Ross puffed his chest. "Aye, the nurse told me it's a sign of good luck. It must be my excellent genes."
Lorna rolled her eyes, but couldn't fight off a smile. "Mine played a part as well, you daft fool."
Ross gave Lorna a quick kiss. "You had twin boys, as did Finn and Ara. That's your side's genetics. The good old Anderson stock brought the luck."
Finn sighed. "Can you two argue about that later? When can we see them?"
"Dr. MacFie says soon, once she's delivered the afterbirth."
As Ross murmured with his mate, Arabella whispered to Finn, "You do realize that those poor babies are going to have an impossible time. Not only because everyone will tell them their whole lives that they're good luck and will bring an era of peace, but Fraser as an overprotective father is going to test everyone's patience."
Finn grunted. "I suspect so. But if the old tale of twin female dragon-shifters bringing peace between dragons and humans is even a wee bit true, Fraser's antics will pale by comparison. I'll sort him out somehow."
She raised her brows. "Oh? Do you have a new technique I'm unaware of?"
He squeezed her waist. "Aye, if he doesn't behave then I'll tell the clan that visiting his daughters weekly will help usher in good luck to their families."
"That isn't part of the old legends," she drawled.
"So? Everyone will assume it's from a version they haven't heard."
She shook her head. "And that will rein him in, how? Fraser isn't a hermit. He enjoys socializing."
"Socializing, yes, but would you want Meg Boyd and her beaus in your house on a weekly basis, telling you how to raise the bairns properly?'
She snorted. "Fair point." Her gaze trailed to her father, who sat with a sleeping Grayson in his arms. Maybe she should wait until later, but she hated not knowing. So, she blurted, "Finn, I think my father should live with us."
For a few seconds, her mate remained silent. She started to wonder if he would outright deny her.
When he finally replied, she could barely hear it. "Maybe. Once I have my background check, I can let you know." Her face must've given away her feelings, because Finn added, "I know you want to help him, love. And while my surname may be Stewart, I was mostly raised a MacKenzie and you know we don't turn away those who need help. But I need to ensure he's not a threat first."
A different female may have pouted or tried to convince their mate they were wrong just because. But that wasn't Arabella's way. "I want to say no, I don't understand your way of thinking. And yet, I do. Just promise me that you'll tell me what you find as soon as possible. He's been so happy with the boys, and with a little work, I think he can be that way most of the time."
He nodded. "I have faith that he can be someday, too. But I want a promise from you too, aye? Don't forget about your own feelings and unresolved anger. When the time is right, you need to talk to him about it."
"I will." Finn raised his brows, unconvinced, and she added, "I promise that I'll talk to him. Because for as long as I put it off, I give you free rein to badger me about it. And the less of that I have to endure, the better."
He grinned. "Then I'll just have to make the most of it whilst I can."
She nearly groaned, but Freya stirred in her crib, garnering her attention. Arabella rushed to her daughter and sighed in relief when she saw her pupils were round. "We'll have you home in no time, Freya, love. Just cooperate a little longer for Mummy and Daddy, okay?"
Her daught
er drooled.
Chuckling, Arabella picked up her daughter and carried her to where George sat. "And this is your granddad, Freya. He's spoiling your brother at the moment, but he'll be doing the same with you soon enough."
Her father met her eyes at that, filled with surprise. She added, "Dr. Sid should have her blood test results soon since she's conducting them herself. I'm hoping for it to be an allergy. If so, there's no reason you shouldn't have a chance to hold your youngest granddaughter."
After nodding, her dad looked back at sleeping Grayson and smiled.
Maybe everything would end up being all right with her family after all.
Family. A few years ago, she never would've hoped for such a thing.
Her dragon spoke up. Which means we shouldn't take it for granted.
Of course not.