“No, those were the names their birth parents gave them and we wanted the twins to have something of them, even if it was only their names,” Dylon replied.
“Jessica is such a pretty name for her,” said Logan, holding Jessica after Lizzie reluctantly handed her over. “Do you remember mom’s middle name was Jessica?”
“I forgot about that…but you’re right,” said Cody.
“Good thing she doesn’t look like you, bro. I think you got lucky…Jake looks like Dylon and Jessica doesn’t look like you,” Colton teased.
“Fuck off, asshole,” Cody said.
“Cody Blackwood! Don’t you use that language around my grandpups!” ordered Lizzie.
“Hear, hear! Great, someone else on my side,” said Jackson.
“Really? Didn’t I hear you use that language the other day, bro?” asked Carson.
“Hey, what are we betting on first?” asked Zane.
“How about when they shift any part of their body?” asked Carson.
“Okay but we’ll need separate bets for each of them,” answered Zane.
“Both of them look healthy,” said Colton, “but maybe Ian should take a look…just to make sure.”
“Yup, we were planning on that. But, I also want you and Ian to examine Kieran, Theodore and Norman to make sure there aren’t any lasting side effects from what they went through,” said Cody.
“I agree,” said Ian. “Especially Kieran. If he suffered sexual abuse, he’ll need some counseling so it doesn’t affect him for the rest of his life.”
“I don’t know about that,” said Cody, “he seems pretty okay to me. You should have seen him take Slate to task. Oh, and he wouldn’t leave with me unless all of Arald’s prisoners were freed too. He’s pretty brave for such a little guy…like the time he threatened to kill Slate, Dylon, or me if his friends were hurt.”
“What?”
“It’s a funny story but later, when Kieran and his friends are asleep,” Cody said. “Hey Lizzie, let’s take Jessica and Jake inside, okay? It’s time for their bottles soon and I know you’ll want to feed at least one of them.” Cody guided Lizzie inside as she continued to talk to Jessica telling her all the fun they were going to have and how the females of the family had to stick together. Once inside, Cody found a chair for Lizzie and was just heading in to get two bottles when Dakota came out of the kitchen holding them.
“Thought your other children might be hungry too, bro,” Dakota said.
“Ha, ha, very funny,” Cody said, adding, “thanks for this. I’m still trying to get the hang of parenthood.”
“You’ll do fine, bro. Chillax, pups can pick up when their parents are stressed,” Dakota said.
“How’re the guys doing?” Cody asked, jerking his head towards the kitchen.
“They’re eating up a storm. Were they getting enough to eat where they were before?” asked Dakota.
“No,” Cody growled. “They were prisoners and were fed gruel with almost no meat.”
“Ahh, that explains why they’ve each eaten three steaks. I better get back in there,” said Dakota.
“Hey, bro?” called Cody, “Thanks for taking care of them. I appreciate it.”
“Sure, no problem,” Dakota said before heading back to the kitchen.
Taking one bottle over to Lizzie and Jessica, Cody then gave the other to his mate and watched as Jake eagerly latched onto the nipple. Then he realized he had no place for the pups to sleep tonight, and just as he was about to mention it to Jackson, Oracle spoke.
“Cody, Dylon, I am glad you love your gift from the Fates. And yes, I did know what the Fates had planned for you. I also know you had no idea what would be given to you in Tajikistan. I took the liberty of buying you portable cribs until you can decide what you want.”
“Wow! Thanks! I was just thinking about where our pups would sleep tonight,” said Dylon.
“Yes, thank you very much,” added Cody. “Dylon and I would like Lizzie to help us set up a temporary nursery until Logan can design one for us.” He looked around for Logan but he wasn’t in the great room. Later he would talk to him. Right now, his mind, heart and soul were radiating pure love as he smiled at his mate and his pups; he had finally found the love, family and peace he had sought for so long.
