Homerun Daddy, page 17
part #1 of Timberwood Cove Series
Jaxon
I took the stand, my eyes never leaving Bryce’s. There was such a flood of emotion pouring from him, and despite everything he’d said the other night, I knew we would overcome this. We would work through any lingering issues, and then we would be a family.
I could see the love shining within him. My wolf rumbled, eager to claim our mate. To make him mine for good. We would get there. First, I had an obstacle to vanquish—making sure when we left this courtroom it was with Liam by our sides.
“Please state your name and relationship to Mr. Baldwin,” the judge said.
I shifted my gaze to Judge Roberts for a brief moment, sizing him up. He put on a good show, having a tough, stern exterior, but I could sense he was an omega human. I intended to use that to my advantage.
I sat up straighter, oozing confidence. I knew exactly how I felt about Bryce and what our future held. All I had to do was say the obvious.
“My name is Jaxon Parsons. Bryce is the man I love.”
My gaze was back on Bryce, and the shift in him was noticeable as I publicly declared my love for him. He sat up a little straighter too, his eyes shimmering with tears. I gave him a soft smile, hoping it conveyed all the love and commitment I felt for him.
“I knew from the minute I saw Bryce he was the one for me,” I said. My mind drifted back to that night three months ago at Kay’s Diner. How I really had known, in ways I couldn’t explain to the humans in this courtroom, that we were meant to be. “His strength and goodness were evident the minute I laid eyes on him. He wasn’t—isn’t—the kind of man to let anything hold him back. Despite his disabilities, he’s worked hard to give Liam everything he could possibly need. Most of all, unwavering love. His devotion to Liam is one of the things that had me falling head over heels for him almost immediately.”
Bryce smiled, reaching over to clasp Liam’s hand. I tossed Liam a bright smile, hoping the poor kid wasn’t worried sick. He grinned back, something the judge seemed to notice.
“And I didn’t just fall for Bryce that day. I quickly came to love Liam too. As if he were my own.”
The judge nodded, his brows knit. “That’s great to hear, Mr. Parsons, but I’d like to focus on Mr. Baldwin’s ability to care for Liam.”
I cut my eyes to Bryce and gave him an easy smile. “Of course. It was immediately obvious that Bryce was willing to do anything for Liam, to make any sacrifice necessary. And I’ve only seen more evidence of that in the months that followed. No matter what, Bryce has done everything in his power to provide for Liam. He’s given him a warm, loving home, settled him in a community where he’s thriving. Yes, there were times that his physical pain was a struggle, but his inner strength more than makes up for it. In fact, I can honestly say I’ve never witnessed so strong a love between a father and son.”
And I knew Bryce would be like that with our own child. He would be an amazing father, and I couldn’t wait to raise our pup with him and Liam.
“Yes, Liam is technically his nephew, but I know better than anyone that you can love a child as your own even if you aren’t their biological father.” I looked at my own father then, and saw him nodding in encouragement, his face full of pride. “The love Bryce has for Liam has shown me what an amazing man and father he is.”
I looked at Bryce, then back at Judge Roberts. “And I know he will be the best father to our unborn child.”
His eyebrows rose. He didn’t know that part. “That’s right. We’re going to be a family soon. Raising our child along with Liam. We’ll be able to give them both everything they need. In fact, Bryce’s finances or disability shouldn’t even be a factor now. I intend to give them the very best life has to offer.”
Judge Roberts cleared his throat. “That’s all well and good, Mr. Parsons, but unfortunately, your status is not Mr. Baldwin’s status. Your financial situation cannot be taken into account when evaluating Mr. Baldwin’s ability to provide for young Liam.”
I caught Bryce’s eyes again, seeing the worry that flitted over his face. His eyes were glistening with unshed tears, and he worried his bottom lip with his teeth. The judge didn’t think that was enough? Fine, I’d go a step further.
I hoped Bryce didn’t react badly to what I said next, but I meant every damn word of it.
“I understand that, Your Honor. But you should know that Bryce is my fiancé. We’ll be married as soon as possible—just after the baby is born.” Marriage was sort of the human equivalent of claiming a mate—only our bonds as fated mates surpassed any marriage vows. We would be connected in every way, mated for life. I couldn’t say that in front of a courtroom of humans, but I thought I made my point.
“I want to wait until he gives birth so there isn’t any unnecessary burden on Bryce during this time. He’s dealing with enough as it is—handling it excellently, but still. This adoption has been stressful. Bryce needs the assurance we can finally be a family. If the adoption isn’t approved, it will put Bryce under so much pressure it would be detrimental to our baby. I refuse to allow that to happen.”
Maybe I was going a bit far with my insistence, but fuck it. I leveled Judge Roberts with a firm look, bordering on a glare, letting him know in no uncertain terms I wasn’t going to put Bryce or the baby at risk. My alpha dominance was coming out, even more potent now I was pack leader, but I shouldn’t have to use it. This adoption shouldn’t even be up for debate. Bryce was an amazing father, and he deserved to adopt Liam more than anyone. And it was also the right thing for Liam.
“I protect what’s mine, Your Honor,” I added. “And Liam and Bryce are mine. I love them both with all my heart and know we have a wonderful future ahead of us as a family.” I paused for effect. “So can I finally take my family home where they belong so we can get on with our lives together?”
The judge let out a little chuckle. “Thank you for your spirited testimony, Mr. Parsons. You’ve given me plenty to think about.”
I nodded, standing and making my way off the stand. I’d done everything I could at this point.
As I passed Bryce, my wolf clawed at my consciousness, demanding I take my mate in my arms. However, I knew I had to respect the court, so I forced myself to keep moving, but I couldn’t take my eyes off him.
His eyes were wide, full of longing as he stared back. The link between us was strung tight, and I could feel the love coming off him in waves. I couldn’t resist reaching out to touch his shoulder, though. I paused, looking down and smiling at him tenderly.
“I love you so much,” I said, barely a whisper. His eyes sparkled, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed, overcome with emotion.
I squeezed his shoulder, then gave Liam a little wink and made my way back to my seat. I wanted nothing more than to sit with them while the judge made his decision, but I took comfort in sitting with my pack.
“There’s a lot to consider here,” Judge Roberts said. “Thank you, everyone, for your testimonies. Normally, I’d return to my chambers to deliberate, but I don’t think that’s necessary in this case.
I gripped my thighs. The moment of truth.
“Mr. Baldwin.” Bryce straightened his already stiff shoulders, his attention on the judge. “In light of everything that’s been said today, the court sees it to be in Liam’s best interest to remain with you. You’re granted full custody with the adoption awarded, effective immediately. Congratulations!”
He emphasized it with a bang of his gavel, and the courtroom erupted in cheers. Even Mrs. Pinder was smiling.
I was on my feet in less than a second, barely noticing my father’s slap on the back and my pack’s congratulatory exclamations. I strode right down the aisle and to the table.
Liam and Bryce were on their feet already, clinging to each other. Liam was laughing through his tears of joy, and Bryce stared down at him with all his love.
The next minute, they were both in my arms.
“Jaxon,” Bryce said, his voice choked with tears. He looked up at me in wonder. “You did it.”
“You did it, Bryce. This was preordained. Liam belongs with you.” I gripped him around the waist, pulling him tighter, and Liam put his arms around both of us, beaming.
“No,” Bryce said softly. “We did it. Together.”
A wave of relief washed over me. I’d known, deep down, this would all work out, that I would have my mate, my family, but to hear him say that gave me the assurance I needed.
I reached up and brushed his hair back from his forehead. “I love you, Bryce. With everything in me. Can you ever forgive me for not telling you sooner?”
His brow furrowed, and he shook his head. “You know, I should be the one asking you that. I said terrible things to you.”
“None of that matters now. All that matters is that we’re together. That we can finally be the family we were meant to be. If that’s what you want.”
A smile flitted across his face. “Do you even have to ask?”
I grinned, looking down at Liam then back at Bryce. “In that case, come home with me. I don’t want to wait another minute to start our life together.”
Bryce’s eyes welled with tears, this time a few of them spilling over. “Yes. Absolutely yes.”
“Yeah!” Liam cheered, breaking our hug so he could pump the air with his fist.
I laughed and ruffled his hair. “Good. Because I’ve already arranged to have your stuff packed up and moved out to my place.”
Bryce huffed out a short chuckle. “Pretty sure of yourself there, aren’t you?”
I grinned, leaning in to give him a chaste kiss—we were still in the courtroom, after all. “I just know what I want. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Hmm,” he murmured. “I’m starting to see how deep this shifter alpha thing goes.” Then he grinned mischievously.
“Oh, you have no idea,” I said, a low growl rumbling in my chest. “I’m going to take care of you in ways you never imagined.” Then remembering little ears were listening, I cleared by throat. “You and the baby. I’m going to pamper you both throughout the rest of your pregnancy.” I gave him a wink.
He laughed again. “I think we need to get started on this immediately.”
I cupped his face, staring into his eyes. In that moment I didn’t give a shit where we were or who saw us. I needed to feel my mate. I lowered my lips to his and kissed him. Softly, slowly.
We were walking out of this place together today. As a family. My mate. My son. And my little pup growing in Bryce’s belly. From here on out, I knew we would be able to handle anything that came our way. Because we were a unit now, a true family.
I couldn’t wait to make him and Liam mine in every way, marking them with a claiming bite. The two of them joining the pack.
But for now, I was content to hold them in my arms and know nothing else mattered because we had each other.
20
Bryce
“Time to wake up, sleepy head,” a voice murmured in my ear.
I blinked, a smile growing on my lips as I woke up to Jaxon’s kisses on my neck. He had his arm slung around me from behind, and his hand splayed out across my growing belly.
I wiggled back against him, feeling his bare cock hard against my ass. “Mmm, can we stay in bed a little bit longer?”
Jaxon chuckled, dark and full of promise. “Don’t tempt me.”
I smiled contentedly and snuggled in closer, resting my hand on top of his. The last two months had been about as perfect as I could have imagined. Right after we left the courtroom the day I was awarded custody, Jaxon took us straight out to his place, not willing to wait another moment to start our life together.
He’d been just as attentive as he promised, in every way. I bit my lip, thinking of the way he’d made love to me last night, taking his time to explore me thoroughly, and there was plenty to explore of me these days.
At over four months pregnant, there was no hiding it anymore. Not that I wanted to. I displayed my baby bump proudly, thrilled that Jaxon’s child was growing inside me.
He rubbed his thumb in slow circles over my bare stomach. “Any guesses what the baby will be?”
I laughed and rolled to my back so I could look up at him. “Well, a shifter. We know that much.”
There was no denying that. Every day that passed with shifter DNA mingling in my blood, I felt stronger. More powerful. Interestingly, even more connected to Jaxon in a way I didn’t quite know how to explain. I was virtually pain-free, not needing my cane at all anymore. Every once in a while, my limp made a reappearance, but other than that I felt better than I had in a long time.
“Obviously,” Jaxon replied with a cocky grin, causing me to roll my eyes, though I secretly loved how his alpha tendencies often came out in all their glory. He arched a brow. “Boy or girl?”
I shrugged. We’d had this conversation hundreds of times already. I’d wanted to wait and be surprised. Jaxon couldn’t find out soon enough, ready to go out and buy everything for the baby. We settled on a compromise.
We would have Dr. Reed determine the gender of the baby, then seal the results away in an envelope to be discovered later at a gender reveal party. Jaxon had pulled out all the stops, making it a huge event with the whole pack. It was sweet, really. That softer side of Jaxon only I got to see.
“I guess we’ll know soon enough,” I said, glancing at the clock. Jaxon had been right. It was way past time to get up if we wanted to make it to the doctor’s appointment on time.
I hopped out of bed. “I need to get a shower.”
Jaxon followed behind me. “Need any help?”
“Not unless you want to explain to Dr. Reed why we’re late,” I said, laughing.
For a minute, he looked tempted to do just that, but then he grabbed my hand and yanked me to him, crushing his mouth to mine in a searing kiss. I moaned, my body immediately responding to his touch.
He broke away from me, though, a wicked gleam in his eyes. “Later,” he promised.
I groaned. Now he had me all worked up. Guess it would have to be a cold shower…
An hour later, we were at Timberwood Cove General, tucked away in a dark room where Dr. Reed was getting ready to perform the sonogram. I lay on the bed, my stomach exposed. Jaxon stood by my side, his fingers twined with mine.
“Okay, dads. You ready?” Dr. Reed asked.
Jaxon had informed me that Dr. Reed wasn’t just the family doctor, but the pack doctor. It made more sense now why he’d insisted we go to her, and Dr. Reed had been wonderful with me.
She talked to us now as she covered my stomach in gel and began moving the sonogram wand around.
“So right now, I’m just going to get some measurements, make sure the pup is growing well and that we’re on track for the anticipated delivery date.” She took pictures, and I stared in wonder at the images on the screen.
“Our baby,” I said in awe, squeezing Jaxon’s hand.
He squeezed back, then leaned closer to the screen. “What’s that?” he asked, pointing.
“That’s an arm,” Dr. Reed replied, and I cocked my head, trying to orient myself to what I was seeing.
It was amazing. She pointed out the different body parts. “Ten fingers and ten toes. A strong, steady heart.” She turned to us and smiled. “This one’s going to be a strong one.”
“Boy or girl?” Jaxon asked.
I swatted him on the arm. “You’ll find out soon enough. Give me this little bit of suspense.”
He sighed, like I was asking him for more than he could bear, but then he winked at me, showing me he was joking.
“Will you be at the party tonight, Dr. Reed?” I asked.
“Absolutely. I wouldn’t miss this.”
Jaxon smiled proudly. “I guess you’ll put the results in an envelope for us to take home?”
I laughed. “No, no. I’ve already arranged for Dr. Reed to hand it off to Linc personally. No peeking for you.”
He groaned. “Fine…”
Dr. Reed gave us some advice on what to expect for the next month. The baby would continue to move more and get stronger. Wow. It was already so active, like it couldn’t wait to get out here in the world. I couldn’t imagine what more active would be like.
We thanked her and headed to the car, Jaxon’s arm around my waist. He helped me into the car, then we were back on the road to Jaxon’s house. Our house. I smiled. It was ours now. Our home. Our life. Our family.
I couldn’t wait to get back to the house. I’d been waiting for this appointment, to make sure we got a good report, to talk to Jaxon about something that had been on my mind more and more lately.
What he’d said before, about a claiming bite. About making me his forever. Claiming me as his true mate. I didn’t fully understand it, but from what I gathered from the little things he’d said here and there over the months, there was even more to it than I realized.
Plus, Liam had been talking about wanting to become a wolf, even though I hadn’t told him what Jaxon said. He was obviously hearing things from Cole. Jaxon had also mentioned how it would heal me completely. It was all very confusing, but I was ready to ask him about it. Ready to take the next step with him.
“You’re quiet over there,” Jaxon said after we’d been on the road a while. “What are you thinking about?”
I turned to him, biting my lip.
His brow furrowed. “Everything okay?”
I nodded. “More than okay. Jaxon, I’ve been thinking. I want to make our relationship as official as we can. I want you to claim me. As soon as the baby’s born. I’m ready.”
The look of surprise on his face was almost instantly replaced with joy. His eyes lit up, a smile spread his lips wide, and he turned to me excitedly. “Bryce, there’s nothing I’d love more than to claim you.”
“So what does that entail, exactly?”
“You know about fated mates,” he said. “Well, when I claim you, a bond will form between us. A connection that can’t be broken. But not just with us, with our wolves.”
Our wolves.
