Surrogate for My Brother-in-law - Chapter 46: Chapter 46

The next morning, I collected Leo's breakfast and took it up to his room to begin my workday. Only, when I reached Leo's room, Ethan was waiting in the sitting room.
“It's your day off,” Leo announced.
“But I had a day off less than a week ago,” I protested, confused.
Ethan stood up. “Yes, well, I've just learned that you haven't had a chance to shop for maternity clothing yet. So we're going on a shopping date.”
“I...” I ducked my head. “I don't have any money, though.”
All the money I earned as a maid went to my mother's care, and my own room and board.
Ethan frowned over at Leo. “Exactly how much are you paying her?”
“I, um...” Leo shrugged. “That's household finance, the Luna handles it.”
Ethan shook his head. “She's your personal maid, you need to check these things personally, Leo.”
Leo winced and nodded. “I'll look into it, Tessa,” he promised.
“Anyway,” Ethan added, “that doesn't matter because you are carrying my pup, so it is my responsibility to make sure you have everything you need.”
“Clothing isn't really a need,” I argued.
Leo and Ethan both blinked at me.
“Yes, it is,” Leo said. “Your current clothes barely fit. You can't be comfortable like that. Go with Ethan. Have a nice time. Come back with proper clothing for a new mother. And some baby things. Um. Diapers. Blankets. Those weird little one piece outfits babies wear.”
“Onesies,” Ethan said. “They're called onesies.” He paused. “You'll need to take Eva out, too.”
“Oh. Isn't that something she'll want to do with her mother?” Leo asked.
“Some things, yes,” I said, “but you really should buy a few baby things with her. To show her you're excited.”
I don't know why I was encouraging him to be excited about a false pregnancy. But our pack depended on their marriage, and I was part of the deception. So I had to try.
Leo nodded. “Thank you for the suggestion. I'll take her out soon. Onesies, right, need to remember that.”
“Thank you for the day off,” I said.
“Enjoy it. You've been working hard, you deserve a break,” Leo said.
Out in Ethan's car, the ride was silent at first.
“Are we really going shopping,” I asked, “or did you need my help at the hospital?”
“Really shopping, this time,” Ethan said. “Leo will wonder if you don't have new clothes. Also. You're pregnant.”
“Well, yes,” I admitted.
“You know healing puts massive strain on your body,” Ethan said.
“Yes,” I said.
“You're pregnant, and you've been healing critically injured wolves,” Ethan said.
I could tell he was working hard to stay calm. I still shrank away. It was never good to upset an alpha, especially when you were trapped in a small space with them.
“I couldn't let them die,” I whispered.
Ethan glanced at me while the car was stopped at a red light. His face softened, and I relaxed. He was upset, but he wasn't angry with me.
“I know,” Ethan said, voice gentle. “But you need to take care of yourself, too. And your pup.”
I nodded. “My wolf doesn't think I'm risking the baby. She'd stop me if I did.”
“Your wolf helps you heal?” Ethan asked.
I nodded again.
“That's fascinating. I'd love to talk more about it,” Ethan said. “But later.”
“Okay,” I agreed.
“Right now,” Ethan continued, “we have to talk about the pup.”
“Oh,” I said.
It was only fair. He'd stepped up for me, and claimed the pup when we'd barely even dated. He'd saved me without knowing why.
“Yeah. Oh.” Ethan sighed. “Look, I'm happy to help you out, and take responsibility if you haven't got anyone. I'd love it if you were my mate. I'm just gonna lay that all out in the open. But I feel like there's a lot more going on here. And I need to know.”
I looked down at my hands, clutched tight over my belly. Ethan had helped me. He'd saved me and my mother and the pup. He deserved answers. He deserved my trust.
Why was it so hard?
“I...” I stopped. “Why did you do that, anyway? Why take the blame?”
“I don't consider it blame,” Ethan said. “I'd be honored if that was my pup.” He shook his head. “But you want to know why?”
I nodded.
“Because you were scared. I could see it in your eyes. I could smell it, over, um, everything else. You were terrified. So I covered for you. Because even though we're not really together, you're my friend and I protect my friends.”
I curled around the swell of my belly. “Thank you, Ethan. For being my friend. And for... for everything.”
Ethan smiled at me and I wished then that I was in love with him. It would complicate things between us and I had been warned about him but... I wished anyways.
“I have to ask,” Ethan said gently. “Who is the father?”
I shook my head. I wanted to tell him. I wanted to trust him. But...
“I can't,” I whispered.
He'd hate me if he knew what I'd done. I was lying to his best friend. I was helping Eva manipulate and lie to Leo.
“You're afraid,” Ethan said.
I nodded.
“I understand. I wish you believed that I could protect you.”
I looked away, ashamed.
“Hey. None of that,” Ethan said. “It's okay. You barely know me. Trust takes time. We'll get there. For now, how about we buy some sickeningly cute baby things?”
“You don't have to,” I whispered.
“I want to.” Ethan smiled. “Come on. This'll be fun. And you really do need some looser clothing. And diapers. Babies need so many diapers. Have you decided whether you'll want to use cloth diapers or disposable?”
“I... I haven't thought about it...” I admitted.
I hadn't really let myself think about the pup. Not like that, with things I needed to decide, like diapers or formula or anything. I thought maybe if I didn't think about it, it might hurt less when Eva took it.
I was fooling myself.
“Well, that's all right,” Ethan said. “You have plenty of time to think about it. We'll get some of both. The cloth diapers are good for other things if you don't use them, and you can donate the disposables if you don't use those.”
“Oh. That's... nice.” I paused. “You know a lot about babies.”
“I have a half dozen younger siblings,” Ethan said. “And two of them have already had pups. I spend a lot of time around babies.”
“Wow,” I said, trying to imagine having such a large family.
The only sibling I had was Eva. If there were more like her, I'd probably already be dead. But Ethan sounded fond of his brothers and sisters. That must be nice.
Shopping with Ethan was surprisingly fun. He was playful and upbeat the whole time. He held up tiny outfits against my belly and asked the pup if they liked it. He made sure I had plenty of chances to rest. He was every bit the excited future father.
For just a little while, I let myself pretend. I would never have what he was offering, a loving mate and a baby to raise. Eva would take everything from me. But just for that one day, I enjoyed the fantasy.