Chapter 309: Husband Duty
Rhys
I woke up with a rare, uncontrollable grin plastered across my face, and it hadn’t shifted even as I stood over the stove preparing breakfast.
The kitchen was thick with the rich, savory aroma of maple bacon, sizzling breakfast sausages, and fluffy scrambled eggs mixed with sharp cheddar and fresh chives. I even took the time to slice up some fresh avocado and toast a few brioche slices to a perfect golden brown, humming to myself as I flipped the sausages.
"Well, it’s a miracle. The ice captain is actually making breakfast instead of calling the private chef," Raymond’s deep, groggy morning voice rang out as he sauntered into the kitchen.
He didn’t even rub the sleep from his eyes before heading straight for the refrigerator. He snatched a bottle of chilled water, cracked it open, and aggressively gulped down half of it in one go. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he turned his sharp gaze toward me, his brow furrowing.
"You look entirely too pleased with yourself this morning, Captain. Did something happen while I was out spending the night with my friend?"
I didn’t answer right away. I just looked over my shoulder and gave him a bright, knowing smile.
Raymond’s eyes widened slightly. "Oh... does this mean the baby is officially out of danger? The doctor gave the green light?"
"That," I said, turning back to the stove to slide the eggs into a serving dish, "and the fact that I asked Kayden to marry me much sooner than we originally planned."
Raymond took a sudden, massive gulp of water at the exact millisecond the announcement left my mouth, and he instantly choked. He hacked violently, slamming his hand against his chest as the water went entirely down the wrong pipe.
I scoffed, completely ignoring his dramatic coughing fit as I neatly arranged the hot sausages onto a platter.
"You’re... you’re getting married earlier?" he wheezed out, his voice raw as he finally managed to catch his breath.
"Yes, we are," I replied smoothly, setting the spatula down. "Is there an issue with that?"
"No, it’s just... I’m shocked that you’re..."
"Moving fast?" I finished for him, raising an eyebrow when he didn’t offer an answer. "I want the ceremony done before he starts showing, Raymond. And more than that, I am entirely done calling him my boyfriend. I want him to be my husband. Is that too much to ask?"
Raymond stared at me for a few long seconds, seemingly processing the uncharacteristic wave of emotion from me. Finally, a small smile broke across his face and he nodded in approval. He walked over to the counter, casually throwing his thick arm heavily over my shoulders.
"What the hell do you think you’re doing in my personal space? Scram," I grunted, shoving at his ribs.
He just chuckled, tightening his grip and pulling me into a suffocating, aggressive brotherly side-hug until I could barely breathe.
Seriously, what was this kid’s problem? He always treated me like some annoying alien in my own home, while treating Kayden like an absolute delicate princess. I only tolerated it and kept my mouth shut because I didn’t want any unnecessary stress around my pregnant omega.
"What do you actually want, Raymond?" I sighed, rolling my eyes.
"I have some stellar advice for you, dear brother," he began, clearing his throat with a look of mock seriousness. "I’m just saying... you need a bigger house than this."
"My penthouse is massive as it is," I countered defensively. "And Kayden still owns his own place, so—"
Raymond scoffed, cutting me off with a wave of his hand. "That’s not what I mean, idiot. If you’re going to build a happy, high-profile marriage, you need to start thinking like a man who knows how to pamper his partner. Surprise him. Imagine the look on Kayden’s face if you bought him a brand-new, massive estate as a wedding gift?" He winked at me suggestively.
I fell completely silent, staring at the frying pan as I actually weighed his words.
Kayden wasn’t a materialistic person by any stretch of the imagination, and I briefly wondered if a massive, expensive house would even phase him, which initially made me want to discard Raymond’s idea entirely.
But then, a completely different, brilliant spark popped into my head—a vision of a secure, perfect estate designed entirely for our growing family and surprising him with the best nursery for our baby.
My eyes widened as the realization hit me. But just as I turned to tell Raymond what I was thinking, a soft, incredibly lazy yawn echoed from the doorway.
The heavy, comforting scent of orchids instantly flooded the kitchen, and the grin immediately returned to my face.
"What are you two plotting so early in the morning?" Kayden mumbled, rubbing a fist against his eye as he blindly shuffled into the kitchen, letting out another massive yawn.
"We were just, uh..." I stumbled, quickly glancing at Raymond for some assistance.
The absolute traitor immediately raised his hands in mock surrender, turned on his heel, and walked straight over to the kitchen island to sit down, completely abandoning me.
I glared at his back before quickly softening my expression as I turned back to Kayden.
"We were just discussing his reflexes on the rink," I lied smoothly.
"Oh," Kayden mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. He sniffed the air, his eyes fluttering open a bit wider. "What are you cooking? The aroma literally dragged me out of bed."
"Maple bacon, sausages, cheddar eggs, and brioche toast," I responded, my voice dropping into a tender tone
Kayden shuffled closer, leaning his warm, soft weight entirely against my arm as I finished up. "I have to admit, Captain... I never imagined I’d see you taking on husband duties so naturally, let alone this quickly," he teased, a sleepy smirk playing on his lips.
I let out a hearty laugh, leaning down to press a deep, lingering kiss against his forehead. "I’ll do anything for you, my love. Besides, after the workout you got last night, you desperately need to replenish your strength." I dropped my voice, giving him a deliberate, heated wink.
Right on cue, a loud, disgusted groan echoed from the island.
"Please, for the love of God, keep it PG or get a damn room. I’m trying to eat here," Raymond complained, throwing a piece of toast onto his napkin.
"You’re a guest in our home, little brother," I shot back, though a clear hint of amusement danced in my tone. "If you’re so deeply offended by our relationship goodness, feel free to buy your own house and leave us in peace."
Raymond scoffed loudly, shaking his head. "Annoying, lovesick couple."