Charlie
Cabo is incredible. I love Lance for bringing me here. For making me like surprises. For making it his mission to help me chill out. Release control. Stop planning and worrying.
We spend the day lounging around in the mansion, then take a sunset walk on the beach. Sunday morning, after Lance has made me scream his name several times and fed me two breakfasts, I take a walk out by the pool and call my parents.
It’s time I filled them in on my enormous life change.
My mom picks up immediately, singing my name out in total joy. “Charlotte! How are you, sweetheart?” My parents retired from the Air Force last year and settled south of Tucson, where they had been stationed, in a retirement community in Green Valley. My dad now drives a golf cart around and dominates the Sunday men’s bike riding group. My mom is taking painting lessons and hosting themed dinner parties.
It’s ridiculously cute.
“I’m good. I’m actually in Cabo right now.”
“Cabo! You didn’t tell me you were taking a vacation. I’d like to know if you’re leaving the country.” There’s a little sternness in my mother’s voice. I might have gotten this worry gene from her.
I laugh. “I know, I know. Believe me, I would’ve told you if I’d known I was going. It was actually a surprise.”
“Well, what happened? Are you all right?”
“What is it?” my dad booms in the background. “Where is she? Does she need help?”
Ah, my parents. Always ready to save me and the world.
Maybe that’s one of the reasons I love Lance—there’s a familiarity to this, except my parents were uptight and Lance is laid-back.
“I’m okay, totally fine. I actually have some news. Big news.”
“Oh God, tell me you didn’t just elope with someone? That’s not like you.”
I cluck my tongue. “No, it’s not, so why would you even think that? Actually, I’m pregnant.” Better to just get it out, right?
My mom gasps. “She’s pregnant,” she whisper-shouts to my dad.
“What?” my dad booms in the background.
“My, um, boyfriend surprised me with this trip to Cabo this weekend to get out of the cold and try to de-stress from the shock of it all. It obviously wasn’t planned.”
“No, well… that’s all right,” my mom says, quickly coming on board. “We’re delighted for you. You’re keeping it, right?”
“Of course I’m keeping it! I’m really happy. It was unexpected, but definitely not unwanted.”
“And your boyfriend? You didn’t even tell us you were seeing anyone.”
“I know. It wasn’t really serious until now, but he’s great,” I rush to explain. “He’s retired military. He actually was able to hook me up with a call with Chad. He’s still well-connected.” I’m picking the things that will impress my parents, and it works.
“Wow, he must be. Where did you meet him? Does he live in Taos?”
“Yes, we met at the hot springs, actually. But his buddy is engaged to my friend Sadie, so we’re already in the same circles. He’s a great guy. He’s going to make a great dad.”
“That’s great, sweetheart. So when are you due? Are you two going to get married?”
My hand drops to my ass, which is still sore from the puncture wounds, but much better than I expected. Lance said his saliva has properties that prevent infection and may speed healing. “Um, yeah, we probably will. I mean, we will. I obviously haven’t had time to plan anything yet, but you’ll be the first to know when I do.”
“And the due date?”
“August eighth.”
“Summer baby! That’s great. We want to come out for the birth, of course. Will that be all right?”
My eyes mist. “I’d love that, Mom.” My voice clogs. I can’t believe it. I’m having a baby. The thought of having my parents sharing in the joy of the birth makes it all seem real.
And then I suddenly realize that I have no idea what a half-shifter birth will be like. Are my parents even allowed to witness it? Will the baby look normal? Oh God, so many questions.
As if Lance somehow senses my rising panic, he suddenly appears, carrying a glass of iced lemonade and pressing it into my hand with a kiss at my temple.
“We want to meet your boyfriend, too. You didn’t even say his name.”
“Lance,” I say, meeting his cornflower blue eyes. The ones that change to pale blue when he’s a wolf. “He’s great.” I hold his gaze. “You’re going to love him.”
I hear my dad grumbling something in the background. Apparently so does Lance because he wraps an arm around me from behind and presses his lips to my ear. “Don’t worry about your dad. I’ll win him over.”
I lean into him and say my goodbyes to my parents, then turn in his arms. “Promise me something?” I ask.
“What is it?”
“Don’t show my dad your motorcycle or ever tell him that you let me drive it. Or ride on it. Okay? He’s protective as hell.”
Lance grins. “As he should be. Don’t worry. I know his type.” He points at his chest. “Retired military, remember? I may seem laid back, but I know how to play the part of serious soldier. I’ll convince him I’m right for you.”
I press my body against his. “It’s not so much serious soldier I need, but serious dad and serious husband.” I poke his chest. “Can you be very serious for me?”
Lance gives me his most laid-back grin. “I thought I was supposed to be chilling you out.”
“True, but I need—”
“I know what you need.” Lance loops a hand behind my back and draws me tight against him. His lips explore the side of my neck. “And I think we have time for one more quickie before we have to meet Teddy at the airstrip.”
A shiver of pleasure runs through me and once more, I loosen my grip on all my worries and let Lance carry me back into the mansion for another round.