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The festivities continued around us as we moved toward the table where Danni was enthusiastically discussing the merits of chocolate frosting versus vanilla. Her preference didn’t stop her from sampling a bit of both.
Her mother guided everyone through the agenda she’d prepared, and we just followed her instructions. I’d never seen her so happy. I suppose there was a certain glow to a soon-to-be Mimi as well.
Danni may not have normally liked being the center of attention, but this day felt slightly different. I just liked to watch her eyes light up as she shared the day with people she loved.
Cheers and coos echoed as my mate opened a slew of gifts. When a burst of laughter rang out, it piqued my curiosity.
“What is this?” Danni asked, holding up a box of assorted items and pulling out rather large underwear, salves, and what looked like strange pads.
“It’s a gift for your vagina. Postpartum care stuff,” Adora said very matter of factly. “Mom told me”—her mothers shot her a stern look, and she paused, reconsidering her words. “Mom said no one thinks of stuff for the person giving birth. I had a spectacular healer make those butters, salves, and those ointments for . . . whatever it’s supposed to be for. Honestly, when mom explained what cracks, stretches, and tears, it freaked me out and I stopped listening before?—”
Her mate nudged her, shaking his head slightly and Adora sighed.
Danni just smiled, pulling her sister into a hug. “Only you would think about my crotch at a time like this,” she whispered, chuckling. “Thank you.”
“Well, someone other than your mate has to,” Adora said, winking at me with a smirk on her face. “Clearly he’s done his part.”
How a baby shower transformed into a lively celebration, continuing into the night, I would never know. The air vibrated with supernatural energy and peals of joyous laughter from our eclectic gathering.
Dancing, sharing stories, and indulging in all the food that had been spread out, our guests enjoyed themselves, and Danni had her fill of the cake she’d been dreaming about since the evening prior.
After moving from one group to another, accepting congratulations from well-wishers, I tried to steal a moment alone with Danni. Taking her hand and pulling it slightly, I angled my eyebrows toward a set of French doors leading to a balcony overlooking the moonlit garden. She smiled, following me with her wolf at her heels as we headed to our private getaway. The soft glow of fairy lights adorned the space, casting a warm and intimate ambiance. Danni set her water glass down leaned against the railing, her hand resting on her round belly. Nova huffed, dramatically collapsing into a laying position as she exhaled loudly in exhaustion.
“This is incredible,” she murmured, her eyes reflecting the multitude of emotions swirling within her.
“Your mothers certainly outdid themselves. The decorations, the food, the music. I have to admit it, I’m actually having a good time.”
“Even though a few ambassadors and some of my cousins from The Crossroads couldn’t make it, the turnout was more than I ever expected.” I nodded in agreement. “Still . . . would it be bad if I said I was ready for it to be over?”
“The party or the pregnancy?”
“Both, honestly,” she said, blowing out a harsh breath as she rubbed her ribs with a wince. “The baby has taken to living in my rib cage, and I think my lungs are in my throat. But I was talking about the party. I’m ready for some time alone.”
I wrapped my arms around her from behind, relishing the feel of her warmth against me. “I take it my beautiful mate is ready to escape to our bedroom where I can worship every part of you until you pass out in pleasure?” I paused, realizing I had just made a very big assumption after a very long day. “Or did I read the room incorrectly and you meant you needed to sleep and I just?—”
She turned in my arms, her gaze locking with mine. “I want both, in that exact order. With a foot rub too if you’re up for it."
I caressed her cheek, my thumb tracing a gentle path. "Anything you want.”
A group gathered near the door, blocking our exit and stalling our secret departure. It was okay. I could tell our respite was needed, and we enjoyed a quiet moment together.
Danni tilted her head and sighed as she looked out at the gardens. “Do you ever worry about the future? About what’s waiting for us? About the baby?”
“I used to, but not anymore. We've faced the unknown together and come out stronger. Whatever awaits us, we'll navigate it as a family."
Her lips curved into a tender smile, and she rested her head against my chest. The soft sounds of the party drifted to us, a surprisingly comforting backdrop to our hiding place.
Adora appeared on the balcony, her ombre blue hair shimmering in the moonlight. "Mind if I join?"
Danni waved her over. "Of course."
Adora’s gaze was filled with a mix of amusement and warmth. "Elias, my dear brother-in-law, you've come a long way from the king I first met. The one who adamantly didn’t want a mate, much less a baby."
I grinned, remembering the days when my life had been far less complicated. "Life has a way of surprising you when you least expect it." I turned to see her mate talking with Ysabeau inside, tilting my head in his direction. “I believe the same could be said for you.”
She looked at Pan with fondness and nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it does. I guess we’ve all embraced the chaos and created something beautiful out of it."
Danni rubbed her belly, her eyes reflecting a quiet strength as she looked down at her stomach. "I have a feeling that same sentiment is going to apply when this little one gets here."
