He could no more have stopped his headlong rush to his mate than he could stop breathing. His hand joined Calla’s on Corbin’s belly, and the laughter intensified.
Daidi! Daidi Daidi Daidi Daidi Daidi Daidi!
He nodded, because he couldn’t have denied it if he wanted to, and he didn’t want to.I am. I’m your daidi, and I’m right here.
Corbin laughed for him, his hand covered theirs, and Evander could see it—this trio of energies of bright colors spinning—not pink, purple, and green. These were the autumn leaves that he had seen in the deep parts of the wood that the Court of Roses never reached.
These children were his babies, hunters joined with flowers, mixed with the wild magic of dragons.
“They’re going to be amazing,” Calla said. “They’re going to be a perfect addition to the family.”
Evander nodded, tears trapped in his eyes. “They will be amazing hunters, my love.”
“And growers. And whatever they want to be.” Corbin laughed, dashing away the tears. “They’re wonderful.”
Calla kissed their cheeks, one after the other. “You honor me, allowing me to be here for this. Now let’s feed them.”
“Yes.” Corbin laughed, and they all sat back down to tea, laughing and chatting until the other brothers joined them.
Tisi whinnied in pure joy when he saw Calla, coming right to her and snuggling in before going to Evander and getting another hug.
The little pegasus smelled of smoke and powder and a summer storm, and he cuddled the sweet one for a long minute before Tisi pushed away to see Calla.
She was surrounded for a moment by grandchildren, and she seemed overjoyed.
Now that I can let myself see it,Corbin leaned against him.I can see how much she adores them—all of them.
Of course she does. They’re hers—her line, her happiness, her joy.
Elliot was talking to her a mile a minute, and Serena was flying in front of her, demanding attention. Little Isabelle had simply crawled up her back and was now laying on the top of her head, like a crown.
It seemed as if it was utterly perfect in every way.
Even if Cosmo rolled his eyes and groaned. “Isabelle, get down. That is your grandmother’s head.”
“It’s fine, she’s fine. Everyone needs to eat. Didn’t Corbin and Evander do an amazing job with brunch?” Calla’s laughter sounded like raindrops pattering on spring grass.
“They really did. I think that should be their job from now on.” Orion winked over.Is everything better?he asked Evander, and Evander nodded.
I think so. I think they have come to some sort of an agreement, and it pleases me.
Good. It doesn’t do them any good or the grandchildren either to be at odds.
That was my thinking as well. They seem much happier.
Corbin looked at his brothers. “We heard the babies like distinctly. I think Yarrow is absolutely correct when he says there’s three.”
Hawk raised his eyebrows. “That’s just what we need.”
Evander would have taken Hawk to task, but he didn’t have to. Corbin threw a muffin at him instead. “Don’t be maligning my babies.”
“I’m not. I’m simply saying, when they start coming three at a time, we’re really going to have to get more people in this house to watch over them.” The big dragon grinned out and bent to kiss Corbin on the cheek. “Congratulations, my brother.” Then heturned to clap Evander on the shoulder. “Be careful. These three produce devious babies.”
Elliot turned to frown at his father. “Me devious?”
Calla just got his attention back with a hand on his little head. “My darling boy, you’re the perfect first grandchild. You are my best first grandson, my solid as a rock little one, and you are making your own way. Your father is only teasing.”
“Yes, son, I’m only teasing,” Hawk said. “Please don’t kick me. I see you thinking about it.”
