Accidental Surrogate

Ella

Once it became clear that Lydia wasn’t going to be the solution to our problems, I decided it was time to call in some backup. I trust Sinclair to take finding a new Luna seriously, but I also know he doesn’t have the time. Between running the pack, the campaign, and taking care of me, there’s no room in his life to go out hunting for a mate. I, on the other hand, have nothing but time. Bed rest sounds like a nice, relaxing time, but all it really means is that the world is falling apart around me and I’m not allowed to do anything but lie around and get fat.

So I invite Roger and Henry over for a visit, with two main objectives in mind. First, it’s long past time that I come clean to Sinclair’s father about my true identity. Second, if anyone can be trusted to help me wingwoman the father of my child, it’s his father and his brother.

I persuade one of my faithful guards to carry me downstairs just before lunchtime, settling in the main sitting room in anticipation of my visitors. Roger and Henry arrive shortly afterwards, walking – or in Henry’s case, wheeling – in with wide smiles on their faces. I start to get up, but they both immediately protest. “No, don’t move, we’ll come to you.” Roger promises.

“Poor darling,” Henry commiserates beside him, “we ought to get you some wheels so you can be mobile even on bed rest.”

I hug them both, laughing at Henry’s suggestion. “I’d like that, but somehow I think your son would think it’s too much excitement.”

“You may have a point there.” The older man concedes with a knowing look, “I do lead a very exciting life – rolling around an empty house all day, just waiting for my friends to retire so I can have a social life outside of evening poker games.”

“Henry!” I exclaim, sitting up in excitement. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of this before – if we’re both stuck at home all day, we might as well spend the time together! I need company, you need company, and Sinclair would probably love the idea of me having another babysitter – the bossy bastard.”

Roger laughs, and Henry is smiling, but it’s a hesitant look, as if he doesn’t want to get his hopes up. “Oh now, I’m sure you don’t want to spend all day long with an old man.”

“Henry, I would love to spend more time with you – I mean, full disclosure: I’m so bored and restless that I’d probably take the company of a serial killer about now, but you are a much more preferable alternative.” I declare wryly.

They both chuckle, “You hear that dad? You beat out the homicidal maniacs!” Roger congratulates him.

his smile is

remember the reason I’ve asked him over today. “That is… assuming

their pups and grandpups?” Henry offers gamely. The smile slips from my face at his words, and suddenly I’m fighting back tears. Henry looks confused for a moment, before a guilty expression identical to the one Sinclair sometimes dons takes over

hurt because I’m an orphan and don’t have any experience with fathers. “It’s just that… no one’s ever wanted to claim me as their child before, and you just

that’s a good thing.” Roger offers gently, reaching

argue, shaking my head and burying my face in my hands.

now, come on

gesturing to Roger and

out of his depth. Henry, on the other hand, rolls his eyes at his son and wraps his arms around me, encouraging me to lean my head on his shoulder. I surrender, leaning into him and letting

don’t you tell me what all this

with small assists from Roger along the way. “There, you see?” I moan when it’s all over. “It’s all been a

son to let me wallow in my misery. He continues fussing over me and rubbing my back, and for the first time in my life, I feel the way I can only imagine it feels to be held by a parent – by a father. Of course,

I nod pitifully. “And I haven’t even told you about Lydia

through the most recent chapter of our saga, they’re both swearing, and I can barely catch my breath. “That’s why I asked you both over today, I wanted you to help me find a Luna

my daughter whether you marry my son or not

him slightly, tears streaming down my cheeks, “you mean you don’t

admonishes. “I couldn’t if I tried. You didn’t ask for any of this to happen, Ella. You’re just doing the best you can and for what

And of

“Really?” I squeak.

course.” Roger begins, “we’ll do