Page 27 of Dark Rover’s Luck (The Children Of The Gods #95)

27

ANNANI

A nnani made subtle adjustments to the flower arrangements Ogidu had set out and then put her sunglasses on before stepping out on the terrace.

Her backyard faced north, so the afternoon light wasn't harsh, but she still needed to protect her eyes. It was a small sacrifice to make to have these joyous occasions outside so she could enjoy the fresh air with several of her favorite ladies.

When Bridget had told her the marvelous news of her pregnancy, asking the Clan Mother to keep it confidential until she could share it with others herself, Annani had instantly insisted on hosting a small gathering.

A new life was always cause for celebration in her clan, every birth cherished with reverence.

Her faithful Odu appeared in the doorway, checking as always to make sure that she was wearing her protective eyewear and wasn't too chilled or too warm. Satisfied with what he saw, he offered her a small bow.

"The fruit platters and the pastry selections are ready. The champagne bottles, regular and non-alcoholic, are chilling in their buckets. Should I arrange everything on the outdoor dining table?"

"Yes, please." She waved her hand. "Just cover everything with nets so the pesky bugs don't feast on it."

"I have found a better solution to the bug problem, Clan Mother." The smug look on his face was so human that it was startling.

"What is it?" she asked.

"It is called Fly Fans. They look like miniature windmills and are placed near food items."

"What a brilliant little invention. Does it create strong enough wind for the insects to be effectively repelled?"

"That is just one of the ways it deflects them." Ogidu blinked, which usually indicated that he was accessing information. "Their blades are made of soft plastic, so they are safe around children, but they are printed with metallic stripes, and as the blades spin, the stripes bend and scatter sunlight, creating a strobing effect to the flies' compound eyes. They steer away from such confusing visual signals."

"Ingenious." She smiled. "I love technology and inventions. They make life so much better for everyone. I commend you for your initiative to find those little windmills."

"Thank you." He dipped his head, his smile brighter than usual at the praise.

Annani sat down on one of the comfortable outdoor chairs and adjusted the folds of her flowing gown of pale aquamarine silk over her legs. She loved arranging small, intimate gatherings at her village home. She also loved the grand celebrations that included the entire clan, but there was something special about these smaller moments.

When the doorbell rang, Annani straightened and turned toward the glass doors that led to the living room.

Ogidu answered the door, and Annani smiled as she saw her eldest daughter enter.

"Alena, my dear girl." Annani rose to embrace her, breathing in her daughter's familiar scent. "You're the first. Punctual as always."

"I was curious." Alena returned the embrace. "You refused to tell me what this gathering is about. Can you tell me now?"

"Not yet, child. We need to wait for everyone else to arrive."

Alena chuckled. "You are the only one who calls me child. I kind of like it. Makes me feel less ancient." She settled into one of the cushioned chairs, her gaze taking in the spread that Ogidu and Oridu were still busy arranging. "What are those?" She pointed at the windmills.

"Fly repellents. Such a simple and yet ingenious invention."

Alena nodded. "I've seen something similar at Geraldine's. They were a little fancier, so I thought they were decorations."

"How is Geraldine doing? I have not seen her in a while."

"Fussing over little E.T., pestering Cassandra and Darlene to get pregnant because she wants more grandchildren, chasing Roni around with home-cooked food trying to fatten him up."

Annani laughed. "Sounds like she is having fun. And how is my sweet little Evander Tellesious?"

Everyone called Alena's fourteenth child E.T., and Annani wondered if the nickname would stick with him to adulthood. It was cute for a baby, but Evander Tellesious sounded majestic, and she liked it better.

"Growing up too fast," Alena said.

"He is only two months old."

"It is still too fast. I enjoy every moment with him. Orion wants more children, and I'm not opposed to the idea. I might ask Merlin to design potions for me, but I'll wait to see if it doesn't happen naturally. With how fertile I am, it just might."

Annani nodded. "I will beseech the Fates to grant you your wish." She shook her head. "Or perhaps I should not. We do not want to be greedy."

"I don't think wanting more children qualifies as greedy, no matter how many I have. Each child is a blessing, and I'm not taking anything from anyone else."

"True," Annani conceded. "Still, in many cultures, people get very superstitious about fertility, afraid it will be jinxed by those who are not similarly blessed."

The door chimed again, and a moment later, the terrace filled with Annani's guests. Amanda arrived with little Evie, the girl babbling happily as Annani snatched her from her daughter's arms.

"It is Nana's time to cuddle sweet Evie." She kissed her granddaughter's cheek.

"Nana." Evie reciprocated by planting a slobbery one on Annani's cheek.

Ella and Vivian arrived with the two nurses, Hildegard and Gertrude, who probably suspected why they'd been invited but kept their boss's secret close to their chests.

Morelle was next, and Syssi came shortly after.

"Sorry for being late," Syssi said. "Allegra was fussy about the dress she insisted on wearing to the playground, and I had to put my foot down because Kian could not handle her tantrum. If I left him to it, he would have allowed her to sit in the sandbox in a tulle dress and patent Mary Janes."

"What did you end up dressing her in?" Amanda asked.

"Jean coveralls. She was so sulky that I'm afraid she won't have any fun in the sandbox and will pout the whole time." Syssi sighed. "But I can't give in to her tantrums over outfits. She will never stop if I do."

"That is the trouble with strong-willed children," Annani said. "You have to walk a razor-thin line between allowing them room to grow and flourish while still providing guidance and maintaining authority."

A discussion about boundaries continued for a few minutes until the doorbell chimed again, announcing the guest of honor.

Bridget, usually the epitome of self-assurance, looked a little nervous as she slipped onto the terrace.

"Good afternoon, Clan Mother." The doctor dipped her head. "Thank you for hosting this gathering for me."

"You are most welcome." Annani inclined her head in return. "The stage is yours, Bridget."

The doctor turned to the other guests. "Hello, everyone. I know you're curious about why you are gathered here today, so without further ado, here it is. Turner and I have been blessed. I'm pregnant."

For a heartbeat, there was silence as the news registered, and then the terrace erupted with exclamations of joy. Alena was the first to rise and embrace Bridget, followed quickly by the others.

"How wonderful!"

"When are you due?"

"How is Turner handling the news?"

"Do you know if it's a boy or girl yet?"

The questions came from all directions, and Bridget laughed, holding up her hands. "One at a time, please! I'm about eight weeks along, so it's very early days. Turner is over the moon—not that anyone but me can notice anything different about him. And no, we don't know the sex yet, though I know that Turner is hoping for a daughter."

"Does Julian know?" Ella asked.

Bridget nodded. "I told him this morning, the same time I told the Clan Mother, and I asked both to keep it a secret so I could tell you all myself."

"This calls for a toast," Annani said, lifting her glass and signaling to her Odus to distribute the champagne flutes. When it was done, and everyone held a glass, she continued, "To new life, to the growth of our clan, and to Bridget and Turner's joy. May this child be blessed with health, wisdom, and the love of our entire community."

"Hear, hear, and amen," came the chorus of voices as glasses clinked.

"I guessed it," Gertrude said with a knowing smile. "I haven't seen you so happy and glowing since you were pregnant with Julian. Why did you wait to tell us?"

Bridget shrugged. "I guess I wanted to make sure that it holds. You know how it is with pregnancies this early. Some are lost."

Gertrude nodded. "Better not jinx it."

Amanda settled beside her, reaching for Evie's hand. "Do you want to come to mommy, sweetie?"

Evie shook her head. "Nana."

"Traitor," Amanda murmured under her breath. "She likes you better than me, her own mother."

"That is the superpower of grandmothers." Annani kissed the top of Evie's head. "We have the privilege of always being nice, never raising our voices, and leaving all the parenting to our daughters and sons."

"The clan is growing," Syssi said. "With Kyra's extended family joining us, we've added quite a number of members in a short time."

"Have you met all of Kyra's family yet?" Amanda asked Annani.

"Yes, they came to visit me the other day. Lovely women, and the children are delightful. One of them, the little one named Cyra, was particularly drawn to me. She climbed right into my lap without hesitation. Naturally, I was delighted."

"Speaking of Kyra's family," Bridget said. "I have more good news that I almost forgot about in all the excitement. Turns out that Fenella is related to them. They share a maternal ancestor from many generations back. It's quite remarkable when you think about it, this family that was spread across continents, finding each other under such improbable circumstances."

"The Fates at work, no doubt," Amanda said.

"Indeed," Annani agreed.

Bridget had informed her right after getting the genetic test results, so it was not a surprise for her. In fact, it had not come as such a big surprise at all since she had sensed that there was a connection between the three women.

"Actually, I intended to discuss something with you about Fenella." She turned to look at Amanda. "I believe that she was found along with Kyra for a reason, and that she might have an ability that will contribute to the effort of finding my Khiann. She is not aware of having any paranormal talents, but perhaps you should test her."

"Of course," Amanda said. "But Fenella is a little busy now, with Din coming to see her and applying for a job at the Hobbit Bar."

"I am sure she can find a few hours to get tested." Annani transferred Evie to her mother. "I am glad to hear that things are working out for her. She seemed a little lost when I saw her."