Page 39 of The Baby Dragon Bakery
“Welcome to our home,” Aiden said, giving her a warm smile.
Saphira hugged Lavinia, holding on tight. “I’m so happy to see you!”
“Thanks for inviting me!” Lavinia handed Saphira the small bag she was carrying, which Saphira peeked into to see a spiced pumpkin candle.
“I was going to bring flowers but figured that would be redundant,” she said. Aiden smiled sheepishly, moving aside to let her enter their home. When she did, she knew her previous statement was right. Almost every surface was already covered with vases of beautiful bouquets of flowers, each one carefully crafted; she could easily see Aiden’s hand. The perks of being engaged to a gardener!
“A candle is perfect,” Saphira said, going to grab a lighter. “I’m going to light this right now.”
“Come sit,” Aiden said, and she looked around. She had been here before, but not since Saphira fully moved in, and it was funny to see how his cottage had changed with Saphira’s touch.
Before, it was simple and tidy, but now it was full of life. The one story had a spacious living room and kitchen, as well as two bedrooms, and it seemed as if every inch was full of artwork, potted green plants, colorful throw pillows, and trinkets.
Lavinia turned into the living room, where two guests were already present. Genevieve and her cousin, Emmeline, stood up to greet her. Lavinia hugged Genevieve first, who was wearing a variation of her usual outfit, fuss-free but expensive black trousers and a simple top, this time a light sweater with the sleeves rolled up.
Then she hugged Emmeline, going on her tiptoes, for Emmeline was the fanciest in sharp heels, even though she was already pretty tall. She wore a lace dress with dramatic sleeves. While Genevieve was bare-faced, as usual, Emmeline’s makeup was stunning, smoked-out kajal eyes and blood-red lipstick. She had an elaborate gold nose-piercing as well, adding to the striking look.
“How on earth do you ride in those outfits?” Lavinia asked, awed.
Emmeline laughed. “I don’t—I change when I arrive.”
“I respect the commitment to serving looks.”
“Lavinia! Look at who Emmy brought with her!” Saphira said, setting down the candle and joining them in the living room. She was practically giddy. Lavinia watched as Emmeline brought over a wicker basket full of blankets. It wasn’t until Emmeline brought the basket closer that Lavinia spotted a black-scaled baby dragon, sleeping soundly.
Lavinia gasped. “Oh my god! Who is this?”
“My brother’s new baby dragon, Motu,” Emmeline replied. “He just hatched a month ago, and I’m babysitting.” Lavinia had never seen such a young basalta dragon. Even at this age, he was bigger than other baby dragon breeds.
“Isn’t he thecutest?” Saphira asked. She crowded around the basket with Lavinia.
“Adorable,” Lavinia agreed before looking up at Emmeline. “I didn’t know you had siblings.”
Aiden snorted, entering the living room. “Being an older sister is Emmy’s full-time job,” he said, coming over to stand with Saphira. “The coffee-roasting business is her side gig.”
Emmeline laughed, though she looked a little irritated. “Yes, Ihave a little sister, then two younger brothers, all in their twenties. My sister got married and moved away, and neither one of my brothers drinks coffee, so you’ve never met them at the cafe.”
Emmeline set the basket and sleeping baby down on the side, then sat down with Saphira and Aiden. Lavinia sat with Genevieve on the other couch, and they chatted while Emmeline and Saphira had a conversation of their own.
“Oh my god, I forgot to tell you,” Lavinia said, grabbing Genevieve’s hand. She looked over to make sure Emmeline wasn’t listening, then lowered her voice. “I saw Luke Hayward at the Animal Hospital. He said to say hi to Emmy.”
Somehow, Emmeline heard, and she was immediately triggered. “Lavinia!” she cried. “What am I hearing!”
“Um, you shouldn’t be hearing anything because I was whispering,” Lavinia replied, laughing.
Emmeline glowered. “Thatheathendared to tell you to say hi tome.”
Saphira tried not to laugh. “What heathen?” Aiden asked, looking confused.
“The owner of Tempest,” Emmeline replied. She couldn’t even bear to say his name.
“Oh, Luke?” Aiden said.
Emmeline made a disgusted face.
“I totally feel like they’ve hooked up or something,” Genevieve whispered to Lavinia. Again, Emmeline heard. She made a cry of absolute offense, face red.
“Ginny, he is literally evil,” Emmeline said, though she didn’t deny the theory. “Evil!”
