me to the doctor every time I have a bit of nausea.”
“I understand,” he said, putting a comforting hand on her lower back. “I really do. But I made such a mess of everything … I stressed you out terribly. Let’s just get you checked out, and I promise, after this, I’ll settle down.”
Except, of course, until I tell you I’m a shifter. Then we have a whole new level of stress to deal with.
He took a deep breath, trying not to think about it. They went to the counter and took an admission form. The receptionist gave Rylee a knowing wink.
“This is the young gentleman who absolutely insisted he get in today,” she said. “He cares about you very much.”
Rylee beamed at her. “Yes, I know.”
Gage found it all very heartwarming, but his anxiety was still on the rise. He knew very little about women’s bodies and even less about babies. How could women be so calm when there was a new life being created inside of them? He was standing outside the situation looking in, and he was freaking the fuck out.
She doesn’t know it’s a shifter baby.