Page 95 of The Ruby Dragon's Unconventional Mate

That would explain the cold. He wasn’t sure it was safe, really, having a depressed frost dragon living in the house.

“What are you thinking about, babe?”

He shrugged. “Kieran, Lachlan, the baby.”

Bryant nodded. “Don’t worry about him too much. I’ve talked to him. I talk to Lachlan every day, and every day, he says they’re fine. Kieran just needs time, I think. That was a terrible blow, having someone hurt him and the baby.”

“But we don’t even know the baby’s name!”

“He’ll tell us when he’s ready, love.”

“Logan’s getting restless, though. They have to know what’s going on.” Bryant wasn’t anywhere near worried enough.

“Yes, and we will. We’ll figure it out. Logan’s on top of it. You and I are just focused on growing this baby.”

“Right now, it’s getting close. Everything is getting close.” Lars snuggled in harder and held on tight, sniffling. “I wish it was better. I mean with Lachlan and Kieran and the baby.”

“Trust me, Lachlan is more awake and aware than I’ve ever seen him. I wouldn’t worry about him. I’m not worried about him.”

“And that’s a first, right?” Lars found a grin for his mate. “I don’t know, I just feel unsettled. Nothing’s comfortable. Maybe I’m just being lazy. But I feel lazy. I feel like—I feel like I want out of my body for a while. I kind of want this baby out of my body, just for a while. Just long enough to get a good night’s sleep where I’m not peeing forty-seven times.”

“Well, we’re ready for whenever they come.”

“I guess we are.” The nursery was painted, the furniture was in. They had teeny tiny clothes and blankets and diapers and shoes and socks. Little bitty snow suits and hats. A rocker thatwas just perfect to feed the baby in the middle of the night. Of course, what…what if? “Do you think the baby’s nursery is the right color? Should we repaint it?”

Bryant shook his head. “It’s perfect.”

“Oh perfect is a strong word. It’s—what if it’s the wrong color? What if the baby doesn’t like it? What if it scares the baby? What if?”

Bryant rolled his eyes. “There’s nothing wrong with our baby’s nursery, it’s beautiful. You’re just…having hormones, and that sucks.”

“It does, and I don’t know what to do.”

“Well, let’s breathe. You and me together, just in and out. Let’s just focus on being us. We’re not going to be just us for a long time. Maybe never again will it be just us.” Bryant was trying so hard.

Lars smiled. “I’m not sure it ever was just us, but yeah, I understand what you mean.”

“True, I’ve never been just me. I know you haven’t.”

He shook his head. “Not really, I was born into a family where Logan was…well… Logan, and there was no doubt of that.”

Arthur knocked on the door gently. “I have warm blankets just out of the dryer. I thought they would be a comfort.”

“Oh, you’re amazing. Thank you.”

“You are very pregnant. I worry about you not being able to get comfortable.”

“You’re sweet. I think this is part of the deal, not being comfortable, being grumpy.” The warm blankets landed on them and he melted, his muscles going limp. “That’s perfect. Can you feel that?”

“Oh, you did good.” Bryant winked at Arthur. “Thank you. I don’t suppose you could make something? Maybe potato soup or tomato? Something gentle, though, so probably potato?”

“Of course I can, it would be my pleasure. I’ll let you know when it’s finished, and if he wants it brought up, I’ll bring it.”

“You must hate me for being such a nerd. I just… I’m so tired. I have a little burst of energy and then it disappears, and then I have a little burst of energy and it disappears.”

“No one hates you. We all understand.”

Bryant stroked his hair. “I love you just the way you are, my mate.”

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