Page 84 of Emerald Waves
“With the first crack, we’ll call out to you, brother. Thank you again for all the help last night. Having you here was a huge relief.” That was the first time I’d witnessed Odem speechless. Caro’s heartfelt words must’ve struck him hard.
“Anything for my brothers and our growing family.”
I couldn’t help myself as I gripped Odem in a fierce hug. “I absolutely adore you, brother.”
“And I you,” he squeezed me back. “Now you two, run and play. I’ll be here admiring my handsome nephew.”
“Come on,” Caro tugged my hand and shut the bathroom door behind us. With the water warming, he stripped us both down. I was thankful they dressed me last night but itching to get out of the sweaty clothes.
“Hey look, I can see my feet again.” He chuckled at my silliness, but that was exciting for me. “I can tie my own shoes now.” Plus, not wearing flip flops any longer would be nice too. Not a fan of feet at all.
“Come, my love. Let me spoil you some more.”
“You had me at spoil.”
There was something so sensual about having your partner bathe you. Whether it be massaging your scalp while working the shampoo through or the gentle nature of gliding the sudsy sponge over your naked flesh. My dragon purred, hell, I purred. This was the most wonderful morning and right outside the bathroom door was our egg and my amazing brother-in-law.
“I’m so proud of you, mate.”
“Me?” my eyes popped open as I squeaked. “Why?”
Caro tsked. “You strengthened our bond well past any breaking points by bringing our son into the light. The strong connection between the three of us is unlike any other.” He tilted my head back and pressed his lips to mine. There was nothing sexual about this, it was pure, unadulterated love, which I felt so deep that it left me breathless.
“Do you hear that?” Our boy was chatting away to his Uncle Odem. Very few words could be made out, but the happiness that came through our bond was amazing.
“He’s a smart one, just like his daddy. I think we got an Emerson junior.”
I blushed. “Hopefully with his Papa’s strength.”
“Cade would be formidable being gifted with both intellect and brawn.”
To think I had such a gift to pass on to our dragonet was wonderful. No one should ever be shunned for choosing books and learning over wreaking havoc.
Fresh and dressed, we re-emerged to a smiling Odem.
“He’s happy, I can feel it,” Odem nearly sang. “He likes me.”
“Correction,” Caro knelt beside them, “He loves you. We can feel it too. You’ve built a strong connection with your nephew if you too can feel his emotions.”
It was funny to witness a large dragon such as Odem do a little shimmy as he sat, clearly very proud of himself. Odem, the once annoying younger brother, was quickly becoming a favorite of my mate’s as well.
It’s amazing how babies can bring a family together. Granted, the brothers had been together for centuries, so annoyances were to be expected. Watching these two coo over our egg now, chatting away with Cade, was beyond moving. I snagged my phone from the nightstand and snapped a picture, both turned my way, giving me another great shot.
“That one will be framed and hung for all to see.”
Thank you, mate.
For what?
Capturing the perfect moments.
I handed the phone to Caro. He and Odem smiled fondly at the picture I’d taken. Cade directly between them as they unknowingly smiled for the camera.
“Can you um, text it to me? Please?”
“Already done, Odem.”
“Thanks. You know you have a babysitter for life, right?”
