"You have no idea how happy I am to hear that, Kari. Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. You're a good match for my son."
"Father, the reason why I'm calling is..."
"Hold on, your brother's calling on the other line, it could be elder business."
"Don't answer it! It isn't." Declan called out.
"I'll call him back. Why should I not answer your brother's phone call?" his father asked.
"Because I bet you he's trying to beat me to the punch."
"What punch?" his father demanded.
"Is Mother there?"
"Hold on." They heard the sound of footsteps then a loud bellow. "Catherine!"
"Good gods, Jedrek! I believe the queen herself might have heard you. What is all the fuss about?" a soft feminine voice asked.
"Declan's on the phone with his mate, Kari."
"What?" They heard more footsteps before his mother's voice became louder. "Declan, darling, is that you?"
Declan's smile was soft. "Yes Mother, I'm here."
"Kari, oh, Kari, it's so good to finally be able to talk to you. When are you coming to visit?" his mother demanded.
Kari looked at Declan, who shrugged. "We are still trying to get settled here. Maybe after that," Kari suggested diplomatically.
"The sooner the better. I can't wait to meet my son's new mate. Finally, I have a daughter." They heard a chirp. "Why is Rex calling?" she asked.
"Hold on, dear, don't answer it quite yet. Declan has something he wants to tell us. Don't you, son?"
"Yes, Father. I just wanted to let you know that Kari and I just found out that we are expecting."
A loud screech practically broke the phone. Declan was shaking his head at the decibel level. Kari smiled.
"Now, you really have to come out, Declan. Bring her as soon as you can. I can't wait to see her. What joyous news." His mother's voice broke, and then she began to cry.
"There, there, sweetheart. Don't cry; this is happy news." Jedrek comforted his mate. "Declan, look what you did."
"I didn't mean make her cry," Declan protested.
"Of course, she's going to cry, it's our first grandchild," Jedrek said gruffly. "Is it permissible to answer your brother's phone call now?"
"Yes. I'll let him go explain what's going on. He's calling for reinforcements."
"Reinforcements?" Jedrek barked the question.
"Father, gotta go."
"Declan, I..."
Declan hung up the phone.
"That was rude, Declan," Kari admonished.
He shrugged. "Rex will be able to fill him in. Besides, you're looking tired. You're with child; you need to rest."