My Cheating Mate (Emma and Jeremy) novel Chapter 183

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Chapter 183

My Cheating Mate

Emma pov

We’d told Grace at breakfast, just like we’d planned)

She’d been mid–bite of chocolate chip pancake when Jeremy sad, Grace, Mars and have someting to tell you.”

She’d looked up, syrup on her chin, completely focused Important news?

“Very important news. You’re going to be a big sister.”

The pancake had been abandoned immediately, Grace had stared at us, processing her side brain working through what that meant. Then her face had transformed into pure joy.

“A baby? I get a baby sibling?” She’d turned to Cas, who’d been watching this unfold with careful stillness. “Uncle Cas, did you hear? I’m going to be a big sister

“I heard,” he’d said quietly. “That’s wonderful news, Grace.”

“Can we tell Aldric? He should know. He sent me that letter about horse names so he’s part of our correspondence now which means he should know about family news.”

Jeremy had laughed–surprised and delighted. “We can tell Aldric. After we’ve told a few other people first.”

“Okay. But soon. Because this is important.” She’d climbed out of her chair and hugged me carefully, her small arms around my middle. “Mama, I’m going to be so good at being a big sister. I’ve been practicing with my stuffed animals.”

Now, two hours later, I was standing at the kitchen sink, ostensibly washing dishes but really just trying to calm my racing heart.

Cas was in the war room with Jeremy, finishing up some coalition correspondence. They’d be done any minute. Jeremy had suggested I tell Cas alone–said it felt important that this conversation happen without audience.

He was right. This was–different. Complicated in ways I didn’t have words for yet.

I heard footsteps in the hallway. Vampire–quiet, which meant Cas. He’d been giving Jeremy and me space since breakfast, the same way he’d done when Grace was born–hovering close but not intruding, letting us navigate new family dynamics on our own timeline.

But now his two hours were up. And I’d positioned myself in the kitchen specifically because this was where important conversations seemed to happen in our house.

He appeared in the doorway, taking in my position at the sink with those ancient, too–perceptive eyes.

pg up

+15 Bonus

said you wanted to talk.”

dish I’d been washing for the past five minutes without actually cleaning it.

this morning. The news”

said it as fact, not question. Td suspected, but Grace’s reaction confirmed it.”

“Six weeks. “I turned to face him fully, leaning against the counter because my legs felt unreliable. ‘Six

Our second child. ”

“Congratulations.” The word was genuine but carried something underneath–something I couldn’t quite identify Emma, this is wonderful news. Grace is thrilled. Jeremy is thrilled. You-” He studied my face.” You’re crying

Tm-“I touched my cheek, surprised to find tears. “I didn’t realize I was crying.”

“You’ve been crying on and off since this morning. Hormones, probably. But also-” He moved closer, still careful, still giving me space to set boundaries. “Also fear. You’re afraid.”

I’m terrified.” The admission came out in a rush. “Cas, Grace was born into wars and hunter attacks and vampire debts. We spent six years protecting her from threats that wanted to destroy what we’d built. And now~” My voice broke. “Now we’re bringing another child into this. Another baby who’ll grow up with Council politics and security protocols and-”

“And a big sister who’ll teach them about horse parliaments and proper block stable architecture.” His voice was gentle. “And parents who’ve already proven they can protect their children through impossible circumstances. And a coalition of allies who’ll fight to keep them safe.”

“And an Uncle Cas who-” I stopped, the tears coming harder now. “Who’ll be there. Who’ll sit on floors and learn what sparkly markers smell like and listen to explanations about hay storage with complete

seriousness.*

Something shifted in his expression. The ancient mask dropping completely–showing what was underneath. Grief and hope and love all mixed together.

“Yes,” he said quietly. “An Uncle Cas who’ll be there. For both of them. For as long as you’ll let me.”

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” I wiped my eyes with shaking hands. “Cas, you’re Grace’s Uncle Cas. You’ve been part of her life since the day she was born. But this baby-” I put my hand on my stomach. “This baby will be different. They won’t know a time before you. Grace barely remembers it, but she was a day old when you first held her. This baby will be born into a world where you’re already family. Where you’ve already been Uncle Cas for years.”