“You know, when we do get around to having a kid, you’re going to have to pick up your own laundry,” he said.
I made a face. “How is that a rule?”
“I have it on good authority that kids go through multiple outfits a day. There are spit-up issues … and poop issues.” His nose wrinkled. “They grow out of those issues relatively fast, don’t they?”
I laughed. “I’m not sure we’re ready for kids.”
“That’s why we’re going to enjoy married life for a year or two first.”
“You’re still okay with one?” I’d asked him that question so many times I’d lost count.
“I’ve already told you.” He sounded exasperated.
“But your mother makes it sound as if wolf shifters are supposed to have a full litter.”
“A litter?”
“That’s what they’re called,” I protested. “I looked it up. I asked Booker and he said that’s what they’re supposed to be called.”
“A litter suggests the mother is giving birth to multiple children,” he countered. “Pack is a better word.”
I considered it. “Do you want a pack?”
“No.”
“Are you sure?” I didn’t want to deprive the man of what he needed to be happy, but I couldn’t see myself having more than one or two kids. “Your mother said?—”
He cut me off with a firm headshake. “My mother had one child. Who is she to tell you how many you’re supposed to have?”
“Booker said?—”
“Booker is messing with you. He thinks it’s funny to wind you up like a toy and point you at me.” He moved closer. “Do you really think Booker and Lilac are going to have more than one child?”
I could see that. “I bet they have a whole baseball team. When they start, they won’t be able to stop.”
“Lilac would enjoy being a soccer mom,” Galen conceded. “She’s going to be a great mother. Given their kids will have fire and air elements to throw around magically, I’m not sure they can keep up with more than one or two.”
My mind was a busy place as Galen climbed into bed. He cast me a pointed look when I remained standing in front of the window, pink lightning illuminating the room around us.
“Are you coming?” he prodded, lifting the sheet. We kept a light blanket on the bed. It was too hot to ever worry about anything more.
I rolled in next to him, resting my head on his shoulder. Galen was a cuddler and I didn’t mind it, but the man ran hot, especially during a restorative sleep. I would be a sweaty mess if he forgot halfway through the night and took his position as the big spoon.
“What are you thinking?” Galen asked when I didn’t say anything for a long stretch.
“I guess … well … I just want to make sure.” I was earnest when I looked up at him. “Your happiness is important to me.”
He chuckled. “I am happy, Hadley.”
“But will you stay that way?”
“As long as I have you, yes. We could have no children and I will still be happy.”
“You don’t want children?”
“I do want one. I think I’ll be a good father. I can even see us with two, but there would be several years between them. Nothing beyond that.”
“Okay.” I allowed myself to relax.
