“Aye, I know. But we can talk more about that later.” He leaned down over the pram. “How are our three musketeers?”
She sighed. “I wish you’d stop calling them that.”
Finn grinned. “I gave you a list of names and that’s the one you disliked the least.”
“The demon trio doesn’t exactly instill confidence when it comes to finding babysitters,” Arabella drawled.
“Finn’s three amazing offspring is still an option.”
“Finn.”
“Aye, I know. You’re knackered and my teasing isn’t helping.”
She leaned against his side. “I’m just glad Tristan and Melanie arrived today. They can help us adjust.”
The clan had been deemed safe for the time being a few days ago. Finn was still cautious about the lake, but the DDA had finally taken the chemical weapon threat seriously. Between the DDA and the group of Lochguard and Stonefire scientists working on a neutralization cure, Arabella was confident they’d be able to rid the dragons of at least one threat in the near future.
Finn spoke up again. “I still say your brother should’ve stayed in his own cottage.”
She raised her brows. “There’s no way Tristan would allow Melanie to stay in a different house for their visit. You know that.”
Finn grunted. “Maybe.”
She rolled her eyes. “Just forget about my brother. Today should be about Gray, Dec, and Freya.”
Arabella stared down at her three babies and smiled. She didn’t know how someone could come to love three people so quickly, but she couldn’t imagine her life without her three little ones. She might be constantly tired and already had her fill of changing nappies, but she wasn’t going to take her children for granted. Her own parents had left Arabella and her brother too early. No matter what it took, Arabella was going to do everything in her power to ensure her babies had their parents for many years to come.
Finn kissed the top of her head. “Don’t forget about Faye and Grant. It’s their day, too.”
“Their ceremony is over. Ours should be about to start.”
Bram Moore-Llewellyn, Stonefire’s dark-haired clan leader, entered the room designated as the waiting area. Bram was like Arabella’s brother, and she smiled at him. “I
’m glad you could come, Bram.”
“Aye, well, Evie wasn’t too happy about staying behind, but it’s too dangerous to travel with the kids. Still, I had to come myself to ensure Finn wasn’t corrupting the wee ones already.”
Finn opened his mouth, but Arabella beat him to it. “He tries, but between me and Aunt Lorna, we should be able to keep it under control.”
A devilish look glinted in Finn’s eyes. “Speaking of which, Aunt Lorna is anxious to see you again, Bram.”
Bram shrugged. “I’m not going to be able to stay for long after the ceremony, so whatever plans you have in the works, you’ll just have to be disappointed.”
“Which is fine. All that matters is that you’re here now,” Arabella stated. She paused a second and added, “I hear the music used to quiet the clan for announcements playing so we should get going.”
Bram closed the distance and engulfed Arabella in a hug. “I’m happy for you, Ara.”
“Thanks, Bram. You played a part in it.”
Finn cleared his throat. “As did I.”
Bram released her and shook his head. “If you can handle Finn, your children should be a breeze.”
Before Finn could say anything, Bram exited the room. Arabella looked up at her mate. “I love you, but stop with the jealousy. Bram is my older brother in all but blood. You are my mate, Finn. I need you by my side for the ceremony or I might start bawling.”
He kissed her gently on the lips. “Bawling is allowed. Most mums do it when presented with the future tattoos for their bairns.”
“But they aren’t mated to the clan leader.” The music died down. “Right, then let’s see what Dylan and Kevin came up with.” She kissed him again. “Thanks for allowing Stonefire’s silversmith to help ours.”