by Crystal Dawn
“Dori?”
“Hm?”
“I have to leave. Do you have anywhere you have to be this morning?”
“This morning? No.”
“Okay Baby. Go back to sleep.”
Garulto hoped she would remember he had asked. Otherwise if she missed an appointment, she might be mad at him. He went out and got in his minibus and headed home. Once there, he rushed through getting ready for work and hurried down the road parking his minibus in his parking spot and hurrying in. This was probably the closest he‘d ever been to arriving just in the nick of time. Admittedly, it was nice to have something more important in his life now then his job.
Janor waited on him in his office. “Any problems last night?”
“No, things were quiet. It’s weird being here at night when everyone else is sleeping.” Janor admitted.
“Do you mind it?”
“No, it’s easier to do paperwork without interruptions. I’ve found you two female students to cover the front desk two days each. They are both training to be personal assistants for officers. They will get both experience and work credit. That leaves you on your own one day a week.”
“I’m sure I can handle it. If things get busy, we can pull someone else from class to help. I’m happy with the way things are working out.”
Chapter 5
Her Male
Dori had slept so good, she actually felt energized when she woke up. She figured out why when she checked her com and realized it was almost lunch time. What the hell had Garulto done to her? Whatever it was, she was ready to do it again. He made her feel like a twenty year old.
It made her wonder how she had ever thought she could do without him. The male was all that and more. She could admit she’d been hasty in calling it quits. Maybe it had been the pregnancy hormones. This time around was harder and she suspected it wasn’t just because she was older. These dragons were powerful and the babies took a lot out of a woman.
Getting up, she prepared for her day then started fixing something for lunch. While it cooked, Dori tried to remember what her schedule was and if she’d left anyone hanging. Dori didn’t think so and her food smelled ready. She ladled out a bowl of corn chowder and put it on the table. Did Garulto plan on coming by for lunch? That was something she didn’t know and she was too hungry to care.
Sitting down in where she’d set the bowl, she greedily ate every drop. Wow, not only was she excessively tired in general, but hungry too. It was good that he was back in her life because what would have happened if she’d crashed from exhaustion and he hadn’t been there? Sure, her girls or their mates would have come by eventually and been scared out of their minds. They would have never let her live on her own again.
Living with Garulto was not like living with her daughters and their mates. He would let her rule the house, he had little interest in making household decisions. They might let her, but that wouldn’t be right if it was their home. It was her biggest hope that she and her male would work things out and build a happily ever after for themselves and their little one. It would probably be an only child since she was so close to hitting her change. That was okay because the child would have nieces or nephews close to their age.
There was a sound at the door and she got up looking through the keyhole to see her male. “Come on in. I wasn’t sure of you would be home for lunch.”
“It’s something new I’ve been doing and I find I like it even better now that you’re here waiting for me.” He admitted.
“Let me get you some food,”
“Sit, Mate. You need rest and I can fill my plate myself. What amazing dish do you have for me to try? It smells good.”
“It’s corn chowder. I added some chicken to make it more filling. There’s some bread in the oven keeping warm.”
“You spoil me.”
She’d actually fixed it for herself even if she’d forgotten to eat any bread in her rush to eat the chowder. Garulto took a bite and closed his eyes savoring the taste. “Is it alright?”
“It is marvelous. I would say it is halfway between soup and stew and thickness, but tastes like neither.”
“Exactly. I can’t wait to make you some chicken gumbo.”
“And I can’t wait either. You are such an amazing cook. When you deliver, I guess we’ll have to hire a house helper for a while.”
“A house helper?”
“Those who can afford to hire a house helper for a month or more after the dragonlets come forth while the mother is abed.”
“Mothers stay abed for a month or more after birthing?”
“Most do. There are some exceptions but they are considered vigorous females. My mother, Niku’s, and Romo’s were all vigorous. Few others were. Some stay abed for longer. How long did you stay abed after you birthed your girls?”
“Most doctors start you moving the very day you deliver. That was with all my daughters although it took a few days to get back to normal. Our medical professionals learned over the years that staying in bed after birthing causes complications rather than prevents them. That is of course when it’s a normal healthy delivery. I’ll admit, this pregnancy has been more draining than my others.”
“Are you alright? I thought you were overly tired. Should we get you help?”
“Breathe, Garulto. I just didn’t cut back my workload when I should have. Cooking is not my hardest duty and I’m afraid I will have to cut back on harvesting herbs in the woods for now.”
“The woods may still be dangerous. Wait and we’ll go on my off days so I can protect you.”
Independent Dori might have taken exception at that, but expectant mom Dori felt protected and cared for. Was she going mad? No, she’d asked for more of his time and now he was giving it. She needed to give a little too. Especially after getting stuck at the creek and having to be saved by her future mate. Their relationship was starting to settle and she could see them making each other happy.
The only time her late husband had ever come home for lunch was the two times he had left important paperwork behind. He grabbed it and hurried out before she could ask him to stay for just a moment. As much as she’d loved that man, she would never put up with being second to anything, not even any children they might have.
While she’d gotten older, she’d changed and now her expectations were different and needed to be met. Dori was willing to meet his too. The art of compromise was what would make their mating work. That was how they could both be happy and satisfied.
Her stomach grumbled. That caused her to flush. “Are you hungry? Let me get you something and we’ll talk about what you’ve been gathering in the woods.”
Garulto quickly filled her bowl with chowder and grabbed her a slice of bread. “Now tell me, what plants bring the best prices?”
“Are you familiar with what grows near the creek?”
“When I was a child, my father took us out there and we earned spending money by picking plants. The domed ones brought the most, although some herbs were also sought after. The roots weren’t nearly as profitable.”
“Seems little has changed. That is all still true. The domed plants, we call them mushrooms on Earth, still pay the best except for an occasional rare herb. Tahy only come out after a rain and not always then, that’s why the healers pay so well for them.” Dori explained.
“I bet Betty loves to see you headed her way.”
Dori giggled. “Indeed she does. She drools over some of the herbs I’ve managed to find. I took a red flower to her the other day on a hunch and she said they’d thought it extinct. It won’t grow in captivity. The plant favors a certain place on the creek that stays damp all the time.”
“The area you were stuck?”
“Yes.” Dori looked at the floor and blushed. It embarrassed her to have been caught like that.
“I’ll go with you when you need to gather those.” Garulto promised.
His willingness to help her and spend time with her made her happy. He was easing
any doubts she had and she felt good about the decision to live with him. All too soon he had to go. Kissing her, he poured his feelings into the kiss and she felt it all the way to her toes. It was too bad lunch didn’t last longer.
Now that she’d finished her lunch and was alone again, she put on some food for supper than went to check out the room that would be the nursery. It was a nice room with a big window that had a window seat. These type of seats were always something that appealed to her. The cushion was in bad shape, but she wanted to change it to something more baby themed anyway.
The crib, that had been delivered a few days ago, was in a downstairs bedroom and would go in the middle of the room. A rocking chair, a big one that would fit Garulto too, was a necessity. In one corner she would put the dresser she’d bought and she planned to put a changing table on top. Since the sex of the baby was unknown, and it was still possible, barely, that more babies might come along, she wanted a gender neutral color.
Dori decided on mint green. It was a calm soothing color and she could add yellows, browns, and pale oranges for accent colors. Since she could sew, all she needed to do was find the right fabric. The curtains. The cushion for the window seat, and the changing table pad would all match. Excitement for the baby that was on its way was finally hitting her. If she accepted them, who knew where they would live? She would just be happy to get a nursery fixed somewhere, anywhere for now.
Perhaps part of it was she no longer felt alone? It was time to prepare and Dori had never put things off before the way she had this time. Garulto would help her get the nursery ready and go shopping with her daughters for more baby stuff. She’d feel sorry for him, but it was part of what being a dad should be all about. He would be with her every step of the way.
Garulto was off work tomorrow so they would invite the whole family over and share the news. Dori was ready for the hurt feelings and recriminations she would get. In truth, she would have felt the same way had her girls kept their news from her. She would just have to make it up to them.
It was a shame she had to be careful. Once her male got home, she would have him lift the heavy roast into the kettle where it would cook all night for the meal tomorrow. The leftovers, if there were any, would make great roast beef sandwiches or a stew.
Time always moved so fast when she was working. There was never enough time in the day. Havos and Frex stopped by because this was the end of their week and he needed to give her a report. The workers got two days off in their program just like regular workers did. Sometimes they had the option of working more if they chose to, but it was their choice.
Currently, with so many workers, there was no demand for them to work extra, although she knew some of the guys harvested in the woods for extra money on their days off. Dori didn’t care and it seemed to make them happy to have extra money. She’d heard a rumor, and she was sure they had too, that more women from Earth would be coming here.
Dori did wonder how they would convince them without telling them where they were going. She knew there were women that had bad situations that wouldn’t care. But there were also those like her Tomi that would be bitter and angry. If they decided to do it, she hoped whoever was in charge would deal with the future mates carefully. Otherwise they would get few happy mates and a whole lot of trouble.
“Would you two like something to eat or drink?” Dori asked them.
“If it wouldn’t be too much trouble.” Havos accepted.
“Just have a seat in the kitchen and I’ll get you each a bowl of chowder and some bread.” Dori offered.
They followed her into the kitchen and sat right away. “That sure does smell appetizing.” Havos observed.
“Thank you. Hopefully it’ll taste as good.” She commented as she set a bowl and some bread in front of him and hurried to get Frex the same. The tea was still on the table so she got them each a glass of ice.
‘Aren’t you eating too?” Havos asked.
“No, I’m between meals. I already had chowder for lunch.” She watched as they both took a taste at the same time.
“This is great.” Havos said and Frex grunted in agreement. “I’ve never had anything like it before. Is it an Earth dish?”
“It is, but I used all local ingredients. It taste a little different, but not much.” Dori explained.
“I wish I could see your Earth.” Havos declared with a sigh.
“Who knows? You might see it someday. They make regular trips there.”
“I didn’t know that.” Havos admitted.
“They are trying to learn more about mating between our females and your males. Some of the matings didn’t work out and they are trying to be cautious.” Dori explained.
“I knew there was trouble, but some said only favored males were getting a chance at mates. Males like Niku.” Havos noted.
“To be honest, Romo was chosen to give Earth girls one last try before they gave up on us all together. Romo and the other males sent with him.”
“Truly?” Havos asked and Dori nodded.
“Then how did Niku end up mated? Was he sent there to mate as well?” Havos asked.
“It’s a funny story. Romo met my Bree and fell in love with her. She cared about him too, but she refused to leave her family behind. She came home and talked to us. They couldn’t tell us you were dragons from an alien world, so they said you from a country on the other side of our world where they lived differently than we did. Bree wanted us all to go. All, except one of my daughters agreed, but none of our other family wanted to. Niku met Betty just before we left Earth. He traveled here with us and after a short courtship, they decided to mate.”
“That is a most unusual story. What is your Earth like?” Havos asked.
“You know how your leader wanted industry without limits and to mine without the unnecessary caution?”
“Yes, Kelsey said they were holding us back by stopping forward movement.” Havos recited.
“Earth had that no limits industry and the mining wherever and whenever anyone chose. I’m not sure the planet will ever heal from it. We have air that makes people sick to breathe in some big cities and water that will kill people to drink. Many have died from our reckless ways and many more still will. I hope you get to see Earth one day soon, and you will understand why rules are needed. I would hate to see your beautiful world succumb to the things that poisoned my beautiful world.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” Havos said.
“I know that. Kelsey doesn’t either and he might not care. Some of our people knew and hid it until the damage was done.”
“Kelsey would care if he knew. I’m not sure that his mind wasn’t poisoned at some point.” Havos observed.
“Dannia?”
“Yes.” Havos admitted.
“That’s what happens when you think females are harmless and they can’t do anything remarkable.” Dori observed.”
“I’ve certainly changed my mind about females. They can do great things and awful things, just like males can.” Havos admitted. Frex just grunted.
They finished eating and left. Dori got up to clean the dishes before settling to sip on her tea. Moments later Garulto knocked on the door. “Stay right here a minute.” She asked after she opened the door. “I need to get your hand print on this door. That way you can come in without having to knock.”
Garulto put his hand on it as Dori typed in the code. It would now recognize him and she wouldn’t have to let him in again. That would make things easier later when she waddled rather than walked. “I wanted to talk to you about inviting the family over tomorrow. It’s time to give them our news.” Dori suggested.
“I think you’re right. Do you want to go by and see them or call and invite them?” He asked.
“It seems like calling would be fine since we’ll see them for supper tomorrow.” Dori pointed out.
Garulto immediately began calling starting with Niku. “Is everything alright?” Niku asked immediately once he answered the co
m.
“Everything is fine. Dori wanted me to call and invite you and Betty over for supper tomorrow.” He explained.
“I’ll let Betty know, but I’m sure we’ll be there. Thank you for the invitation.”
“You’re welcome. See you then.”
Garulto went through the same process with Romo except Tomi was included. He accepted too and got off the com to tell Bree and Tomi. Dori felt better now that the invitation was issued. There was no way to back out and the information would be shared, tomorrow. They ate supper, made love, and fell asleep in each other’s arms. Right now, Dori was content.
She woke early and got ready. By the time she started breakfast, Garulto was stirring. “Let me fix you something to eat.” She put a stack of pancakes and their version of sausage on his plate. “Most people put butter and syrup on it.”
He followed her instructions and took a bite. “This is wonderful.” He said with a moan.
It made her happy that he enjoyed her cooking and she smiled. Once her plate was ready, she turned off the stove and sat down putting her plate in front of her. She ate with a good appetite. “So are we still going harvesting?”
“In the woods? Of course. Just as soon as we finish eating.” Garulto said. They finished quickly.
Dori did the dishes just as fast and they headed out the door. Looking around, it struck her that Draconis was probably much like a medieval Earth in more ways than one. The air was clean, the only scent was that of plants and sometimes animals nearby.
Now that they hit the woods, she could smell the heavier scents of earth, rotting leaves and wood. Decay was the strongest scent in the area the mushrooms grew. The heavier the smell, the more mushrooms could be harvested. Those rare herbs, most of which flowered, were found in boggy spots, or extra dry places. It was the special growing conditions they needed that made them rare.
Dori found a patch of the red flowers and took half of them. While Garulto harvested the mushrooms nearby, she moved to the marshy spot and found the purple flowers Betty loved the most. She’d never managed to find both on the same day before. Maybe it was a sign that her mating was favored by fate. Not that she was superstitious, but it never hurt to have the approval of a higher authority.
