Her dad merely grinned at her mom. Looking back and forth between her parents, a sense of home and belonging came over her. Not even ten years apart would ever change that feeling.
Tristan and her mom joined the little group. Her mom already had Jack in a protective cuddle. She wouldn’t be giving up her grandson anytime soon.
Tristan placed a hand on Mel’s back and she leaned against him. Her parents glanced at each other. Their looks were filled with love and understanding, as if they were remembering their own first years of marriage.
Oliver, however, focused more on the baby in his arms, probably because he was still unused to the idea of his sister having a husband.
Mel’s mother was the one to break the silence. “As much as I love the Lake District, how about we go to your home and have some tea? You two both look exhausted and could use the rest.”
Mel rolled her eyes. “You just want time to play with your grandbabies.”
“Maybe,” her mother simply stated.
Mel’s dad shook his head. “Right, then how about we get moving. We only have a week here and I want to make every second count.”
Tristan rubbed Mel’s back as he answered, “If it’s okay with you, James, we’ll lead the way.”
Mel’s dad bobbed his head and Tristan gave Mel a gentle push. She stood her ground and whispered, “Shouldn’t we walk beside them?”
Tristan leaned down. “Give them a few minutes to gawk at the dragons overhead. Otherwise, they’ll feel obligated to chat with you the whole way.”
Mel glanced over her shoulder. Her parents each had a baby in their arms, with Oliver walking between them. As a dragon cried overhead, her brother looked up with fascination.
Turning back around, Melanie harrumphed. “Sometimes you’re too perceptive, Tristan MacLeod.”
“I’m a teacher, remember? If I didn’t pay attention, my classes would devolve into chaos.”
The image of ten seven-year-olds running around screaming while Tristan looked on brought a smile to her face. “I somehow doubt that’ll happen. One growl would whip them back into shape.”
A beat of silence passed before her mate murmured, “You did it, Melanie. Because of you, your parents are here, dragons have a chance at freedom, and our children may have an easier future. You’re bloody amazing.”
She smiled. “I know.”
Tristan barked out a laugh. “So much for modesty.”
“I’m just being honest. And you know what? I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without you, Tristan.”
Tristan stopped them and turned her face. “We’ll always do everything together. No matter what happens, I love you.”
“And I love you, Tristan. Now, kiss me.”
“In front of your parents?”
“Now you’re being modest?”
The corner of his mouth ticked up. “Oh, what the hell.”
He moved down to kiss her. Despite the comment from her brother of, “I really don’t need to see you kissing anyone, Mel,” she leaned into her mate’s kiss.
As his tongue stroked hers, Melanie knew that no matter what happened, with the love of her mate, her children, and her family, she could face anything. She wouldn’t allow anyone to take away her happily ever after.
*~*~*~*
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Finn and Arabella’s story is next! Healed by the Dragon: Part One will be available on March 19, 2015. Turn the page to learn how to receive an alert when it’s ready and for glimpses of my other works.
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