Page 87 of The Platinum Dragon's Courageous Mate

Kieran’s eyes filled with tears. “That’s right. Happy birthday to me.”

“Is it a good thing?” Lachlan stroked one off Kieran’s cheek.

“Yes.” Kieran sniffled. “Very good. Thank you.”

“Well, let’s go get where the heaters are set up.”

Everyone was yelling and waving and singing to Kieran, and he was laughing like crazy. So was Micah. Wiver danced along with them, his little sweater the most hilarious thing Lachlan had ever seen.

Gareth watched Micah from afar with a smile, but didn’t make any overtures toward him, which Lachlan appreciated. At some point, after the new baby arrived, after the holidays were done, he knew he would unbend and let Gareth in a little bit if Kieran also wished it.

If not, the other dragon could just deal with it.

He’d walked away, he could pay the consequences.

Right now, Lachlan wanted to celebrate his mate’s birthday, and Kieran was beaming, blowing out candles and accepting congratulations from everyone. Singing loudly, he waited for that candle extinguishing before pulling Kieran to him for a kiss.

“Cake or presents first?” He happened to know no one had given Kieran anything for the baby. This was all little handmade stuff just for him.

Kieran’s eyes went wide. “There are presents?”

“Of course there are.” He kissed Kieran’s cheek.

“Oh, goodness. All of you are so kind?”

“Da! Prez!”

“I know. I’ll need you to help me open them, my big boy!”

The entire village seemed to be there, cutting cake and handing Kieran little gifts and herding children around. Heaters were set up, and lights twinkled —though the tree was unlit yet— and it seemed perfect and magical.

Bryant stood at his shoulder. “He seems happy, brother. Is everything well? There’s no trouble, is there?”

“No. I’m surprised, frankly, but Gareth seems to be exactly who he says he is. And Kieran is deep in the preparations forthe baby…” He clapped his brother on the arm. “I am a happy dragon.”

“I’m glad to hear it, brother. You deserve happiness. And we all adore your mate.”

Those words made him puff up with pride. “That pleases me beyond words.”

Kieran beamed at him, his hair decorated with sparkly wreaths, his lap covered with a handmade blanket. Micah was playing with the other children, bouncing and squealing, before toddling back to help Kieran open a gift.

And once they’d all had cake and hot chocolate, Logan stepped up to the center of the plaza to make the announcement.

“The happiest of happy birthdays to Kieran! And now we will light the tree for Yule! We’ll be burning a Yule log tonight once it’s dark to keep that darkness at bay. Many thanks to all who volunteered to stay up with it and tend the fire. Happy yule everyone. I feel like Oro is magical at this time of year, and the guardians are all glad you’re with us!”

Cheers rose up, and Kieran clapped along, waving at everyone who wished him happy birthday one more time. He looked like the Yule king. It was adorable.

Lachlan had never been more in love than he was right now.I love you, my mate.

Kieran glanced over at him, face wreathed in smiles.I love you too. Thank you. What a wondrous surprise.

The village wanted to do it for you. And so did I.

I feel like I belong.Kieran rose, picking up Micah when he held up his arms, and came to him to stand and admire the lights. The farolitos were out and ready to illuminate when it got to dusk, and the Yule log lay ready to burn as well.

Not that Lachlan needed it. Kieran was his sunshine. His beautiful light dragon.

He wrapped an arm around his mate and baby, his brother at his side, and knew all was right with his world at last.