Now, they were blissfully happy together and had welcomed their first daughter.
The first time around, Sunny had been completely on her own, doing all the night feeds and all the stressful parenting things on her own. This time, she was supported by three alphas who were there for her whenever she needed them.
Hailey wasalsogoing to get that level of support.
I would make sure she got it all. Even if the others didn't provide it, I would do everything in my power to guarantee that Hailey had the easiest birth and postpartum experience possible.
“She is adorable,” I cooed, looking down at the sleeping baby who was oblivious to what was going on around her.
“She's not quite as adorable when she's screaming at four in the morning because she wants my boobs, but I still love her.”
“Did you come in here for a reason, or did you just want to see the cute baby?” Walker asked with a laugh. “I wouldn’t blame you.”
“Well, the baby would be reason enough, but I wanted to come and tell you in person…”
“Do I need to go?” Sunny said, sensing my shift in tone. “If you guys need to talk, I can take the baby and wander around the firehouse. I'm sure there's plenty of rugged firefighters who could do with some baby cuddles.”
She wasn't wrong there. I was actually kind of surprised that she was holding the baby when I came. Half the firefighters either already had children or desperately wanted them, so babies were prized cuddle bugs around these parts.
“Not at all,” I insisted, waving away her concern.
I was also under no illusions that the moment I told Walker about bonding with Hailey, he would tell his omega. Word spread in packs like wildfire.
“Well, out with it, then.” Walker gestured for me to continue.
“I wanted to let you know that you may have to find cover for me for another week or so because I need to go on official bonding leave.”
A smile slowly spread across my face. There was no hiding how happy I was, and I didn’t even bother.
“Oh my God!” Sunny pulled me into a hug, doing her best to avoid squishing Abigail. “I amsoexcited for you!”
“I know it's not optimal timing,” I said, turning my gaze to Walker.
We were already slightly short-staffed, and with the wildfires going on, we had been spread pretty thin.
“You pulled double and even triple shifts to help cover when Sunny and I bonded. If I said anything right now, I’d be the biggest hypocrite in existence. What's her name?”
“Yes. What's her name? Is she coming to the firehouse? I really want to meet her!” Sunny squealed softly, to not disturb the baby.
“It's Hailey,” I admitted, watching shock and then that “of course” look flash over their faces.
Still, Sunny's smile slipped, but only for a fraction of a second. If I hadn't been watching, I wouldn't have believed it happened.
“Congratulations!” Walker stood up from his desk and walked over to us. “That’s amazing. How is she doing?”
“Really well. We kind of bonded over helping her get better and, well…one thing led to another.”
“We arewellaware of how that works.” Walker chuckled. He’d accidentally bonded with Sunny, but it had been the best thing to ever happen to him. His words, not mine.
“Well, that was it. I just wanted you to know. I actually need to get back to her now.”
Walker slapped a hand down on my shoulder. “Take care of your omega, and let us know if you need anything.”
We hugged, and I nodded with that permanent smile on my face. “I will. Thank you.”
“Merrick!” Sunny hissed, grabbing my arm. “What the hell?”
“What the hell?” I asked, turning to her with wide eyes as I froze in front of the door to leave.