Page 88 of The Platinum Dragon's Courageous Mate

Kieran hummedto himself as he folded onesies and socks and tiny blankets into the amazing antique clothing press Lachlan had gotten him for the nursery. It was something their baby girl, Helena, would be able to treasure all her life. It was solid wood, with a carved sun motif on the top and sweet carved openings in the shapes of stars to let the cloth inside breathe.

So wonderful.

The baby shower had been so lovely, and his friends had been amazing, Samuel, Lars, Dakota, and Mickey coming together to make it the most special day.

Lachlan had hauled everything upstairs for him, but it seemed to be taking days to get it all put away like he wanted it.

The midwife had visited just yesterday, telling him it could be any time, and he smiled as his back twinged, telling him his little girl was almost ready to join the world.

It was perfect timing — the snows were deep, Micah’s birthday was in a few weeks, and he felt calm and ready. Another hum joined his, their little girl’s song swelling high and sweet. He wondered if she would be a musical dragon…

Another twinge made him frown, because this one was much stronger. Sudden, somehow.

Love? Where are you?Lachlan had Micah and Wiver in his office, giving Kieran some alone time.

Up in the nursery.

Are you well? I felt something…

Just twinges. That’s all.He put a hand on his belly, bending to stretch his back.

Are you sure?

I am. It’s just hiccups. I’m making sure the nursery is ready for her.And it was heavenly, warm and cheery, close to them and Micah.

Are you sure? That last twinge mademyback hurt.

He chuckled. Lachlan had been having all sorts of sympathetic pains with him. And swelling. It made him laugh every time.

I’m sure.

Alban knocked gently on the nursery door just then, smiling at him from the doorway, holding a tray that smelled like heaven. “I brought some herbal tea and some plain cookies. I know the cinnamon is giving you a little heartburn right now.”

“Thank you, dear one.” He walked over, having to stop a minute to breathe. “I’m feeling her today.”

“I can tell. There’s a waiting aura to the house today. I feel like she’ll come soon, just like Sally said.” Alban helped him ease down into the armchair that Lachlan had brought in for them to sit with the baby and feed her or read to her.

It was a lovely, cloudlike chair, but with plenty of support. His back spasmed when he sat down, but then it eased off, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

Lachlan came in then with Micah in his arms, smiling for him. “How are you feeling?”

“A little tender.” He took Micah and hugged him. “Are you having fun with Papa?”

“Wif Papa!”

Kieran laughed, loving that pure joy. He kissed Micah’s cheek. “Your sister is fussy today.”

“No fuss! Sisser! Come pway!”

Kieran let Micah bend down to call to his belly, then kiss it.

As if she heard him, a strong cramp buzzed over his belly, stealing his breath for a second. He sucked in some air, his eyes going wide. “Whoo. Goodness.”

“Mmm. You sit and have your tea.” Alban wandered out, and Lachlan sat on the big footstool, pulling Kieran’s feet into his lap.

“Want me to rub your feet?”

“Oh, yes please.” He wiggled his toes, which were encased in thick socks, but nothing else. The slippers didn’t help at all because they pinched his feet, so he’d left them off. “That would be lovely.”