My Cheating Mate (Emma and Jeremy) novel Chapter 182

Chapter 182

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ng the fear and joy and overwhelm just exist without trying to sort them. “We need Before anyone

“Agreed Though she’ll probably announce it to the entire pack within five minutes.”

probably announce it to Aldric Send him a drawing of the new family member with detailed explanations of how siblings work.”

Jeremy laughed–real, surprised. “You’re right. She absolutely will.”

We stood together in the morning light, his hand on my stomach, processing the reality of this new life growing inside me

“When should we tell Cas?” Jeremy asked.

“Soon. He’ll notice something’s off within a week anyway. Vampires are disturbingly perceptive about physiological changes.” I pulled back slightly. “He’s going to have Opinions about security protocols for a pregnant Luna during a ceasefire.”

“He’s going to increase the vampire guard to absurd levels and insist on personally vetting anyone who comes within fifty feet of you.”

“Grace will love that. ‘Mama has extra guards because of the baby will be her new favorite fact to share with everyone.” I touched my stomach. “Six weeks. We have about thirty–four weeks before this becomes very obvious and very real.”

“Thirty–four weeks to prepare. To strengthen the coalition. To make the world as safe as possible for-” He paused. “Do you want to know the gender this time?”

“I don’t know. With Grace, we wanted it to be a surprise. But now-” I thought about it. “Ask me again in a few weeks when I’ve processed that I’m actually pregnant.”

“Fair enough.” He kissed me softly. “Emma, we’re going to be okay. All four of us. This family we’ve built- it’s strong enough for this.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I am right. You’ll see.” He smiled. “Now come on. Grace is going to wake up soon and demand breakfast, and I’d rather tell her about her new sibling after she’s had food and isn’t cranky.”

“Wise strategy.”

“I’ve learned a few things about managing six–year–olds over the years.”

We went downstairs together, his hand not leaving mine. The pregnancy test was safely tucked away in my pocket–evidence of the new life, the new complication, the new joy that was coming.

Cas was already in the kitchen–of course he was. He seemed to materialize in the kitchen at random

L

He took one look at

he’d noticed something

“Good morning,” he said carefully. “You both look” He paused Significant. Like something significant has happened”

“We’re fine,” I said. Too quickly. “Everything’s fine”

His eyes narrowed fractionally. “Emma. You’re a terrible liar and you know I can hear your heartbeat”

Jeremy and I exchanged glances. So much for telling Grace first

“We’re telling Grace first,” Jeremy said firmly. “When she wakes up. But Cas-“He paused. “Yes. Something significant happened. Something good. We’ll explain after we’ve talked to Grace.”

“Understood.” Cas moved to the coffee maker, giving us space. “Though I should mention that if something good has happened that requires telling Grace first, there are approximately six possibilities and one of them causes me to immediately recalculate security protocols.”

“Let’s not recalculate security protocols before breakfast,” I said.

“That’s not a denial of the security–protocol–requiring possibility.”

“Cas.” Jeremy’s voice held warning and amusement in equal parts. “We’ll tell you. After Grace. Give us two hours.”

“Two hours.” He poured coffee with deliberate calm. “I can be patient for two hours.”

I somehow doubted that.

Grace appeared in the doorway, hair wild from sleep, clutching the stuffed horse she’d had since she was three. “I smell coffee which means grown–ups are up which means breakfast?”

“Breakfast,” I confirmed. “What do you want?”

“Pancakes. With chocolate chips. And Uncle Cas, can you tell me more about that painting you saw when it was new? The one with all the people in the garden?”

“Monet’s garden series? I can tell you about those while your mother makes pancakes.”

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