The Dragon Family (Lochguard Highland Dragons 5)

Faye growled. "You can hear well enough in the kitchen, unless you're losing your hearing, old man."

Finn wrapped Faye in a hug and released her. "All I can say is good luck."

Arabella sighed. "And to think you complained about everyone teasing you before the triplets were born."

He shrugged. "Teasing is what we do and complaining about it is just a formality."

Finn came up to Arabella and kissed her gently before whispering, "Nice work with Fergus and Gina."

"You were taking too bloody long, so I handled it. Although I suspect you were hovering in the kitchen on purpose."

He squeezed her side. "I think you're going to be our children's version of Aunt Lorna, the female who can handle anything."

"If I can handle you and your family, then I can handle anything," she said with a smile. After kissing Finn, she looked back at Faye. "We'll have a proper celebration later. But right now, Fergus and Gina need you."

Nodding, Faye took Grant's hand. "I may have to call about a few things, what with my mum being out of town."

"Anytime, Faye," Arabella replied. "And call my mobile; otherwise, I'm sure Finn will purposely give you the worst possible advice to make your life miserable."

Finn interjected, "Now, now, it wouldn't be anything life-threatening. But if a bairn starts crying, play loud music. That always helps, especially if it's metal."

Arabella lightly hit his side. "Don't listen to him. Call me or risk an endless night of crying. Because, apparently, Finn is willing to upset his nephew for his own prank."

"I wouldn't tell them that in reality, Ara."

She glanced at him and shook her head.

Grant spoke up. "We'll be off, then."

As Faye and Grant exited the dining room, Arabella sat down. "Well? Where's our food, Finn? I hope you have something to show for your eavesdropping from the kitchen."

He winked. "Aye, I'll fetch it."

With Faye gone, Fraser went back to fussing over Holly. "Would you rather sit in my lap, love? Or I can find a pillow."

Holly smiled at her mate and touched his cheek. "I'm fine, Fraser. Females have endured pregnancy since the beginning of time. Sitting in a hard chair is hardly a trial."

"But it's unnecessary. This isn't the Dark Ages."

Before Holly could respond, Finn returned carrying a large bowl of what smelled like curry. He set it down. "I know it's not fish and chips, but I thought curry might help Holly along. I made it extra spicy."

Fraser frowned, but Holly placed a hand on his bicep. "I'm due in the next few weeks, Fraser. At this point, I prefer labor to any more arguments about my comfort level."

He took her hand and kissed the back of it. "Has it really been that bad, honey? I just want to ensure everything goes smoothly, unlike the last time."

She cupped his cheek. "Oh, Fraser. The bairns and I are fine. I wish you'd stop worrying."

"I don't think I ever will."

Holly caressed his jaw with her fingers. "Then congratulations, you're feeling like a parent."

Arabella added, "Besides, Holly's been receiving dragon's blood injections. If her theory is correct, childbirth should be easier as a result."

In the past, humans had had a fifty-fifty chance of dying when birthing a half-dragon-shifter child. Holly was determined to change that, and Arabella only hoped she succeeded.

Holly nodded. "Aye, and since I'll be the first human test subject to give birth, it'll be important for many reasons."

Fraser murmured, "But you giving me two children is more important than anything."