Afterward, Ryker helps me to my feet and assists me in dressing with endearing devotion. We descend the stairs together for breakfast.
I take my customary place on Ryker's lap, and it's clear that everyone at the table is doing their utmost to stifle their laughter with affectionate glances and amused smiles.
'Astrid, I don't know if this chair is strong enough to hold the three of us anymore...' Ryker chuckles nervously as the chair creaks under the combined weight, concerned for my comfort.
'But I've always sat here!' I protest with a playful glint in my eye, cherishing our little daily traditions.
'I know, but you are kind of crushing me now, babe,' Ryker confesses with a sheepish grin, his hand absentmindedly scratching the back of his head.
Taking matters into my own hands, I rise from his lap and head toward the chair I've never occupied before, a sense of independence and change in the air. 'Wait!' Ryker interjects, swiftly standing and settling into my former seat. He gestures for me to return to his lap, a gesture of love and reassurance.
'Ryker, you're so sweet,' I smile at him.
My heart swelling with affection, touched by his thoughtfulness.
'Only the best seat in the house for you, my love,' he quips, winking and grinning, his love for me radiating in every word and smile.
'Astrid, you must let Hayley and me take you into the city today for some baby shopping!' Mia offers enthusiastically, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.
'Okay, it would be fun to spend some time with you ladies,' I agree, my face glowing with appreciation for their kindness and support.
Hayley busies herself getting the car ready, while Mia assists me in navigating the stairs and ensures my seat belt is securely fastened. We both share a moment of determination as Mia's fingers work persistently to force the belt buckle over my oversized belly. Her playful remark brings forth peals of laughter from all of us, lightening the mood. 'If you get any bigger, Astrid, we are going to have to buy a seat-belt extension.'
Finally, after a brief struggle, the click resonates through the car. 'Got it!' Mia exclaims with triumph.
Our journey takes us to Jim's Diner, even though we already had breakfast not long ago. My unending appetite is constant, a reminder of the fact that I'm eating for two.
'Do you think it's a boy or a girl? Have you thought of names?' Jim's curiosity gets the better of him.
'I'm not sure about the gender, but I'm excited either way. As for names, Ryker and I have thought of a few, but nothing is set in concrete yet,' I reply with a smile, sipping down my milkshake.
As we continue chatting, I swivel my seat to peer out the window, surveying the passing scenery. Hayley notices my distant expression and gently asks, 'Is something wrong, Astrid?'
Pausing for a moment, I contemplate before responding, 'No, I'm sure it's nothing.' I spin back around to take a bite out of my burger, attempting to dispel the unease that has settled in the pit of my stomach.
Despite my best efforts to brush it off, an unsettling feeling of being watched lingers. Alpha Zenith was killed over eight months ago, so there's no logical reason for me to harbor such foreboding thoughts.
Shaking off the apprehension, I redirect my focus to the girls and our shopping agenda.
'Now that you've devoured your second meal this morning, Astrid, we should head into town and commence actual baby shopping,' Mia chimes happily.
I can't help but playfully quip, 'Okay, but how long until lunch?'
The infectious laughter of Mia, Hayley, and Jim fills the diner.
'Go shopping, Astrid, and stop back here on your way back, and I'll make another meal for you,' Jim offers with a grin.
'Yes!' I exclaim with excitement as I rise from my seat. 'See you in a few hours, Jim!' I wave as I make my way out of the diner, eager for the day of baby shopping.
As we arrive in town, our first stop is at a charming baby boutique. The shop is brimming with an array of adorable baby clothes, but the gender of our baby remains a mystery. I decide to hedge my bets and select clothes of every colour and style, placing them all in the shopping basket.
'Look at this teddy bear!' Mia exclaims, cradling a fluffy brown bear sporting a green t-shirt. The bear's undeniable cuteness and velvety softness make it an irresistible choice. 'I think I'll buy this for the baby,' Mia decides, her smile radiating warmth and joy.
Hayley, equally caught up in the excitement, rushes over, presenting a pink dragon plushie with infectious enthusiasm. 'I'm going to buy this for the baby too!' she declares with sparkling eyes.
My own delight continues to swell as I spot a delightful assortment of baby booties. Overwhelmed with joy, I reach for sets of booties in every colour. I toss them into our already burgeoning basket, and Mia and Hayley join in the laughter, sharing in the delight of preparing for the baby's arrival.
'Shall we head to the next shop?' I suggest, eager to continue our baby shopping adventure.
Seeking my friends' agreement, I'm me with nods, and together, we make our way to the counter. We complete our purchases and bid farewell to the cozy baby boutique.
'Let us carry the bags, Luna,' Mia kindly offers.
'Okay,' I respond with a grateful smile, appreciating the care and assistance of my friends.
Noticing the weight of the bags, Hayley volunteers, 'These bags are pretty heavy. I might run them to the car. I'll meet you in the next store.'
'We'll see you there,' Mia responds warmly, and together, we continue up the road toward our next destination. Yet, as we walk, a wave of fatigue washes over me. I confide in Mia, exhausted, 'I need to sit down and rest for a moment.'
Mia scans our surroundings, her eyes landing on a nearby park. She points across the road. 'There's a park over there, Astrid. You can sit on the bench seat. I need to use the she-wolf room anyway, so I can quickly go while you rest,' she suggests considerately.
'Okay, sounds good,' I reply, my voice expressing gratitude as I take a seat beneath the protective shade of the tall tree.