by Crystal Dawn
“Dear Lord! What have we done?” Dori asked.
“We’ve done nothing bad.” Garulto insisted. “We didn’t mate and our situation is unchanged from yesterday. We merely exchanged pleasure and comforted each other.”
“That’s one way to describe it.”
“Dori, we owe our child the opportunity to grow up with both parents. Now I heard what you said, but I think you judged me too harshly. I’ll admit, I could have made changes to get more time with you sooner, but I had good reasons for waiting.”
“Really? And what would those be?”
“There were rumors, only partly substantiated that a general’s job would soon be open. I’m almost positive it will be available before our child is born. I was merely trying to reorganize the structure of the school so that it would lend itself to a new master more easily. Even had the new job not come open, I had planned to set up the restructuring to make the job I now have less demanding.”
“Why didn’t you explain any of that to me?” Dori asked.
“I felt shot through the heart and completely frozen. I never saw any of that coming. You gave me no sign that you were unhappy until you dropped that on me.”
“It had been on my mind for a while. The surprise was that you didn’t sense anything was wrong.”
“I may not have held up my end as you expected, but you kept your feelings and expectations completely hidden. How can that be fair?”
Dori let out a long sigh. “You’re right. That isn’t fair. So what do we do now?”
“Let’s try living together. We’ll do the things expectant parent do. We’ll fix up the nursery, talk about names, and I’ll be there to help you through the difficulties like swollen ankles and back pain. Just give this and me a chance.”
“Before I decide, tell me, what will this reorganizing do?”
“I’ll have a second instead of an assistant and he’ll cover the nights. He’ll be able to make all but the most serious decisions. Most of the problems at night are minor ones and easily solved.”
“And what about days off?”
“I have a plan to put senior cadets in charge in their barracks of all but the most serious offenses. It’s discipline that is the biggest problem for off days. My second can take charge on my off days, but I’ll have to cover his.”
“So you’re saying, except for a rare emergency, you’ll have two days off every week and we can plan things?” Dori asked.
“Yes. I’ll also have all but two nights off and those two nights my second is off, I’ll only be on call.”
“I’ll have to admit, that sounds good.”
“Does that mean you’re willing to give me a chance?” Garulto knew most males would think he was demeaning himself, but he didn’t care. He needed this female.
“Yes, on a trial basis. We’ll reevaluate after one month.”
“You won’t regret it.” He smiled and picked her up and lightly twirl them both around. Hope was a beautiful thing.
“We’ll see.” She said quietly.
He intended to make her happy and that would make him happy. This was his chance at a mate and children. It was everything he’d ever wanted, if he didn’t mess things up. “Where do you want to live?” He would let her choose because as long as she was with him, he didn’t care.
“Give me the grand tour.” Dori directed.
Giving her a moment to dress, he put his own clothes in order. “Ready?” Dori nodded and took her hand and led her into the hallway.
It was a nice old family home, even if the original family had lost it many generations ago. The woodwork had clearly been done by a master and the color was light. The ceilings were high, which was common but not always true. Garulto appreciated high ceilings since he was tall.
He took her to the kitchen first because it was exceptional. It was roomy and had ever upgrade available to make things easy on the cook including a recently added dishwasher. As far as he knew, it was the only one on the planet. There were two rooms, side by side, that worked as the cooler and the freezer. Estate houses like this one tended to be large, but this one was larger than most. There was a large dry storage room off the kitchen too.
The kitchen sink was big, large enough to bath a baby or a small child in. Dori certainly took notice of it. She also noted the recently upgraded stainless steel appliances he’d ordered from Earth. The fireplace large enough for two big cooking kettles to hang in, didn’t go unnoticed either. There was a second sink where she could do the preparations for cooking.
All the updates had been made with Dori in mind. He’d had no intention of ever letting this female go. The living room was large and comfortable looking, but he’d done little in there. It was the door that led to a new addition that caught Dori’s eye. It was a greenhouse/solar room. It would grow whatever plants she wanted year round and allow her to sit among them/. There was a water feature in the form of a fountain in the middle of the room.
It was obvious this room had impressed her. Had he known, he would have fixed a nursery, but perhaps she would want to do that together. Was it a boy or a girl? It didn’t really matter but to plan a nursery it might be nice to know. They headed back to the hallway and he took her upstairs to see the bedrooms. The smallest one would make a good nursery because it was next to the master suite.
Once the child was older, he/she could take one of the other bedrooms. There were plenty including a guest room downstairs. Downstairs there were two office spaces and a library in between. The formal dining room could seat twelve. There was a nook in the kitchen for a family of six. Yes, Dori looked impressed after the tour was done.
“I’d thought my house would be the better choice, until I saw yours. You made these improvements?” She asked.
“Yes.”
“Might I ask why?”
“Do you truly believe I intended to let you go so easily? I love you, female and I believe you have strong feelings for me as well. Something like that shouldn’t be tossed away so easily.”
“Why didn’t you argue?”
“To what end? Your mind was made up so unless I could show you a major change, there was no reason to upset you.”
“I thought possibly that your feelings weren’t strong when you let me go so easily.”
“My feelings were too strong. I knew I needed a plan so I could give you what you wanted form me. Nothing less would be acceptable.”
A tear rolled down her face and he pulled her into his embrace. So tough, but so emotional. Was it all from being with child, or were her feelings as strong as his. This was his one and only chance to make things work.
“Which house have you decided on?”
“This one. I have some baby items we’ll have to move here.” Dori mentioned.
“Once things calm down, we’ll go shopping. I have my off days coming up. We’ll get all the baby’s things purchased and delivered.”
“That sounds lovely. I’ve had a hard time getting around to it. Betty and Bree haven’t bought all their things yet either.”
“Do you wish to make a family day of it?” Garulto asked.
“That might be nice, if they can go. Betty is so big already.”
“She carries a full load.” Garulto chuckled.
“Don’t let her hear you say that.”
“I’d never be so careless.” Betty could be fierce when roused.
“I’d best get back to my house for now.” Dori said. “I have work to do.”
“Should I come get you after I’m through for the day?”
“That would be nice.”
“Do you need a ride back now?”
“If it wouldn’t be too much trouble.”
“You’re never any trouble. I left my minibus at work, but you have a choice of my personal minibus or my dragon.”
“My balance isn’t good right now, so your personal minibus it is.”
He went to the garage where he pulled out an older but well cared for model. He hurried around to her si
de to help her in. Once he got back in, he headed straight towards Niku’s. “Where are you staying?” She gave him directions and he drove her right to her front steps. “This property touches mine along one property line.”
“I didn’t know. Why do you have the extra minibus? Most of your people don’t even have one.”
“Our people. I get a minibus assigned to me with my job. I already had this one and kept it in case I change jobs. I drive it once or twice a month to keep it in good shape.”
“Thank you for bringing me here.” Dori said before she got out on her own. He didn’t like it but she’d done it before he could even get out of the minibus. Dori waved him on and hurried into her house.
Sitting there for a moment to let everything sink in, he finally headed back to his house where he put his old minibus back in the garage. Once that was done, he shifted to his dragon and flew back to the school. Once in his office, he continued to work on restructuring things to cut back his schedule without overloading anyone else’s. The students were his best resource. Some of them begged for duties that would give them extra credit so it didn’t take anything from their budget.
The barracks leaders would get additional duties and some benefits as well as credit for what they did. He always believed in rewarding extra work. By the time the day ended, he felt good about the plans he had come up with. Garulto now rushed to pick up his mate. She might not be claimed yet, but it wouldn’t be long. It was his intention to do everything he’d told her he would do.
It was a surprise when he knocked on her door and realized she was not there. He promptly called Niku and Romo. They’d not seen her either. Next he called Havos who hadn’t seen her either. It was too soon to worry, but he did anyway. He began to look around her property and even headed closer to the woods. When he picked up her scent, he moved faster.
“Dori?” He screamed hoping she could hear him. His impetuous female had gone to the creek to gather produce and slid down the bank. Thank the goddess she seemed more embarrassed than injured. The bank was muddy and she couldn’t get back to the top where she’d slid down. The water was too fast to cross and the bank too steep further down.
“Garulto?” She answered.
“I’m here. I’ll have to change and fly you out.”
“Okay.” This was a meek and mild Dori he’d never seen before.
Once he changed, he flew over her and hovered with his claws extended for her to grab. He lifted her just enough to put her on the bank where she’d be safe and then he changed back. The urge to comment was so strong, it was hard to overcome, but he did. Hopefully he would get points for that. Surely, she had learned her lesson without him pointing anything out.
He took her hand and led her back to the house walking slowly so she wouldn’t push herself. “This is a nice place you picked. Do you know why you were able to buy it so cheaply?”
“Yes, it’s rumored to be haunted.”
“Have you heard the story?”
“No, do you know it?”
“A young male fell in love with his brother’s future mate. Some say she led him on while others say she never did. When she mated his brother anyway, he refused to eat or drink and just faded away.”
“That’s very sad. We have stories like that on Earth, They are called tragedies.”
“Do your people not believe in ghosts?” Garulto asked.
“I’m sure it is much like your people. We have those who believe every ghost story, those who never believe, and those who are open to believing, but want to see a sign.”
“Which one are you?”
“I don’t deny the possibility of anything. The world is a magical and amazing place, but neither do I just believe every claim anyone makes blindly.”
“You follow that see to believe term I’ve heard of?”
“Yes, I would say seeing is believing.”
“Like when you saw your first dragon.” He said and chuckled.
“Just like that.”
They made it to her house and went inside where he was struck by the delightful smell of cooking food. Dori was an excellent cook and he never knew what new food she would introduce him to. “What are you cooking?”
“Ham, roasted potatoes, creamed corn, and cake for dessert.”
“It smells wonderful.” He admitted and his mouth watered.
“If you don’t mind, you can set the table why I go clean up.” Dori suggested. She was covered in mud from trying to climb the bank.
As soon as she left the room, he did as she’d requested. He had the table set and the food on the table. He’d even sliced the ham and placed some on each of their plates. His stomach growled sounding like a monster.
“Sounds like we’d better feed your beast.” Dori said with a laugh. “I have some gravy I’d like you to try. Just a little to be sure you like it first. It has a strong flavor.”
“What’s it called?” He asked looking at it uncertainly. Dori rarely was cautious about what she offered them.
“Red-eye gravy.”
“Sounds like a dragon name.” He took some and tasted it. “It reminds me of coffee.”
“You’re right. There’s coffee in it.”
“It’s very good. You need not worry about a dragon not liking it. We enjoy strong flavors like this.”
“Good to know. We better eat before our food gets cold.” Dori suggested.
He enjoyed the meal, but he was sure he would enjoy whatever she cooked. When they were done eating, he started on the dishes insisting that she relax for a while once he was done and everything was put away, he went to the living room to find she had fallen asleep. The female pushed herself too hard especially in her condition. No one protested because they didn’t know about her pregnancy.
Now that she’d told him, he was sure she would tell the others. If she didn’t, well he would have a wait and see attitude about it. Meanwhile, she was exhausted so he picked her up and carried her into her bedroom. He peeled back the covers with one hand then laid her down gently. Once he took off her shoes and socks, he covered her up. Leaving the bedroom, he sat in the living room trying to process all that had happened.
It had been a crazy day. Not sure of what Dori’s plans had been. He waited to see if anyone came by to check on her. Niku and Romo came by together. When he answered the door, he invited them in.
“You found her?” Niku asked.
“Yes. We ate supper together and she crashed on the couch while I cleaned up. She pushes herself too hard.”
“Where is she now?” Romo wondered.
“I carried her to bed and she’s still sleeping.”
“She doesn’t seem to be as energetic as she was when she first arrived.” Niku commented.
Garulto said nothing. He didn’t want to deal with an angry Dori. “So how are Betty and Bree adjusting to pregnancy?”
“They are together right now. Betty has had a hard time and I can’t wait for the babies to come.”
“Babies?” He asked not sure that he’d heard she was having two.
“Yes, we will be having twins. It’s why Dori has been helping so much even though I hired extra help. She just insists on cooking. I’ll admit her cooking is the best, but I don’t want her to do too much.” Niku admitted.
“As if you could stop her.” Garulto observed.
“True. She is much like a general taking charge of any situation.” Niku admitted.
“She helps Bree too. Dori cooks enough for a week in a day.” Romo declared.
“That comes from raising four girls alone. She had to be prepared for anything.” Garulto pointed out.
“What are your intentions with Dori?” Niku asked. “I hate to asked, but I have to.”
“I’ve asked her to mate with me, but she wants a trial run. She wants to be sure I can give her what she wants.” He admitted.
“I’m sorry. I know that must hurt. I had to overcome similar doubts with Betty. She had to be convinced.” Niku observed.
&nbs
p; “I guess I had it easy, though I didn’t think so at the time.” Romo added.
“I intend to do whatever I have to. I’ll not lose her. Deep down in my heart, I know that female is mine.” Garulto admitted.
“I wish you well. You’ll make a good father in law.” Niku said and Romo echoed his words.
“We’d best get back to our females. We hate to leave them for long.” Romo explained.
“Perfectly understandable.” Garulto agreed as he watched them leave. They didn’t realize what Dori’s condition was. She’d kept it well hidden from everyone. It showed him how sneaky she could be when she wanted to be.
Now he needed to decide if he wanted to sleep here and leave early to get dressed at home or go home now and sleep there. Was there really a choice? What dragon wouldn’t choose to sleep with his mate in his arms when he could? Turning off the lights and locking the doors, he made his way to the bedroom where Dori was.
Quickly he stripped and slipped under the covers pulling her into his arms. For a little while, he watched her breathing deeply as she slept. This female was his future, his hope, and his everything. Garulto eventually slipped into a deep sleep where he dreamed he and Dori found their happily ever after.
Dori was restless and he woke. It was nearly time to wake anyway, but her muttering and rolling around worries him. At some point during the night, something had disturbed her peaceful sleep and he had no idea what it was. He looked at her stomach where the little one rolled around. Maybe he did know after all. It was hard to imagine what it would feel like to having a baby rolling around in your stomach.
Even though Dori had had four babies before, it was hard to believe it was something anyone would get used to. At least she had some idea what to expect and she’d been able to calm Betty and Bree more than once when they’d gotten upset about something dealing with the babies.
Garulto stroked her stomach hoping to soothe the little one and seemed to work, Dori settled back into a calmer sleep. He wanted to leave her sleeping, but would she be angry if she had an appointment to attend to? He delayed as long as possible, but it was time to go.
