Page 13 of A Very Denarius Christmas

For all intents and purposes every person here was family, whether by blood, bond, or kinship.

The children ran around the playground, hopefully working off some of their energy so they’d sleep well tonight. Though I wished to ring the midnight hour in with them, a kiss to their sleeping heads would have come before that time.

Deep breath, mate. Tonight is for celebrating, not brooding.

Our dragon scoffed.

You too, dragon,Alex warned him.

Mingling. That’s what Alex called it.

“Emerson,” I clapped his shoulder and he squeaked. “My apologies, brother, I didn’t mean to scare you. How are you feeling.”

“Never better, Ionus. My life couldn’t be more perfect.”

Simple words that brought a smile to my face. “Glad to hear it. You’re a welcome addition to the family with much to contribute. Your knowledge alone is worth its weight in gold.”

Emerson blushed, never one to take compliments well. “Thank you, that means a lot to me.”

Caro wandered up and pressed a kiss to Emerson’s cheek, darkening his blush. “Odem is having the time of his life with your son.” Our gazes moved to the oversized man-child dancing around with the egg strapped to his chest.

“I can feel Cade’s happiness through our bond,” Caro smiled. “How wonderful it is to see all these smiling faces. We wasted too many years alone, ignoring others, Ionus.”

“Agreed, brother, and that shall be no more. The Goddess has truly blessed our family.” My heart was filled to the brim, overflowing with love and a happiness like I’d never known.

Odem sat in the middle of the playground, the little ones gathered around him gently rubbing Cade’s egg and whispering to him.

“Cade will be surrounded by nothing but love and never know the pain that I had,” Emerson sniffled and Caro wrapped an arm around him. “Family.”

Family.

A word that held many meanings within its depths for all of us and summed up so much in those six, simple letters. A word I’d personally used on repeat today and would likely utter even more as the night wore on.

As darkness set, we broke bread, dining on a fine meal all had a hand in. Meats and salads, fruits, vegetables, and desserts covered the tables. The bounty was plentiful as were the never-ending conversations and laughter.

I rose and tapped my glass, garnering their attention. “Thank you one and all for sharing this momentous occasion with us. My brothers and I,” I glanced at Caro, Odem, Mattias and Quint. “Are blessed to call you family. You’ve brought light, love, and happiness to our otherwise dull lives.” They chuckled. “More than anything, you’ve taught this old dragon how to love and for that I’ll be forever grateful.”

My brothers rose and one by one the rest of the table did the same.

“To light, love, and happiness!” I shot up a silent prayer thanking the Goddess for all the blessings she sent to us.

“Here! Here!” they chanted, sipped their drinks then resumed passing dishes around.

“We really are lucky, aren’t we?” Alex whispered in my ear.

“Aye, my love. Life has never been better.”

With this many hands-on deck, the dinner dishes were soon cleared away, replaced by deserts and spirits. Soon after those were devoured, our dragonets were in need of baths and naps. We’d wake them in time for the fireworks show we’d planned at midnight, but for now, Emerson opted to help Alex bathe them and get them to bed.

Papa, your offspring are asking for a bedtime story and kisses.

On my way.

Our nightly bedtime ritual was one I’d always do my best not to miss. Those four tiny souls held the key to mine and outside of the night I had my tantrum, as Alex called it, I’d not missed any more.

“Papa! Papa!” Kane squealed as I came into the twin’s room. “’tory time!”

“Yes, yes. Who’s turn is it to pick the story?”