Page 97 of Shiny Things

“I am more than fine with that, but you should know that Ryan is already starting a campaign for a niece or nephew.”

I groaned. “We’re barely mated.”

“I know. I told him we’re still in the practice phase. We need a lot of practice first.”

I smacked him. “You did not!”

He chuckled. “I should have though. Your reaction is priceless.” He gave me a quick peck on the lips. “So, no nursery right now then?”

Shrugging I conceded. “I guess if we’re planning for the long-term, it’s not a terrible idea. As long as you know we aren’t filling it anytime soon.”

“Deal.”

He grinned back at me like I’d just made him the happiest man alive. It was in such contrast to his normal brooding look he gives everyone else that it warmed my heart. It was like this version of my mate was all for me. I was pretty sure it was.

“I have to run. I have another meeting. I know Westin Force is helping us out, but I’ll also be happy when they leave and can actually take some time to just focus on us.”

I smiled, trying to be encouraging, but I too was looking forward to that moment. I gave him a quick kiss goodbye,tempted to deepen it just to see if he’d stay, although I knew that was a terrible thing to do. But a knock at the door interrupted us.

He groaned like he didn’t really want to leave either.

“I’ll see you tonight for dinner.”

“You better.”

He opened the door to find his sister impatiently standing there.

“Hey G. You here for me or Kim?”

“Kim. When do I ever visit you?”

He snorted. “That’s what I figured.”

Gia walked in and sat down, making herself at home.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

She rolled her eyes. “Aunt Ginny and Uncle Atticus decided to throw another party this weekend and just sprung it on me.”

“This weekend like tomorrow?”

“Yup. Help me?”

“No. Sorry Gia. I love you, but she made it very painfully clear that I was not welcome to work her parties ever again.”

Gia laughed and shook her head. “Not with that. I’ll have it covered. I just want your help on the menu. Besides, you’ll be attending this one as a guest, not working at it silly.”

“Come again?”

My heart started pounding at the thought. As a guest? Surely, I heard her wrong. The woman didn’t even want me working a party. I wasn’t going to be welcome as a guest.

“You heard me. Mom doesn’t give any of us much choice in the matter. Family’s important, and you’re family now. You’ll be expected to attend with Elias, of course.”

“No. I can’t.”

“Yes, you can. I know it sucks, but he’s going to be running for Dad’s seat representing the Davenport Flock on theCouncil after his term’s up. So you might as well start getting used to dressing up and smiling at these things.”

“He’s what?”

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