Chapter 31Gavin
CHAPTER
THIRTY-ONE
GAVIN
The sun isn’t up, but the rest of the house is wide awake.
Jules and I woke on and off through the night, anytime Hemlock or Oleander so much as twitched or made the softest of noises. He fed them while I got him a drink or a snack. I changed their diapers while urging Jules to rest because his body is still recovering.
It’s been sixteen years since I was up and down with a baby and somehow I forgot how exhausting it is to care for a newborn. Now, I have two. As badly as I want to crawl into bed with my mate and our newborns, maybe get twelve hours of solid sleep, I have three other children, a son-in-law, an ex-wife and a best friend waiting to meet the newest additions to our family.
“You ready?” I run my free hand down Jules’ spine.
He’s rocking Hemlock while I have Oleander cradled close to my heart. For now, because they look so similar, we’re dressing one in blue and the other in green so we can tell them apart.
Doctor Dulany also suggested using permanent markers to write the first letter of their name on the bottom of their foot until they begin to develop their own unique scent. They still smell like a sweet and soft mix of me and Jules, and will for a few more months.
“Yeah, I’m ready.” He’s still tired and I’m half tempted to put him back to bed. No one will care if they have to wait a few more hours to meet the boys, but I know Jules is excited to show them off.
I drop a soft and chaste kiss on his lush mouth before I push the bedroom door open and let him go ahead of me. His steps are slow and measured. The scent of breakfast is heavy in the air, and the excited chatter of our family grows in volume. Everyone is gathered in the living room with breakfast scattered on the coffee table. Altair has clearly been busy.
Iolani is the first to notice us. “How are you feeling, Dad?”
Everyone follows her lead and gathers around.
“Tired. Happy.” Jules leans into my side.
I shoo the boys back as I urge Jules forward. “Let him sit down.” They step out of the way, making room as I guide him to the sofa and help him sit down. I sit next to him and he presses into my side as he adjusts his hold on Hemlock.
“This is Hemlock.” He runs his fingers across Hemlock’s brow. The boy turns into his chest, but doesn’t wake. “Gavin has Oleander.”
Callum blinks rapidly, clearing his damp eyes, with Silo at his side. He carefully runs his hand over their heads. “I’m your big brother; welcome to the family.”
Silo reaches for Hemlock but curls his fingers into his palm as he looks between Jules and me. The question is plain as day in his eyes. I dip my head. He’s Callum’s mate. Family. He should scent mark his nephews. All of my family—each of the boys, Iolani, and Thane too—will scent mark the newest additions. Claim each of them as one of their own.
“Is something wrong with their eyes?” Silo asks.
“No.” Jules slips his finger into Hemlock’s tiny hand. I pat Oleander on his bottom to calm him when he begins to wiggle. He settles quickly but begins to root around for a nipple. “Pikas are born blind. They won’t be able to see for a few days.”
Callum rubs the back of his neck. “I thought they’d have a lot of hair but they’re bald.”
Jules laughs under his breath as I pass him Oleander and take Hemlock. “Pikas are born bald, as well. They’ll get hair later.”
I pull a blanket off the back of the sofa with my free hand and drape it over Jules. He adjusts it so he can feed Oleander without exposing himself to everyone. No one would care if he did, but I know Jules well enough to know he wouldn’t like being so on display.
“You weren’t much to look at either when you were born,” Altair teases Callum, who pokes his tongue out at his big brother but steps back so Altair can take his place. He brushes his fingers over their bald heads.
“You’re really not one to talk, either.” Baz scent marks his brothers when it’s his turn. He’s the oldest of five now. Maybe more in the future.
“Hey! You’re supposed to be on my side now.”
Baz snorts but pulls Altair close. “Is that how it’s supposed to work?”
“Yes.” I never thought I’d see the day Altair pouted, but here we are.
“All of you were ugly after you shifted for the first time. Like pale, squishy potatoes,” Iolani says. I choke on a laugh. Maybe that isn’t something you should say to your children, but she says it with a smile.
Altair crosses his arms over his chest. “I’m low-key offended.”
“You’ll survive.” She tugs on his ponytail and drops a kiss on his nose. Easily done since they’re about the same height. Altair turns away but we all see his pleased expression. “They look good, Jules—strong and healthy.”
“Thank you. For everything.” Jules’ voice cracks; he swallows a few times before he clears his throat. “It means a lot that you stayed with us.”
Iolani didn’t have to be here or help as much as she did. Jules and I could’ve figured it out and gotten through his pregnancy on our own, but I’m grateful she stayed. Not only because she’s been so helpful, but because it’s actually nice to have her home again for the first time in several years. I know the boys have enjoyed the last couple of months too.
“Let me know if you need anything.” Thane scent marks both boys, the same as he did for Callum when he was born. The same as I did for Silo when he was only a few hours old.
“You’ll most likely have to pull some of my weight at the diner for a little longer.” It’s important I’m here for Jules and the twins for the next couple of months. They’re all going to need me.
Thane waves my concern away; he already knows.
“How long does it take for them to start looking like something other than squishy potatoes?” Altair sits on the arm of the sofa. Baz stands beside him. He’s not just there as a protective older brother anymore either.
As much as it bothers me that they’re... together the way they are, I love them. I want them to be happy and if they’re happy with each other, I can look the other way.
“It probably depends. I mean, look at you...” Callum’s smart enough to be standing on the other side of the coffee table. If he was any closer, Altair would punch him.
Instead, he just waves his middle finger at him before crossing his arms over his chest. “The level of abuse I’m getting this morning is uncalled for.”
“It’s good for your ego.” I squeeze his thigh with my free hand. He knows we’re all teasing him. “Thank you for cooking breakfast, by the way.” He had help in the kitchen, I’m sure, but he would’ve been the one doing most of the work.
He shrugs. “I have my uses. Besides, I have to prove my worth and maintain my position as favorite now that I have some real competition.”
“You’ll always be my favorite.” Baz wraps an arm around Altair’s neck before dropping a kiss on his head.
“Suck-up.” Callum comes around the coffee table and falls to the floor at my feet. His shoulder presses into my leg as he holds a hand out to Silo, who takes his hand and his place beside his mate.
Altair kicks Callum in the arm. “Problem child.”
“I should’ve swallowed,” Iolani declares.
The boys groan and slap their hands over their ears. I laugh at their pain, glad that for once someone else is traumatizing them. Jules presses against my side with a chuckle and I drop my arm over his shoulder. His smile is wide, making the dimples in his cheeks pop. It reaches his eyes and brightens his whole face. I can’t help but steal a taste. His mouth is soft and sweet under mine before we pull apart and he rests his head on my shoulder with a soft sigh.
Before Jules, I thought I was happy. Now I know better. Here with him, surrounded by the laughter and love of our family as they help us welcome our two newest members into the fold, I’m happier than I was yesterday but only half as happy as I’ll be tomorrow.