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Maybe he needed to speak to Cosmo’s mother. Surely, she would know how this worked…

Could he put in a call to her without Cosmo knowing? Not electronically, of course, but… Maybe through Bakli?

He wondered if his friend could help out.

“I do not have the answers you seek, friend.” Bakli popped out of a book as if it were a door. “I am sorry.”

“I’ve upset my mate, and it hurts my heart, you know?”

“I do.” Bakli sat on the edge of the table, legs swinging. “Do you have any cheese?”

“It just so happens, I made a charcuterie plate.” He offered the plate to his friend. “Please, make yourself at home. Have you heard the news? My mate is with child.”

“Congratulations, my friend dragon! I am so pleased for you.” Bakli smiled, his eyelines wrinkling up.

“Thank you, I couldn’t be happier.” Of course, that was a lie because he could be. He wanted to know how to fix this thing that he’d somehow, oddly, messed up.

Bakli took a piece of cheese in hand, looking almost meditative. “You worry quite a lot. It’s not good for you, and it’s not good for babies.”

“I have the sinking suspicion there’s a lot of worrying that comes with babies. Perhaps even more than just a little bit.”

Bakli bobbed his head. “Yes, yes, yes, I understand, but…” He tilted his head, his hat almost falling off. “It seems a mistake to miss all of the wondrous magic that is happening for something as mundane as worry. Of course, it could just be me.” Those bright eyes twinkled. Then Hawk knew he was being made fun of.

“Are you suggesting that perhaps I should be spending time with my mate instead of going over all these dusty books?”

“Yes.” Bakli settled in, cheese in hand. “After we eat, of course. Sharing the meal with a friend is also very important.”

He took a piece of cured, peppered meat, snapping it out of the air. “I do believe you have a point, my friend.”

Suddenly, his mouth was on fire, the heat both sharp and smoky enough his eyes crossed. A hint of smoke curled from his nostrils. “It’s so good.”

“What’s good?” Cosmo came wandering in, wearing a huge puffy robe. “Oh, good day, Bakli. How are you?”

“Enjoying a snack with your mate. He was very generous to offer.”

“And you were very generous to ask,” Hawk teased. “Would you like some meat? The meat is very spicy,” he warned.

“I don’t mind spicy. The cheese, though—that smells good.” Cosmo stole a piece of cheddar for himself, then he went to sit on Hawk’s lap.

“Mmm. Hello, love.” He was so relieved that Cosmo seemed to have forgiven him for making such a mess of things. He hated that he’d made his mate unhappy with his words and deeds.

“Hello.” Cosmo munched his cheese. “Yum. This was a good idea.”

“I agree.” Bakli nibbled, sounding like a mouse, almost.

“Did Hawk give you our news? I’m going to have a baby. My mother came, and she let us know for sure. There’s going to be a bouncing baby dragon—with alittlebit of fae—bouncing around the house.”

“I think that’s glorious news. And he did. He shared. Hawk’s very excited.” Bakli chuckled. “I look forward very much to meeting your new child and to becoming his friend as I am his father’s.”

Cosmo nodded and leaned into Hawk, munching away. “It’s going to be amazing. He’s going to be amazing.”

Bakli’s smile was fond and barely amused. “Is it a boy?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know that he’s decided, yet. I just say ‘he’ because it’s easier. And ‘it’ just seems very impersonal. I suppose I could use ‘they’.”

“Whatever makes you happy. I will love the baby no matter what,” Hawk said.

Bakli nodded. “As it should be. Do you know which room is going to be the nursery?”