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When he pulls back, he gives me a mischievous smile. “How soon do you think we should expect a raven with news of Tristan and Rielle’s engagement?”

Rielle is supposedly in Lumaria on official business for Cambryn, but everyone knows it was Ren’s grandmother and my own mother playing matchmaker. Not that they need to try too hard, for I’m certain my brother is just as smitten with Rielle as she is with him. I’m so happy for them. “Within a few days, I’d wager.”

Softly, I bite my lower lip, wondering how best to break the news of our unexpected blessings.

“You’re up rather early, my beautiful mate,” he murmurs. “Did you have trouble sleeping?”

I take his hand and place his palm over my lower abdomen as the fluttering begins again. “I was woken up by this.”

“And just how are my two favorite people in the world today?” he asks, eyes sparkling as our fingers interlace over my stomach.

I gaze up at him, unsure how to begin. “Ren, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“I went to the healer.”

The smile falls from his face, replaced by concern. “What did she say?” He places his other palm protectively over my belly. “Is everything all right with our kit?”

I rest my hand over his. “That’s the thing… we’re actually having two.”

“Two?” he frowns. “What do you—”

“Twins.”

A beaming smile lights his face. “Truly?”

I nod.

“This is amazing!” He gathers me in his arms, kissing me fiercely as he spins me around before setting my feet back on the ground. “I cannot wait to tell my family. They’re going to be so excited.”

Before I can stop him, he leans over the railing. “Rowan! Come over here! We have something important we need to tell you.”

Rowan rushes toward us, standing almost directly below the balcony, in the garden. “What is it?”

Indecision grips me. “Oh, Ren, Rielle will be upset if we tell everyone before she returns.”

“Perhaps you’re right.” Ren frowns. “She should be home in a few days.” He looks down at Rowan. “Never mind. We’ll tell you later.”

“Are you serious?” Rowan scoffs. “You cannot say you have something important to tell me and then suddenly decide to withhold it just because Rielle is not here.” He places his hands on his hips. “What’s going on?” His gaze drops to my abdomen and his eyes widen. “Is the kit all right? Did the healer find something wrong with—”

“No,” I reassure him. “Everything is fine.”

“Doubly so,” Ren adds with a sly grin, and I laugh at his teasing.

“What’s so funny?” Rowan asks. “I demand that you both tell me right now. You cannot leave me in this suspense.”

“You’re going to be an uncle,” I tell him. “To twins.”

Shock flickers across his expression before his mouth curves up in a smile. “This is wonderful news. We must tell everyone else at once.”

“We should wait for Rielle,” I insist. “You know how she is. She’ll feel left out.”

Rowan dips his chin in a subtle nod. “Don’t worry. I can keep a secret.” Smiling, he picks Whiskers and Finik back up and heads toward the doors, calling over his shoulder. “I’ll see you both at breakfast.”

When he leaves, Ren cups my face with both hands, his amber eyes searching mine. “Two kits.” He smiles. “I can hardly believe it.”

Stretching up on my toes, I wrap my arms around his neck and brush my lips to his. “I’m glad you’re excited. I wasn’t sure what you would think.”