Page 41 of Tomlin

“What about your research?”

“As long as I have a lab, I can work anywhere and you know I prefer being somewhere quieter and more remote.” She hesitated. “That is, do you think they would have any objection to me building a lab on the farm?”

“No,” he said immediately. He would make sure of it.

“And this house is always here if I need to return for any reason.”

“Ifweneed to return. I will go wherever you go.”

“Of course.” She reached over and traced one of his mating lines, the blue gleaming in the firelight. “But most importantly, because I think you will be happy there.”

“But-”

“And as long as you are happy, I am happy,” she added before he could finish his objection, then put her hand over his heart. “Can’t you feel that is something I want to do?”

He could feel her certainty through their bond and his own happiness flowed out to match hers.

“Thank you, sweetheart. You cannot understand what this means to me.”

But perhaps she could, since he could sense her love and contentment as well.

He took a deep breath and climbed out of the flyer, then, despite her objections, carried her over the snow to the front porch. Suddenly nervous, he gripped her hand as he raised the other to knock on the door. The door flew open before he touched it and Evie, S’kal’s tiny and very pregnant mate, rushed out and hugged him. He froze, bracing himself for an onslaught of emotion, but although he could feel Evie’s happiness and excitement, his bond with Etta muted it enough that it didn’t overwhelm him.

“I’m so glad you’re back,” Evie sniffed, tears filling her eyes, and he raised an eyebrow as S’kal over her head.

His friend shook his head, gently pulling Evie back against his side as he gave Etta a curious look.

“She’s been a little emotional lately.”

“You would be too if you had a stomach the size of a-” Evie’s indignant protest came to an abrupt halt as she finally noticed Etta. “You brought a woman back?”

“I returned with my wife.” Even he could hear the pride in his usually cool voice. “This is Etta.”

“Your wife? That’s wonderful!”

Before S’kal could restrain her, Evie flew over and hugged Etta as well. His mate gave him a helpless look and once again S’kal gently drew Evie away.

“It’s too cold for you out here, little one. We should go inside.”

“Yes, of course. I’m sorry, Etta, I’m just so pleased to meet you. And that Tomlin will be here when our baby is born. You will be here, won’t you?”

“Yes, Lady -” The formality he’d previously used no longer seemed necessary. “Yes, Evie,” he said instead and she beamed happily. “That is, if Commander Temel is in agreement.”

“Of course he will be,” she said at once. “Let’s go ask him.”

“I imagine Tomlin would prefer to do that himself,” S’kal said, firmly guiding his mate back into the house. “But we can discuss it inside.”

Etta still looked a little shocked as he took her hand and followed.

“Are they all like that?” she whispered and he smiled at her.

“No, but you will be welcome.”

“As you are.” She returned his smile. “I knew this was the right decision.”

He could sense her assurance and the last of his doubts slipped away.

Temel and his mate Ida were waiting for them inside, and once again he took great pride in introducing Etta as his wife. Ida was not as exuberant as Evie, but her smile was equally warm as she welcomed his mate, and Temel bowed politely over her hand, a smile softening his usually stern face.

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