Page 86 of The Platinum Dragon's Courageous Mate

He was home.I need Micah.

Alban’s on his way home.

That was Lars, and they pulled back to grin at one another. Of course Alban was on the ball. He was as much a part of them as anyone.

Kieran felt… a little drained. A lot like he needed to cuddle with his family.

But he also felt a sense of closure.

He could stop looking over his shoulder and only look ahead.

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!”