Page 194 of Savage Empire

“And a designer suit,” she points out stubbornly.

“And I’m sure Jade will be wearing something very similar to you.” I reach out, catching her hand in mine to hold it.

She grumbles but squeezes my hand in return. “Yeah, but she only had Viktor two weeks ago.”

“And you only had Vaughn less than five weeks ago,” I remind her softly. “There’s no deadline on comfort for postpartum mothers,micina.You should wear what makes you feel good.I love the way you look like this.”

“If you say so.” My wife sighs, but it’s a happy one. “I’m so excited for this. Catering was a great idea. Having everyone over doesn’t stress me out, but the idea of cooking for our big ass family does.”

A satisfied smile curls my lips. “I love when you call themourfamily.”

“I love it too,” she admits. “I’m getting used to it, but it’s easier now with Vaughn. He’s surrounded by aunts and uncles and cousins, and he has a grandpa that would do literally anything for him. It feels natural now.”

“Good.” I press a kiss to her forehead.

Quick knocks on the front door are our only warning as people start to trickle in. Knowing there are two infants in attendance tonight, it’s not as loud as it would typically be as the house fills up. Friendly faces flood the space and warm greetings are exchanged.

“Aunt Rain-uh,” Leo bursts out, prattling on over to us and running right into my wife’s knees. He hugs her tight and grins up at her as she pets his soft blonde locks.

“Hello, sweet boy, I’ve missed you,” she coos down at him.

“He talked about you and baby Vaughn the whole ride here,” Leon says, chuckling as he joins us, Bastian glued to his side.

“My baby Va-awn,” Leo confirms, nodding happily. “Here?”

Rayna giggles and nods, pointing to me at her side. “Uncle Apollo has baby Vaughn. He’s hiding from us to nap right now, but he’ll wake up soon.”

“Shhhh,” Leo says, putting a finger to his lips. “Sleeping.”

“You’re such a smart boy,” Rayna praises, smiling big at him.

“Kitties?” he asks, looking around for the next best thing.

“Manners, Leo,” Leon reminds him softly.

“Kitties, please?”

Rayna gets down on his level to speak more directly with him. “The kitties are upstairs in their room so they don’t get scared with all of the people around. But if your daddy takes you and Bastian up there, you can go visit them, okay?”

Leo lights up, gasping with excitement.

My brother smothers a smile. “What do you say, Leo?”

“Fank you, Aunt Rain-uh!”

“Thank you, Aunt Rayna,” Bastian echoes, almost shyly.

“You’re welcome,” she replies happily. “Anything for two of my favorite boys. Give Moonlight and Midnight extra head kisses for me, won’t you?”

“Yes!”

Before they can disappear, Rayna’s lips turn down. “No, Cleo?” she asks Leon, keeping her voice down so as not to alert the kids.

“No,” my brother replies, voice devoid of any emotion. “She has a migraine today.”

No, she doesn’t.

“Oh.”