Page 23 of The Platinum Dragon's Courageous Mate

“Making cookies and being with you.” Hopefully that was good enough for Lachlan.

“Perfect. Would you like to snuggle on the couch with cookies and coffee and mainline some silly show?”

“That sounds nice. Micah will wake up soon. He took a long nap.”

“He can play on the blanket while we cuddle, hmm?”

“He can.” He had many watchers to keep him safe.

Kieran understood that on a bone-deep level. They both had many friends here.

They had just topped off coffee with cream when he could hear Micah both in his head and on the baby monitor. “You take the cookies. I’ll get the baby.”

“Are you sure?”

“I am. I’ll be down in a few.” He wanted to get Micah changed and ready to see his Lachlan.

“I’ll be ready.” Lachlan gave him a soft smile.

His heart was beating hard, and he almost flew up the stairs to his son.

Micah was calling for him, his baby boy happy and joyous, and Kieran picked him up, checking his diaper automatically.

“Okay, bud. Let’s get you changed, and then you can eat and we can play on the blanket.”

Micah waved to him, blowing bubbles and wiggling hard. Micah was getting heavy, finally, solid in his arms.

He was so proud. His boy was thriving, and Kieran had never been so pleased. Less worried.

Micah was going to be raised in this wing, surrounded by love and joy and guardians.

“Mmm. Cookie?” Lachlan held one to his lips as soon as he walked back into the kitchen.

He opened right up, and Micah’s eyes went wide.

“OOK! OOK!”

Lachlan’s chuckles were warm, happy, and sweet as the cookie. “Do you need a cookie too? I have one, right here.”

Micah bounced and reached so hard Kieran almost lost his grip. “Oh, someone wants that.”

“I can tell.” Lachlan broke off a tiny piece of cookie for Micah to gnaw on.

“Did you hear him say ‘cookie’?”

“I did. You realize now that he’s starting to talk, you’re never going to have a moment’s peace.”

“It’s okay. Let’s be honest, I was a little worried he wasn’t ever going to catch up, and you were right—having other little ones to play with made a difference.”

Lachlan bumped shoulders with him very gently. “We’re not meant to be alone. I’m glad you’re not alone. I’m thrilled you’re with me.”

Kieran couldn’t stop his grin. This was ridiculous, how happy he was, but he was, and he felt as if he could be down here out of his rooms and it was not just safe— it was home.

Lachlan fed him and Micah both more cookies, then munched half the plate of them himself before they went to settle in the family room, sinking into the big couch while Micah had a bottle.

It was, he thought, the perfect way to spend the day.

He thought that he might have to do it again tomorrow.