Page 46 of Fire in Cabin 27
“Oh, my goddess, she’s the most beautiful girl ever,” Juni scooped her right up, his tears darkening her iridescent Bordeaux scales. I wasn’t sure Juni would let the rest of us have a turn to hold her. Kael hopped on my lap, and I held my son tight, thankful both our dragonets had arrived and were healthy and safe.
“Our sweet girl Kalliope, welcome to the light, tiny Princess.” Giving both our children a blessing as they entered the world was important and I’m glad I was the one to give it.
With another shared giggle they shifted, and Juni and I were left to gaze upon our adorable human babies.
“You scared us, little girl. You’re going to be quite mischievous, aren’t you,” Pops kissed her forehead as he got his two seconds to hold her. I believed without a doubt, he was right. Beauty and brains were a dangerous combination, and our princess was that and so much more.
Epilogue
Juni
Our first family Christmas
“Please install the baby gate at the foot of the stairs today,” I begged, sadly it wasn’t the first time I’d asked. The twins were only a couple months old, but they were crawling and climbing like mad already. “Are you sure all dragonets are this…well, far ahead of the growing curve?”
“For the most part, yes.” Kyson ran out to the shop and grabbed the drill and screwed the gate into the wall and stair post. “There, but don’t be surprised if they don’t figure the latch out soon.”
“Don’t say things like that. My heart races the entire time they’re awake as it is.”
“Sweetheart,” Kyson rubbed my back as I stood there watching the twins play, “they’re dragonets. They will get into things, they will hurt themselves, and they will heal. All we can do is kiss there boo-boos and tell them we love them.”
“That’s what mom keeps saying, but I don’t know, I’ve never been around babies before, so I have nothing to gauge this from.”
“Good, because you’d have to erase all that from your mind and relearn it dragon style. Remember how nervous you were the first time they nursed, or the first time they slept in their cribs?”
“Still nervous with them a floor away from us.”
“I put up the baby gate at the top of the stairs too. All is well. Now, let me get back to the surprises I’ve been working on for you.”
That caught my attention, he knows how much I love his surprises. “For me? Really?” So far he’d brought in blocks and a wooden train set for the babies. “Yay, my turn!”
“Silly Queenie. I’ll be back in bit.”
I’d just sat on the playmat with the twins when in came my brothers-in-law. “Delivery,” Kobalt called out. “Family and boxes.”
Each brother had a stack of boxes in their arms. Azure squeezed past with Kayden and Keegan. “Playtime.”
“Where do you want all of these?” Kobalt asked.
“Ooohhh, that must be all the Christmas decorations. Just set them against the wall, please. We still need to get a tree.”
“Got that too,” Pops came in carrying it. “One you can replant come spring per your request, sir.”
“I’m so excited for our first family Christmas.” I wondered when they’d get to town and pick up everything, but I didn’t want to come across as needy. That Juni was long gone, even though patience still wasn’t a virtue of mine.
The brothers went to check on Kyson while Azure and I played with the little ones. “Is it weird that I totally love the fact we both have kids at the same time?”
“No. Until you moved here it was just me and Kallie, but she lives on the other side of the compound. You’re just a short walk away, plus you’re my bestie.” Every time Azure said that it was like my own special win.
Ready for your surprise, Juni?
Guess it’s not something sexy since we have a houseful.
Ha-ha, nope. Headed your way.
Kobalt and Koan walked in first with Kyson and Pops behind them. Kordell must’ve gotten lost along the way. I jumped up and tried to peek around them, but they blocked Kyson with their massive bodies.
“Ready guys?” Kyson asked. “One, two, three,” Kordell and Koan pulled the tarps off the covers and what they revealed dropped me to my knees.
