“Thank you, brother.” He watched Elliot climb on Kristofer, who went utterly still, eyes wide. He looked as though a venomous wild animal had jumped on him.
The effect was rather pleasing.
Elliot squirmed up high enough to stare Kristofer right in the eyes, his forehead pressing against his brother’s. “Hello.”
“Hello?” Kristofer looked a little panicked, to be honest.
“What’s your name?” Elliot croaked.
“Kristofer, what’s yours?”
“El-li-ot,” he ground out, and then he grinned, throwing himself back against Kristofer’s hands, knowing without doubt that no one would let him fall.
He looked at Evander upside down. “Dis my friend.”
Evander put Isabelle on his shoulder and said, “Yes, he’s my brother.”
Elliot frowned. “Your brudder?”
Evander nodded. “Yes, you know how you are Isabelle’s brother? Kristofer is my brother.”
Elliot’s eyes went wide. “Uncle?”
Kristofer shook his head even as Evander nodded. “That’s your Uncle Kristofer.”
Elliot’s laugh filled the air, so happy and warm and joyous that even Kristofer cracked a smile. “Uncle Kristofer!”
Father was rocking Tisi, who was sound asleep in his arms, and Serena looked like she was going to cry if she didn’t get a snuggle.
“Gregor, if you don’t hold that little girl, I’m going to let her weep on you.”
Gregor stared at him for a moment, eyebrow arched, and then opened up his arms. “Come here, little one. Come see your Uncle Gregor.”
Father beamed. Somebody was over the moon.
“Oh, look at everyone, you all look so happy.” Corbin looked healthy and whole, well-dressed in a lovely dark brown tunic and jeans. It was charming.
Elliot gave Corbin a wave with his chubby little fist. “Uncle Corbin, this is Uncle Kristofer.”
“Kristofer? How lovely. And Uncle Gregor, too, I see. And this is?” Corbin pointed to Father.
“Grandpa Archer!”
“Very good.” Corbin popped a cheese puff in his mouth.
“My perfect boy,” Father said. “I am well pleased with your choice of family, Evander. If your brothers choose half was well, I will be the luckiest fae in existence.”
Corbin flushed, his cheeks going a dark green. He was pleased; Evander could tell.
“Are you well, Corbin?” Gergor asked. “Evander says you require tea, and Cosmo has offered to speak to your mother. Would you like me to go and get it?”
“Oh, I’m sure that… well, let me check with Cosmo, and if he’s going to bring it back, there’s no reason for you to have to make the trip.”
Is that all right?he asked, and Evander nodded, barely.
He’s just trying to get out of holding the baby. It’s good for him.
Oh, all right then. Are you happy with Isabelle, or do you need me to take her?
