By the time they found their way to the maternity level, Rachel was already settled in a birthing room, Zack had gotten over the first stages of panic, and Yuri was patting a pocket full of cigars.

“She’s in the early stages,” Nadia explained to them in the corridor. “Company is good for her.”

Alex strode straight through the door, but Bess hung back. “I don’t want to intrude,” she said to Nadia.

“This is not intrusion. This is family.” Nadia cocked her head. “Are you uneasy with childbirth?”

“Oh, no. I couldn’t be, after I’ve written so many.”

Alex poked his head back out. “How’d you research that, McNee?”

“I did rounds with an obstetrician.” Her dimple winked out. “And found a few mothers-to-be who didn’t object to having me hang around during labor and delivery. Have you ever seen one?”

“No.” His eyes changed. Just like a man. “They, ah, show us films, just in case, but I’ve never been at ground zero.”

“It’s pretty great.” She laughed, perfectly able to read his thoughts. “Don’t worry. I’ll hold your hand.”

They passed the time in the big, airy birthing room telling stories, giving advice, joking with Zack once Mikhail and Nick arrived with Rachel’s things. Griff was happily settled in with Zack’s cook, Rio, so there was little to do but wait.

When Rachel felt like walking, they took turns leading her around the corridors, rubbing her back, making small talk to take her mind off the discomfort between contractions.

“I can see your mind working,” Alex murmured to Bess. “‘How can I use this?’”

“It’s ingrained.” She murmured her thanks when he passed her his cold drink. “Your family,” she said, glancing around the room. “I’ve never known anyone like them. My parents—they’d be appalled to be expected to take part in something like this.”

“It’s our baby, too.”

She smiled and lifted a hand to his cheek. “That’s what I mean. You’re all very special.”

“I’m glad you’re here.” As he leaned over to kiss her, Yuri slapped him on the back.

“Now all my children make babies but you.” He wiggled his brows at Bess. “You start soon, yes?”

“Papa…” Not sure how to take Bess’s chuckle, Alex rose and spoke, firmly and quietly, in his mother tongue. “When I decide to make babies, I’ll let you know.”

“What decide?” Yuri gestured toward Bess. “She’s the one you want, isn’t she?”

“Yes.”

Now Yuri gestured expansively with both hands. “Then?”

“I have my reasons for waiting. They’re my reasons.”

Though the shake of Yuri’s head was a gesture of sadness, there was a twinkle in his eye. “How is it all my children are so stubborn?”

“How is it my papa is so nosy?”

With a laugh, Yuri embraced Alex and kissed both his cheeks. “Go take this pretty girl for a walk, steal some kisses. Your sister will be some time yet.”

“That’s advice I’ll take.” He reached for Bess’s hand and pulled her to her feet. “Come on, let’s get some air.”