Free Rourk (Keegan's Chronicles Series Book 4) by Julia Crane Page B

flash.
    Hopefully, she’d hear from him soon. She was anxious to tell him the news, but mostly wanted to know he was safe. Gods, how she missed him.
    She held her hands over her flat belly. A baby elfin. Boy or girl?
    Another wave of nausea hit her again, and Keegan covered her mouth and ran to the bathroom. So much for the healing, but at least she’d had a few moments of feeling good.
    Once back in bed, Keegan called Anna and had to hold the phone away from her ear as Anna screeched into her ear that she was going to be an aunt. Not technically, but close enough. Anna and Lauren were as close to sisters as they could get without being blood. And they had even done a blood spell once, sealing the bond. Keegan smiled at the memory. They’d been ten years old.
    Keegan begged Anna to come over and whip up some witchy concoction. Anna was in her car before they hung up.
    Pregnant. Wow
     
    Keegan. I can talk now.
    She stretched and rolled over on her side, smiling softly, causing his stomach to drop. She rubbed her eyes with her palms. I have some big news. I would have waited till you got home, but you know I can’t keep secrets.
    Tell me. Rourk kicked one leg over the other and lay back on the cot. Stitch was already snoring away on his side of the room. Classical music filled the air, Beethoven this time.
    We’re going to have a baby.
    Rourk felt like his world had shifted beneath him. He tossed his legs over the side of the bed and sat up straight. A baby? His throat ached with affection. He was going to be a father? His emotions overwhelmed him, and he swallowed hard to try to push them back. Are you sure?
    Positive. I’ve had my head in the toilet all day and my mom confirmed it. I thought I had the flu.
    You’re sick? He hated not being there for her when she needed him.
    Yes, but that’s normal. Don’t worry, I’m fine. Anna came over and made me some tea to calm my stomach. I read online it should pass by twelve weeks.
    Twelve weeks? That’s a long time.
    Not really. I’m nine weeks pregnant. I think we conceived the day you left.
    Keegan, I don’t know what to say. I’m at a loss for words. He dropped his head back on his pillow.
    Are you happy? I’m pretty shocked myself. I thought it would be at least five years till we had an elfin.
    I’m terrified, to tell the truth. Rourk ran his hands over his face, still shocked by the news. A baby.
    Keegan’s laugh echoed through his mind. You and me both! It’s scary.
    I’m also overjoyed. It’s truly incredible news, Keegan.
    Rourk’s vision was starting to fade. He was exhausted and using the power to communicate with Keegan was draining what little energy he had left.
    I was thinking, if it’s a girl, we should name her, Caitria, after your mom.
    Rourk’s heart rate increased, and he felt the emotions rise in his chest. He cleared his throat, but it still felt tight. I like that idea. Very thoughtful, Keegan.
    You look tired. I’m glad you are safe. I’ll let you rest. I just wanted you to know we’re going to be parents.
    I wish I were with you right now. I will email you when I wake up.
    ’Kay. Night, Rourk. I love and miss you so much.
    I know. I can feel it. I love you too, and Keegan, you’ll be an amazing mother.
    I hope so. I really do.
    ’Night, Keegan.
     
    Rourk folded his fingers together over his stomach and stared up at the ceiling. A father. A slow grin spread across his face. He had helped make a real living being with the woman he loved. He had no doubt Keegan would be a wonderful mom. He did wonder if he would be able to give a child all the love and support it would need. As much as he loved his own father, he had not been the best of dads after the death of his mother. If anyone had been a role model to him on how a father should be, it was Richard, Keegan’s dad. Somehow, he managed to balance his responsibilities between being leader of the Elfin Army, and his family life. Rourk had always been slightly in awe of the