Page 28 of Frederick
“Sorry, we can’t compete with a dragon. But if Drew wants to come over and talk about cooking, the latest thriller books, or warmer climates, he’s most definitely welcome.”
Sebastian sighed before he looked at me in defeat. “Fine,” he said with a little hesitation.
“Hey,” I said, getting his attention. “Is this what it’s really about? I know that Dominic will be more than happy to make friends with Drew. He was so worried that our family wouldn’twelcome him because of everything going on with his coven. I’m sure what I said that first morning hasn’t helped his confidence any either.”
“I think, with everything that’s been going on, and now with me back at work after Flora was born, and then the little incident with Riccardo, Drew’s feeling a bit unsure and possibly a little isolated. He and Eli get together, but his and Ben’s boys are older and Eli can’t really stay and chat too much because he’s so busy running after the twins.”
Ah, I finally understood. “He’s lonely, and needs something like a new parent omega support group. One with newborns, or at least crawling or younger. Rambunctious toddlers in a different group.”
Sebastian nodded. “I think so, yeah.”
I thought about it for a moment and wondered if we could make that happen. If nothing else, I knew that Dominic would be only too happy to hang out with Drew. Aside from me and Warwick, he knew nobody here on Treasure Ridge until we had our family get together.
“I’ll talk to Dominic. I’m sure he’ll have some ideas and won’t have any issues with hanging out with Drew. Besides, Flora is the sweetest, and it would do Dominic good to get some practice when it comes to holding a baby.” I’d had some opportunity already with Emmet’s children. I loved my nephews and niece. But Dominic hadn’t been around many children, and certainly not any in his family since he was the youngest, and last.
“Thank you. Aside from resigning my position, I’m not sure what else to do to help him.”
“He just needs a little time,” I told him. “But we’ll work on helping him and Dominic figure out things together. Having someone around that is also new to the family, I’m sure will help. And with Dominic not showing signs of having any sortof pregnancy sickness, he isn’t going to be confined to the bed. We’ll get something figured out.”
Sebastian seemed happy with that, and we finished our breakfast in mostly silence. Dominic woke up just as I was putting my tray up in the window and was about to head to my office for the day. I discovered it was wonderful to start the day with a quick chat with your One through your bond.
Chapter 12
Dominic
Iwasn’t certain who was more nervous about today’s outing: me or Drew. I’d hung out with Drew and his precious little girl twice in the last week, and I quite liked the cheetah shifter. He was sweet, but definitely had a spitfire side. I liked that a lot.
I put on my heavy coat, hat, and gloves in preparation for our walk to the bakery that was over by the council building. It was Valentine’s Day, which was a holiday in the human world, but we didn’t really celebrate it here in the paranormal world. Drew had said there would be extra special pastries at the bakery today, and asked if I would be willing to go with him.
Since it wasn’t snowing and the sun was actually out, we’d decided to walk. Drew knew his way around the mountain top, and if needed, I could use magic to get us back to our houses in a blink if any issues should pop up. I knew Sebastian felt better about me being out with Drew and Flora, and that made me feel better about how his family viewed me.
Since I wasn’t going to get any more ready, I left the warmth of the house and stepped out into the bright sunshine. It was only February, and that meant it was cold, but at least the wind wasn’t blowing too harshly.
It was a very short trip from our house to Sebastian’s, and Drew must have been waiting for me because as soon as I knocked on the door, it opened. There was a smiling Drew with I was certain Flora strapped in a carrier to his chest. Like me, Drew had on a thick coat, fuzzy hat, and warm gloves.
“Is she going to be warm enough there?”
“She’ll be fine. She’s in a thick sleeper and the carrier is padded so that will add extra warmth. And with the blanket tucked around her the wind can’t get to her.” Drew reached up and pulled away the top part of the blanket on one side and I was able to peek in at the tiny little head that was nestled against her daddy’s chest. I smiled at Drew who quickly tucked the blanket back around his daughter.
“I think I might need one of those carrier things you’re wearing,” I told him.
Drew eyes widened. They’re the best. I even wear it around the house when I’m trying to do things and Flora wants to be held instead of sleeping in her bassinet. I really recommend that every new parent have one or two. I say two because sometimes she’ll spit up and then I’m left without it while this one is in the wash.
“Have you not gotten a second one yet?” I asked.
“No. This one was a gift from Benjamin and Eli, and it’s been out of stock since I had Flora. I’m waiting for them to come back into stock, and then I’ll order a backup one”
“I’ll certainly look into them.” I pointed towards the walkway that I had just used to come from our house to his. “Are you ready to head to the bakery? It seems like a very nice day today, and hopefully the weather stays as is because it’s certainly sunnier than what we have been having.”
Drew sighed. “I’m definitely ready. The weather is nice, but I think you will quickly realize that this is very unusual for thistime of year here. We often go weeks and weeks without seeing the sun,” Drew told me.
Well wasn’t that just depressing. Sure, we have cloudy days in Venice, but weeks without seeing the sun, really?
“That’s quite an adjustment,” I told him as we started walking down the walkway.
“Yeah, I can see how that would be a big change from what you’re used to. What was the weather like in Italy? Sebastian and I like to go visit the various beaches, but now that we have Flora, we have to be a bit more selective about where we go and when.”
“The weather is gorgeous in my opinion. But Venice is in the northern part of the country. It does cool off in the winter months, but not like it is here. This is just…no.”
