Healing The Beastworld

Ch 30: preparations

While finishing up the last details of what he had been working on Kaden asked, "Do you think they'll be coyote pups or panther cubs, Karee?" he asked, his voice full of curiosity that vibrated through the air.
"I have no clue Kaden." Karee chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "But either way, they will be ours, and we will love them with all our hearts."
The thought of the little ones, tiny and mewling, brought a wave of warmth and anxiety. A coyote's gestation period was two months, a panther's three. The pups could arrive anytime now. The uncertainty of the unknown was a thrilling, terrifying prospect.
Rontu had always dreamed of being a father, and the thought of having pups, even if they weren't his, filled him with an overwhelming sense of joy. Kaden hadn’t thought of himself as father material until he met Karee, but now, the prospect of being a dad was more exhilarating than any hunt.
The two males had become experts at fetching Karee’s knitting needles and fetching her a warm drink, anticipating her every need with the devotion of a saint.
"They will love this! As a cub I would have loved to have my own space." Kaden exclaimed, pointing to a section of the wall he had just finished putting up. It was a wooden separation wall that devided an area off of the living room, creating a cozy den for the pups. He had also made a small mat that resembled their mattress for them to sleep on.
Rontu had already collected a pile of soft furs to go on the bedding. He gently patted the furs with a smile and spoke, "Dont forget these. They will keep them warm. And we can add more as they grow."
Karee smiled, her eyes sparkling. "This is all wonderful. The kids will be so lucky to have you both." She ran a hand over her belly feeling the tiny movements within. Oddly enough Sage had yet to determine how many there would be but judging by the mass he felt, he was estimating 3 or 4 but he wasn't positive on either since they felt different than anything he had felt before. No matter the amout though Karee was just excited to have them, the only thing that shocked her was how big her stomach had grown in such a short amount of time, it had only been 2 weeks since they learned she was pregnant but her stomach already resembled someone who was 4 or 5 months into a pregnancy.
Kaden had also built a small climbing that resembled a cat tower made of wood incase they where his cubs while Rontu made wooden and stone tubes that would give them cave like places to hide away in when the wanted if they were his pups. Each structure was crafted with love and care.
Karee had been knitting and crocheting colorful toys for her children. Each toy was a testament to her love and her boundless hope for the future. Though Rontu and Kaden had done alot, Karee's touch had truly transformed the new room into a nursery, a haven for their little ones. She had made baskets overflowing with blankets and pillows, all meticulously prepared for the arrival of their pups, new tows to play with she had made all resembling animals she had seen, includingthe beastforms of her mates and friends.
Their days were filled with the symphony of preparation. Rontu and Kaden tirelessly hunted and gathered, ensuring a steady supply of food. Sage would often bring fresh herbs for them to use for food or as medicine if needed. Talia would often spend the day at Karees side, helping anyway she could and ensuring Karee didn't get lonely while her mates were out gathering things they needed.

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One evening Talia sat beside Karee on their couch. Karees stomach swollen and round, she was bound to give birth anyday. Talias eyes twinkling with excitement as they waited for Kaden and Rontu to return from hunting. "Oh, Karee, I cannot wait to meet your little ones," Talia exclaimed, beaming. 
"Who do you hope will be the father?" She asked playfully.
A warm smile spread across Karee's face. "That, my dear friend, is a secret I keep close to my heart. But know this, I cherish both Rontu and Kaden equally. They have filled my life with love and laughter, and I am honored to call them my mates."
"I'm so glad you have Rontu and Kaden," Talia said, her voice softening. "They're both wonderful men, and they'll be incredible fathers."
Karee squeezed Talia's hand. "They are, Talia. But I want something more for the kids, something beyond just their fathers and me."
Talia looked up, her brow furrowed with confusion. "What do you mean?"
Karee leaned closer, her voice lowering to almost a whisper. "I was thinking about having a godparent, Talia. Someone who could love and guide the pups, someone to stand beside them even if i were to die or have to leave for some reason."
Talia's eyes widened. "A...godparent, whats that? I've never heard of it."
Karee smiled, enjoying the surprise in Talia's eyes. "It's a tradition from where i come from. Its where a mother or father picks someone they love and trust who becomes a kind of honorary parent, you know? Someone who helps to raise the children and be there for them, even if their own parents are gone."
Talia pondered this for a moment, running her fingers over the smooth fabric of the couch cushion. "That sounds...wonderful. But why me, Karee? You know I can't have children of my own."
"That's exactly why, Talia," Karee said, her voice earnest. "You've always wanted a family, and you've been so supportive and loving. I can't think of anyone better to be my childrens godmother. I still am going to try and help with your condition, dont think for a second im going to stop. But until then and even after I want you to be in me and my childrens lives forever. If you dont want to I understand and I wont take any offense but, will you accept?"
Talia's eyes filled with tears, and she choked back a sob. "Karee, this is...it means so much to me. I would love to be their godmother. I promise to be there for them, always."
Karee pulled Talia into a warm embrace, "I know you will Talia, thank you." Talia smiled through her tears as the 2 women hugged each other in a comfortable silence. Afew minutes passed and Rontu and Kaden both returned home carrying the pray they had caught and some wood for the fire, their arrival ment Sage would soon come over to join them for dinner and take Talia home after, the day was coming to an end.