The Dragon's Need (Tahoe Dragon Mates 2)

Not yet, little one. Let me get through this.

Taking a deep breath, she plucked the other ring from the box and said, "While I had looked forward to the lottery for years, I never imagined it'd bring me the love of my life. You're brave, loving, sweet, and even funny on occasion. Add in how you seem to understand me in a way no one else does, and I've hit the jackpot with my true mate. I love you, Ryan Ford, with everything I have. Will you accept my mate claim?"

Smiling, he put his hand up, spread his fingers, and gave an exaggerated wave of them. She snorted, loving how he could make her laugh even during their fake ceremony, and slid the ring on his finger.

She interwove her fingers with his and leaned forward, until her lips were an inch away from his. "Even if it's not quite legally binding yet, you will always be the mate of my heart. So kiss me already."

His lips quirked before he closed the distance between them and kissed her.

She opened immediately, loving how her male stroked against her tongue, letting her know how much he wanted her. Even though they'd probably kissed thousands of times by now, Ryan had a way of making it feel like it was the first each and every time.

She sighed and he took the kiss deeper as he cupped the side of her face.

Just as she was about to move to the floor, he broke it, their breaths mingling for a second before shades descended on the windows.

Gaby blinked. "When were those put in?"

Ryan raised a small remote in his free hand. "In the last couple weeks. I'm sure we're not the only ones who'll take advantage of the privacy."

She bit her lip to keep from laughing. "Everyone will know what's going on now."

He shrugged. "It doesn't bother me if it doesn't you."

She kneeled in front of him before looping her hands behind his neck. "No. So kiss me and claim me in all ways, Ryan. I'm more than ready."

He growled. "You don't have to ask me twice."

With that, he kissed her and slowly lowered her to the ground. And as he both claimed her and then let her dragon do the same with him, Gaby forgot all about the food or anything else but the man she loved with her whole heart above her.

Epilogue

Six Months Later

Ryan stared down at his newborn son, barely noticing the laughter, teasing, and even soft music playing inside Gaby's hospital room.

He and his mate had barely had time to name their son Mateo Owen before her family had argued their way inside and set up camp.

Not that he minded, but as he touched his son's soft cheek again, he barely heard Gaby's mother say, "It's my turn to hold my grandson."

Ryan shook his head. "Not yet."

He could feel his mother-in-law staring, but for once, he didn't care.

For years he'd wanted a child and had eventually thought he'd never have one.

Then Gaby had walked into his life and given him not only her love, but now a perfect little boy with dark hair. He rather hoped he ended up with Gaby's brown eyes, too, although she had all but ordered her womb to produce a child with hazel eyes like him.

Bringing his son closer, he kissed his forehead.

Gaby touched his arm and he forced his gaze to his mate. Although there were smudges under her eyes from exhaustion, she smiled up at him. "I know you wanted a daughter, but I think you might be taken with Mateo despite him being a boy."

He sat on the edge of Gaby's bed, readjusted his son to fit in the crook of one arm, and placed his free hand on Gaby's cheek. "I'll love any child that's part you, Gabriela Santos-Ford."

She placed her hand over his. "I know. And maybe next time, we'll finally get a girl to help even the odds a little in my family. There are entirely too many males."

His heart warmed as he searched her eyes. "Even after just delivering this little fella, you want to do it all over again?"

She nodded. "Family is important to both of us. I'd rather like to have a big one, if you're up for it."