“But you understand? Until I find my son, there’s going to be this question mark, this enormous piece of me that’s missing. And part of my heart will probably always belong to Valentin.”
“My omega, I hope someday you will love me. But that doesn’t mean you need to loveonlyme.” He scraped his fingers through Zinn’s hair. “You’ve been so busy surviving and hiding these past two years, maybe it never sank in that you’ve built a whole life here. You have a career, friends, and an alpha who loves you. And now that I know our baby has a brother out there somewhere, I promise I will do everything I can to get those answers for you. But in the meantime, he also has two brothers right here. Jordie and Ked will be thrilled about this pregnancy.”
“You think?”
“They adore you, sunshine. Just like I do.”
“I adore them too.”
“And that is one of many reasons your past is not an issue for me. If anything, knowing the truth makes me love you more. You have a baby with Valentin somewhere in the world, and in nine months we’ll have our baby. They are brothers. Your past and future are always going to be connected.”
Zinn looked at him. “You’re a big part of my future, alpha. No matter what else, I’m sure of it.”
Calder dropped his head until their foreheads touched. “Can I kiss you?”
“Please.”
Zinn expected him to lean down, but Calder stood, lifting Zinn under his butt until they were eye to eye. Hungrily, he fused their mouths together.
Without the urgency of heat, Zinn savored the sweet intensity of Calder’s lips. When the alpha’s tongue delved into his mouth to explore, he welcomed the intrusion, matching his ferocity. Calder’s arms tightened until it felt as though their bodies were melting into one. Breaking the kiss, he moved down Zinn’s jaw to his neck, burying his face against his scent gland.
“This sugar maple of yours is going to kill me,” he groaned.
Zinn nosed Calder in return, inhaling the pine and clove.
Slowly, Calder lowered Zinn to his feet and stepped back. “We don’t need to have all the answers tonight. This was more than I dared hope for.”
Zinn nodded. “I meant what I said about this all happening so fast. My head feels like it’s spinning, but…I’m good.”
He shocked himself with the admission, mostly because he realized it was true. He’d been on edge for years, yet somehow, all the changes with Calder over the past few weeks had brought the opposite of chaos. They’d given him peace.
“I love you,” Calder said. “I know you’re not ready to say it back. But you deserve to hear it as often as possible. If that’s okay?”
“It’s okay.” Zinn gave him another swift kiss. “Do you mind driving me to my apartment?”
“Of course.”
“Great. Because I need to get up early for work tomorrow. Those cakes aren’t going to decorate themselves.”
“Perfect. And I have a fun one for you. A child’s birthday.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
Calder
Calder sat down at the quietest table in Felton’s with a notepad in his hand. Zinn had gone out on a delivery to ensure the cake got set up correctly for a backyard wedding. Calder hoped he’d be back in time to meet the beta couple, but it depended on traffic and the whims of their finicky client. He’d take thorough notes so Zinn could make sketches later if need be.
It had been surreal seeing Zinn walk into Felton’s that morning after the conversation they’d had last night. They’d been all business on the surface as he caught Zinn up with what he’d missed, but there had been enough light touches, lingering glances, and shy smiles to remind Calder that everything had changed. He had Zinn, and their son, and a mission to help his omega find his firstborn child.
The Pashuks arrived five minutes early for their appointment. It was late afternoon, so the bakery wasn’t crowded. Only a few tables were occupied and most of the staff were in the kitchen.
Wes waved at Calder while his husband trailed behind. When the three men sat down, Calder got the same nagging feeling he’d had the last time he met Assa. Like a tickle of memory in the back of his mind. Did he know the tall, lanky ginger?
“Hello,” Calder said. “I apologize, but our cake designer is out on a job. I’m hoping he’ll be here soon, but we’ll see. Can I get you something to drink?”
“I’m okay,” Wes replied.
Assa looked up. “I’d love a vanilla latte.” His eyes met Calder’s directly.