Page 63 of Healer
Daisy’s small hands cupped her mate’s face. “I guess the Garoot Healer fixed more than my age.”
Watching comprehension settle over Daicon would rank as one of the most beautiful things I’d ever seen.
I wanted that.
I wanted to watch the joy explode within Tarook as he realized I carried our child in my belly.
Daicon roared—a sound that would otherwise have terrified me had I not possessed my own Vaktaire, who was also prone to roaring. Using gentle hands, Daicon lifted Daisy, turning them in a circle, tears streaming down both their faces.
Hakkar’s arm slid around my waist, pulling me to rest against his chest as Tarook and Khaion reached our table.
Two other creatures joined our group, drawn by the happy ruckus. One stood no taller than Daisy’s waist and could have been a twin to Irsay. Noticing him, Daicon and Daisy drew the fuzzy being into a tight hug. The other stood back, watching the proceedings with dark eyes far too wise for his boyish countenance. Like Orzon, his skin was a pale shade of blue. But unlike the chef’s stocky build, this boy was tall, thin, and completely hairless, with a larger head that hinted at an invertedtriangle shape and six long fingers. I think I saw him in Med-Bay earlier, but I had been too focused on Hakkar to notice much else.
“These two rapscallions are Ewok and George,” Emmy told me, gesturing to each boy. “They’re two of the children Daisy and Daicon rescued from the Gilese mines.”
I didn’t know who had christened himEwok, but the name fit perfectly. He stared at Daisy, a frown crossing his otherwise adorable features. “Why are you crying?”
“Because I’m so happy.” Daisy glanced at Daicon, and she gently dropped a hand atop Ewok’s head, ruffling his gray-brown fur. “You’re going to be a big brother.
“I know.” Ewok shrugged nonplussed, even though his words rendered our group speechless.
“What do you mean you know?” Daicon playfully tweaked a furry ear.
Ewok slipped his arm around Daisy’s waist, his ear pressed to her stomach. “I can hear the baby’s heartbeat every time Mom hugs me.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Daisy asked, holding him tightly.
Small furry shoulders shrugged within her grasp. “I thought you knew. I know how babies get made, and you two do that all the time.”
Daicon barked a laugh while Daisy’s cheeks flushed deep pink. The rest of us tried to act nonchalant. Although, if I had to guess, none of us could claim to be any less lusty than the expectant parents.
I knew I couldn’t.
Hakkar’s arms tightened around me, one of his hands slipping lower to cradle my stomach. The rush of longing that hit me weakened my knees. No longer burdened by the death sentence of ALS, I could have a child… Hakkar’s child. I would behealthy and live long enough to see that child grow… to see our grandchildren... maybe even our great-grandchildren if rumors of what the Garoot Healer did to lifespans proved true.
“How are you feeling?” The other youngster asked, his hand tentatively touching Daisy’s forehead.
“Mom just found out she’s having a baby,” Ewok told him, his grin showing wicked sharp fangs.
George shrugged, apparently unsurprised.
“You knew, too?” Daisy frowned, or at least she tried to. Her smile dampened any attempt at other expressions.
“Of course.” Small blue shoulders squared proudly. “I am a Garoot. I could spot a pregnancy while still in my nappies.”
“Boys, I think we’re going to have to work on your communication skills,” Daicon said with fatherly aplomb.
George, however, seemed unbothered. He turned his dark eyes on me, assessed, and seemed to like what he saw. “I am glad you are feeling better.”
Hakkar reached out to lay a hand on George’s shoulder, his long fingers squeezing lightly.
“Aggie, George is a Garoot. His species are the greatest healers in the universe. He helped to help me heal you.”
The boy looked young and frail, but the dark eyes that met mine knew what I’d suffered...what he and Hakkar made sure I’d never have to suffer again. I stepped away from Hakkar and wrapped my arms around his small shoulders, kissing his cheek. His skin felt surprisingly warm and soft and smelled faintly of berries.
“Thank you,” I whispered, getting choked on the words. “Thank you so much.”
George’s cheeks flushed a darker shade of gray. A blush, perhaps. He glanced at Hakkar, his dark blue lips twitching.
