Chapter 25
Chapter
Twenty-Five
Lachlan studied the huge tree they had just finished decorating for Yule.
It was perfect, and he loved how the star on top twinkled with a wee bit of light magic from Kieran. The sparkle of ornaments and icicles looked festive, and every time Micah toddled toward the base to try to touch, Wiver cut him off.
They just needed to get through the holidays, and then he would start gearing up for the new baby in a big way.
Baby shower. Final touches on the nursery. All the fun parts of a baby.
Right now, though, he wanted to celebrate his mate’s birthday and Yule.
Alban had made a huge birthday cake, and they were going to head to the middle of town, the entire wing was coming, even Gareth.
Lachlan had some big feelings about Gareth, but he had to admit the dragon had stayed put, and had gone to work for the wing, helping with their investments.
Everyone was happy with his work, with his attitude, and Lachlan had to respect that.
He didn’t want to, but he would.
Kieran seemed to be okay with it all. In fact, he had relaxed even more, taking Micah out for walks with Wiver, teaching art three days a week, and meeting Lars and Samuel for decaf at the coffee shop.
“Come on, mate,” he encouraged. “Let’s get down to the tree lighting.”
And your surprise party.
He tried to keep that thought to himself, but sometimes things bled through.
Kieran checked their bag one more time, making sure they had all they needed for Micah. “Onward!”
Nodding, Lachlan hoisted toddler and familiar into his arms before heading out to the big SUV. Oh, the cold slapped his face when he walked out, making his breath plume out.
“Hop in. The car’s all warmed up for us.”
Kieran chuckled and loaded the diaper bag in while he put Micah in the car seat. “You do love Yule, don’t you?”
“I do. And it’s your birthday. How can I not love that more?” They loaded everything up, heading for the big downtown event. There was just enough new snow to make everything look magical. It felt perfect.
What made it better was the cake, the candles, and the singing of the wing as Kieran stepped out of the SUV and into the clearing.
His eyes went wide, and he whipped his head around to stare at Lachlan. “I thought this was a tree lighting!”
“It is. After the birthday celebration.” Lachlan winked, so proud to have sprung this on his mate. “Happy birthday, my love.”
“Birfdee! Birfdee, Da!”
Kieran’s eyes filled with tears. “That’s right. Happy birthday to me.”
“Is it a good thing?” Lachlan stroked one off Kieran’s cheek.
“Yes.” Kieran sniffled. “Very good. Thank you.”
“Well, let’s go get where the heaters are set up.”
Everyone was yelling and waving and singing to Kieran, and he was laughing like crazy. So was Micah. Wiver danced along with them, his little sweater the most hilarious thing Lachlan had ever seen.
Gareth watched Micah from afar with a smile, but didn’t make any overtures toward him, which Lachlan appreciated. At some point, after the new baby arrived, after the holidays were done, he knew he would unbend and let Gareth in a little bit if Kieran also wished it.
If not, the other dragon could just deal with it.
He’d walked away, he could pay the consequences.
Right now, Lachlan wanted to celebrate his mate’s birthday, and Kieran was beaming, blowing out candles and accepting congratulations from everyone. Singing loudly, he waited for that candle extinguishing before pulling Kieran to him for a kiss.
“Cake or presents first?” He happened to know no one had given Kieran anything for the baby. This was all little handmade stuff just for him.
Kieran’s eyes went wide. “There are presents?”
“Of course there are.” He kissed Kieran’s cheek.
“Oh, goodness. All of you are so kind?”
“Da! Prez!”
“I know. I’ll need you to help me open them, my big boy!”
The entire village seemed to be there, cutting cake and handing Kieran little gifts and herding children around. Heaters were set up, and lights twinkled —though the tree was unlit yet— and it seemed perfect and magical.
Bryant stood at his shoulder. “He seems happy, brother. Is everything well? There’s no trouble, is there?”
“No. I’m surprised, frankly, but Gareth seems to be exactly who he says he is. And Kieran is deep in the preparations for the baby…” He clapped his brother on the arm. “I am a happy dragon.”
“I’m glad to hear it, brother. You deserve happiness. And we all adore your mate.”
Those words made him puff up with pride. “That pleases me beyond words.”
Kieran beamed at him, his hair decorated with sparkly wreaths, his lap covered with a handmade blanket. Micah was playing with the other children, bouncing and squealing, before toddling back to help Kieran open a gift.
And once they’d all had cake and hot chocolate, Logan stepped up to the center of the plaza to make the announcement.
“The happiest of happy birthdays to Kieran! And now we will light the tree for Yule! We’ll be burning a Yule log tonight once it’s dark to keep that darkness at bay.
Many thanks to all who volunteered to stay up with it and tend the fire.
Happy yule everyone. I feel like Oro is magical at this time of year, and the guardians are all glad you’re with us! ”
Cheers rose up, and Kieran clapped along, waving at everyone who wished him happy birthday one more time. He looked like the Yule king. It was adorable.
Lachlan had never been more in love than he was right now. I love you, my mate.
Kieran glanced over at him, face wreathed in smiles. I love you too. Thank you. What a wondrous surprise.
The village wanted to do it for you. And so did I.
I feel like I belong. Kieran rose, picking up Micah when he held up his arms, and came to him to stand and admire the lights. The farolitos were out and ready to illuminate when it got to dusk, and the Yule log lay ready to burn as well.
Not that Lachlan needed it. Kieran was his sunshine. His beautiful light dragon.
He wrapped an arm around his mate and baby, his brother at his side, and knew all was right with his world at last.
Kieran hummed to himself as he folded onesies and socks and tiny blankets into the amazing antique clothing press Lachlan had gotten him for the nursery.
It was something their baby girl, Helena, would be able to treasure all her life.
It was solid wood, with a carved sun motif on the top and sweet carved openings in the shapes of stars to let the cloth inside breathe.
So wonderful.
The baby shower had been so lovely, and his friends had been amazing, Samuel, Lars, Dakota, and Mickey coming together to make it the most special day.
Lachlan had hauled everything upstairs for him, but it seemed to be taking days to get it all put away like he wanted it.
The midwife had visited just yesterday, telling him it could be any time, and he smiled as his back twinged, telling him his little girl was almost ready to join the world.
It was perfect timing — the snows were deep, Micah’s birthday was in a few weeks, and he felt calm and ready. Another hum joined his, their little girl’s song swelling high and sweet. He wondered if she would be a musical dragon…
Another twinge made him frown, because this one was much stronger. Sudden, somehow.
Love? Where are you? Lachlan had Micah and Wiver in his office, giving Kieran some alone time.
Up in the nursery.
Are you well? I felt something…
Just twinges. That’s all. He put a hand on his belly, bending to stretch his back.
Are you sure?
I am. It’s just hiccups. I’m making sure the nursery is ready for her. And it was heavenly, warm and cheery, close to them and Micah.
Are you sure? That last twinge made my back hurt.
He chuckled. Lachlan had been having all sorts of sympathetic pains with him. And swelling. It made him laugh every time.
I’m sure.
Alban knocked gently on the nursery door just then, smiling at him from the doorway, holding a tray that smelled like heaven. “I brought some herbal tea and some plain cookies. I know the cinnamon is giving you a little heartburn right now.”
“Thank you, dear one.” He walked over, having to stop a minute to breathe. “I’m feeling her today.”
“I can tell. There’s a waiting aura to the house today. I feel like she’ll come soon, just like Sally said.” Alban helped him ease down into the armchair that Lachlan had brought in for them to sit with the baby and feed her or read to her.
It was a lovely, cloudlike chair, but with plenty of support. His back spasmed when he sat down, but then it eased off, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
Lachlan came in then with Micah in his arms, smiling for him. “How are you feeling?”
“A little tender.” He took Micah and hugged him. “Are you having fun with Papa?”
“Wif Papa!”
Kieran laughed, loving that pure joy. He kissed Micah’s cheek. “Your sister is fussy today.”
“No fuss! Sisser! Come pway!”
Kieran let Micah bend down to call to his belly, then kiss it.
As if she heard him, a strong cramp buzzed over his belly, stealing his breath for a second. He sucked in some air, his eyes going wide. “Whoo. Goodness.”
“Mmm. You sit and have your tea.” Alban wandered out, and Lachlan sat on the big footstool, pulling Kieran’s feet into his lap.
“Want me to rub your feet?”
“Oh, yes please.” He wiggled his toes, which were encased in thick socks, but nothing else. The slippers didn’t help at all because they pinched his feet, so he’d left them off. “That would be lovely.”
Kieran sipped his tea, but he wasn’t hungry. He just wanted to sit here, breathe, and relax with his family.
Lachlan started a slow, gentle massage, and he closed his eyes in bliss.
“Good?”
“Exceptional. Don’t stop.”
“I won’t. I promise. So what were you doing?”
“Oh, just putting things away.”
“Mmm. Are you pretty happy with where it all is now?”
Kieran tilted his head. “I am.” Finally. He’d been moving stuff around for days.
“Excellent. It’s a beautiful room.”
“Baby room,” Micah informed them. “Not mine room.”