"You know I will," she said, waving.
She floated down to Level One and then rang the doorbell for the Magnus estate. Sebastian was there in a moment, opening it up and smiling at her.
"You look absolutely lovely," he commented.
"Thank you, Sebastian. Where is everyone?"
"Most of the men are in the antechamber having wine, and..."--he hesitated--"Bethy and Tarragon are fussing over Meryn."
Her eyes narrowed. "Is she being difficult?"
Sebastian smiled slyly. "When is she not being difficult? I think it is part of her charm."
Kari walked in, and Declan's head immediately turned to her. His eyes widened and low whistle escaped. "Baby, you look amazing."
He crossed the distance of the room and pulled her into his arms, before laying a hot kiss on her lips. When they broke apart, she looked up, and his eyes were shimmering gold.
She winked at him. "Did you miss me?" she asked
"Always," he took her hand.
Gidan nodded at Declan and took up his position in the corner.
Declan acknowledged the guard before his eyes darted to Adriel, and Kari nodded. They walked over to his unit leader where he was speaking with Magnus and Gavriel.
"Adriel, I've got something to ask you."
Adriel looked confused, and Declan smiled. "I have already discussed it with Kari, and we would like for you to be our child's athair."
Adriel's mouth dropped, and Eva began to smile "But I thought for sure it would be Grant or Etain," Adriel whispered. "Why me?"
Declan laid a hand on his shoulder. "Etain and Grant will make great uncles, but we all decided that you would make the best athair. The three of us watched how you were with Bethy. We know, no matter what, any child in your custody would receive the utmost care. Don't be surprised if they ask you to be athair for their children too. There's no one we trust more."
Kari was surprised to see Adriel had tears swimming in his eyes. His mate wrapped an arm around his waist as she laid her head on his shoulder. "See my love. I told you they knew you cared."
Adriel had to clear his throat twice before he could respond. "Declan Lionhart, it would be my honor to be your child's athair."
Declan pulled him into a hug. "Of course, you may have to fight Rex to spoil her or him, but I think you're up to it."
Adriel gave them a rare open smile. "I am pretty sure I can hold my own."
A few moments later, the doorbell chimed again. This time it was Rex.
"There is my sister!" he exclaimed. Walking up to her, he pulled her into a gentle hug and kissed her on the forehead. "And how is my niece or nephew today?"
"The same as they were this morning," she commented.
Rex was beaming. "I took the liberty of picking out some of the bedroom furniture I think that my niece or nephew might like. Maybe we can go over my selections later."
Kari blinked. "We have not really gotten that far yet."
Rex waved a hand. "I can help."
"Evidently," she chuckled.
Rex looked around. "Where is Meryn?"
Gavriel, Adriel, Aiden, and Magnus exchanged looks.