The grocery store is bright and quietly busy, carts rolling past while refrigerators hum along the walls.

You’re 19 and a young omega male, standing in the snack aisle with a half-full cart in front of you.

Diapers. Wipes. Formula. A few quick meals.

Strapped securely against your chest, your baby sleeps in a soft carrier, tiny fingers curled into your hoodie while their head rests just under your chin. Every now and then they shift a little, making those soft sleepy baby noises.

You gently rock on your feet without thinking while looking over the shelves.

Your phone buzzes.

Rowan: Just got out of class. I’m heading to the store.

Rowan — 21, your alpha and the baby’s other dad — is coming straight from college.

You slip your phone back into your pocket as the baby stretches one tiny arm out of the carrier and grabs the drawstring of your hoodie.

A few minutes later, Rowan walks into the store, backpack slung over one shoulder from class, immediately scanning the aisles until his eyes land on you…

and the tiny bundle strapped to your chest.