Page 187 of Dancing with Fire

Wren takes the tiniest of sips. Then she sets the glass down, reaching for water instead. Her smile is huge, lighting up her entire face.

I love seeing her happy. More than anything in the world, I love knowing I’m part of that happiness.

“Thanks for coming,” Wren tells everyone, looking around the room. “Opening a nursing home has been a dream of mine for so many years, and now it’s finally a reality. One I share with my wonderful mate.” She takes my hand, lacing her fingers through mine. “I want to thank the first two people who signed up to come and live here. To Falkor and Eldra.”

“We’re thrilled to be here, dear,” Eldra says, her voice warm.

“I’m not going to say too much. I’m not one for long speeches,” Wren continues. “Let’s just enjoy ourselves. Thank you all for coming. You mean the world to us.” She takes a big sip of water.

My heart is so fucking full I think it might burst. I look around at all the elderly shifters scattered throughout the room. So many of them I helped during my time at the Vaccination Center. So many who signed up to come live here, to be part of what we’re building. Not just a care facility but a family.

I look out through the big stackable doors at the property beyond. Down at the bottom, I can see the petting zoo. Forget just miniature horses. There are mini goats, and a couple of mini cows…even a couple of chickens. My mouth twitches into a smile.

Conversation has picked up again.

“Excuse me a moment,” I tell Wren, kissing her on the side of her head. Then I make my way through the crowd toward the corner of the room.

My mother is in a comfortable wingback chair, a blanket tucked around her legs, even though it’s not cold. Both Peanut and Butter are on her lap, sleeping soundly. The little traitors barely acknowledge anyone else these days. They’ve completely adopted her as their favorite person.

I crouch down beside her chair. “How are you doing, Mom?”

She looks up at me, and her eyes are clear. It’s a good day.

“I’m wonderful, sweetheart.” She reaches out and cups my cheek with one weathered hand. “This is all so beautiful. You and Wren…you’ve done something special here.”

“We’re trying,” I tell her.

“You’re succeeding.” She pats my cheek, then lets her hand drop back to pet Butter. “I’m so proud of you, River. Your father would be too.” Her eyes get watery.

My throat tightens. She doesn’t always remember my real name these days. Hearing it now, seeing the pride in her eyes, it almost undoes me.

“Thanks, Mom.”

Wren appears beside us, a plate of food in her hands. She kneels down on my mother’s other side, offering her the plate.

“I made sure to get all your favorites,” she says, smiling.

My mother takes the plate, beaming at Wren. “You’re such a dear. I’m so glad my boy found you.”

“I’m glad I found him, too,” Wren says, and she glances at me. The look in her eyes makes my chest tight all over again.

I watch as they talk, as Wren makes sure my mother has everything she needs. The way she’s so gentle, so patient. The way she genuinely cares.

This woman is going to be the mother of my child. Of our child.

The thought hits me all over again, fresh and overwhelming.

I have the best fucking life.

“Love you,” Wren mouths to me.

“Love you too,” I mouth back.