CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: CONNIE

CONNIE SAT comfortably between Leo and Ford, discussing the latest local news, as his mother drilled Hudson about wedding plans, peppering him with questions and ideas. Oh boy, was that the wrong one to be talking to.

The desperation in Hudson’s eyes further amused Connie.

Eventually, Kit texted—they were just pulling into the driveway. The timing could not have been more perfect. The tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the house, signaling that dinner was almost ready.

“That was Kit. I’ll go meet him,” Hudson said, jumping to his feet like his ass was on fire.

Connie almost laughed out loud.

“Oh good! Please hurry!” Henrietta urged Hudson.

Connie couldn’t help but be amused at his mother too. She practically bounced in her seat, her hands fidgeting with excitement.

Huh. Enthusiastic, and if Connie wasn’t wrong, also slightly nervous. Where in the world that was coming from, he had no idea. Too bad Kit couldn’t see that Connie’s mom was as nervous about meeting him as Kit was about meeting her.

The conversation flowed naturally from the honeymoon, the venue, and invitations, to updates on things in the court and upcoming social events they were hosting or attending.

“Speaking of the honeymoon, make sure to take lots of pictures for us,” Henrietta reminded Connie.

“Why? Did you forget what snow looks like?” Connie joked. They lived in Michigan, for crying out loud.

Henrietta’s eyes narrowed playfully. “Just because you’re all grown up and happily mated now doesn’t mean I won’t come over there and give you a good swat.”

“Oh please, I’d pay good money to see that,” Kit said, walking in.

Connie groaned. Because, of course, that would be when Kit joined them. “That’ll never happen.”

Kit walked straight to Connie, grinning.

Standing, Connie gave Kit a quick kiss on the cheek. Then he turned him so he could introduce Kit to his parents, who had also stood. “Kit? This is my mother, Henrietta, my dad, Leo, and my other dad, Ford.”

“It’s so nice to meet all of you,” Kit said, shaking Leo’s and Ford’s hands. Then he turned to Henrietta, who promptly wrapped Kit up in a hug.

“I have been so excited about finally meeting you. Connie has told us so much about you. I feel like I already know you, even though we’re just now meeting. You mean the world to my Connie,” Henrietta whispered. “So you’ll mean the world to me.”

“Mother of all, you’re going to make me ugly cry all over you,” Kit swore softly.

Henrietta chuckled, releasing him from the hug but holding on to his hands for a moment longer. “There’s nothing ugly about honest emotions, dear.”

“Oh wow, you’ve got to meet my mother because that sounds like something she would say.”

“Sounds like a smart woman,” Henrietta said, winking. “I like her already.”

Kit discreetly wiped wetness out from underneath his eye. “Oh yeah, the two of you are going to get along great, the mother help us!”

There was a knock on the door, and Connie hurried to open it. Stella and a couple of people from the kitchen pushed several carts full of food into the room. She greeted Connie’s parents, chitchatting while she oversaw dinner being set up.

“Anything in particular for breakfast the three of you would like?” Stella asked right before she left.

“Oh no, don’t make anything special for us. We’ll eat anything,” Henrietta claimed. “Well, outside of coffee. Coffee is a must, otherwise, I have a very grumpy mate on my hands.”

Ford raised his hand and waved at them. “Me. I’ll be the very grumpy dragon.”

“Oh, believe me, you wouldn’t be the only one around here. There’ll be plenty of coffee, I promise you,” Stella said. “Hudson? Just leave the carts outside your quarters, and I’ll send someone to pick them up later. Have a good evening, everyone, and it was good seeing you, Henrietta, Ford, and Leo.”

Connie absolutely loved how welcome the court made his parents feel.

Everyone gathered around the dining table. It was kinda tight, but they made it work. The food was delicious—a roast with all the trimmings, vegetables fresh from Stella’s garden, and homemade apple pie with vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Conversation continued to flow as easily as the wine.

As they ate, Connie noticed that Kit seemed more and more relaxed. And how could he not? There was no mistaking his parents’ genuine warmth.

Connie nudged Kit under the table and whispered, “Told you they’d love you.”

“Of course we love you. If anyone told you otherwise, point them in my direction. I’d like to have a word with them.” Henrietta huffed, a swirl of smoke coming from her nostrils.

Kit grinned back. “No one actually said anything to me.”

Henrietta didn’t look convinced.

“It’s fine, Henrietta. My court is completely accepting of Kit,” Hudson said.

“Then where did he get such an idea?”

Hudson sighed. “Before my mother’s untimely demise, I had told her about my mating with Kit and Connie.”

Henrietta held up her hand. “Say no more. I was well aware of your mother’s stance on humans.” Henrietta turned to look at Kit. “My mates and I do not feel that way, Kit. Please believe me. The court we come from also does not have such antiquated views.”

Kit took a deep breath and nodded. “I was nervous, yes. And I shouldn’t have been. Do you know why? Because Connie accepted me without reservation—human fragileness and all. And why was that? Because that was the way you raised him. I temporarily forgot that, and I apologize.”

Hudson frowned.

“Nope. Don’t look like that, Hudson. You’ve been very clear that your mother did not take any interest in your upbringing, so technically speaking, she did not raise you. So of course you did not share her views toward humans,” Kit said.

Hudson swallowed heavily. “Thank you, mate.”

“Just telling it like it is,” Kit responded.

“Well, Gaura, now you’re going to make me ugly cry,” Henrietta said, dabbling at her eyes with her napkin. “You are the sweetest thing ever, and I thank our dragon God that Connie and Hudson found and mated you.”

Connie met Kit’s gaze, then winked at him. Kit smiled back, and with that simple gesture, Connie knew then that any worries Kit might have had were gone.

LATER, AS they moved to the couches for coffee and continued chatting, Leo and Ford shared stories about Connie’s childhood adventures, much to Connie’s mock horror.

Kit laughed along, adding his own embarrassing tales when prompted. When Kit yawned, Connie glanced at his watch, surprised to see what time it was.

“Oh my, look at the time,” Henrietta said, seeing Kit yawn. “I think it’s time for us to retire.”

After several rounds of hugs, everybody ended up at the door to Hudson’s quarters.

Turning, Henrietta held out her arms. “I am so glad they found you, Kit. It’s very clear that you make Hudson and my son very happy. I’m glad to have you as part of my family too.”

“That goes double for us,” Leo and Ford said.

“Thank you for welcoming me so warmly,” Kit replied, hugging them.

Henrietta squeezed his arm softly. “You’re part of this family now. And remember—family takes care of each other.”

Everyone said good night, and Connie escorted his parents to their quarters. When he returned, he found Kit and Hudson sitting on the couch. Connie moved the carts with the dirty dishes to the hallway, then joined them.

Connie took Kit’s hand in his, squeezing it gently. “I’m glad everything went well. I told you they’d love you.”

Kit turned to him and smiled softly. “It went more than well. Tonight felt right—like I was exactly where I needed to be.”

Connie’s eyes glinted with happiness. “You are exactly where you need to be.”

Hudson nodded in agreement, resting his hand on the back of the couch, encompassing both his mates within the circle of his arm. “Tonight reminded me of what’s truly important—family, love, and acceptance. It shouldn’t matter where we come from but where we’re going together.”

Kit leaned into Connie a little more. “It’s funny how a dinner can change so much, isn’t it? I was so worried, and now, I feel like I’ve been part of this family for years.”

Connie laughed lightly. “As I said, that’s because you were meant to be here, with us. And nothing will ever change that.”

The three of them sat in comfortable silence for a few moments; each lost in their thoughts and the joy of the evening.

“You know, family isn’t always about blood,” Connie said thoughtfully. “Sometimes it’s about who stands by you when you need them the most.”

“Found family, it’s called,” Kit said.

“That makes sense. My court, you two, and now Connie’s parents are my found family,” Hudson said. “That feels right.”

“I think tonight was important for all of us. It’s not just about acceptance, but about understanding and respecting each other’s backgrounds and histories,” Connie said.

Kit leaned back, his gaze flicking between Connie and Hudson. “Still kind of overwhelming.”

Connie squeezed Kit’s hand. “Well, get used to it. You’re stuck with us now.”

“Good. I’m heading to bed. You guys coming?” Kit asked, standing.

“Of course.” Connie followed Hudson and Kit to their bedroom, where they got ready for bed. He was still smiling as he snuggled down between his mates.

“I suppose we should consider this the first of many family gatherings,” Hudson said.

“Absolutely,” Kit agreed. “Though I hope future gatherings involve fewer nerves on my part.”

“Isn’t the first time always the hardest? Isn’t that what they say?” Connie chuckled. “I don’t think you have to worry about nerves anymore.”

“Your mom is the greatest,” Kit said.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Connie said, a sense of peace settling over him. He looked from Kit to Hudson and back again. The bond between them was calm and happy. What more could a dragon ask for?

They chitchatted a bit more, Kit’s responses getting slower and slower until he finally drifted off to sleep.

Connie rolled over. “He’s out,” he whispered to Hudson.

“Mental stress can tire you out as quickly as physical,” Hudson said. “But it went very well tonight.”

“I didn’t have any doubt. Let’s hope tomorrow goes as well.”

“Do you mean the signing?”

“Yes,” Connie said.

“Lennox would be an idiot to try anything with all of us there. Not to mention, humans will be there also. Lennox may be a lot of things, but he is not stupid.”

“Let’s hope you’re right,” Connie said. “Good night.”

“Good night, sweetheart.”

Hudson turned off the bedside lamp, casting the room into a soft, shadowed calm. Connie drifted off to sleep, listening to the steady breathing of his mates.

SATURDAY MORNING dawned bright and clear, the sort of day that seemed full of promise. Connie was up early, restless. He watched Kit and Hudson sleep for a few moments, their faces relaxed in slumber, free from the worries of the world outside. This moment of quiet was precious because the day was going to be a full one, that was for sure.

After he texted his mom and got a response, he went to take a shower. He hadn’t been in there five minutes before Hudson joined him. As much as Connie wanted to bathe every inch of his mate, they really didn’t have time. Unfortunately for both of them, the shower was quick.

Hudson beat him out, though.

When Connie walked back into the bedroom, there were two cups of coffee sitting on the nightstand. Hudson had his own mug, and Kit was sitting up in the bed, blinking.

“Good morning,” Connie said, amused.

“Morning,” Kit mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“Good morning,” Hudson replied as he handed Kit a cup. “Did you sleep well?”

“I did, actually,” Kit admitted, holding his cup protectively.

Connie leaned over to ruffle Kit’s hair affectionately. “That’s what we like to hear. Today’s going to be another big day.”

Kit eyed Hudson. “Have you already showered?”

Hudson handed Connie his mug, then nodded as he sipped from his. “Yes.”

Kit glanced at Connie. “And you have also?”

“Yep.”

“Without me?” Kit whined.

“There’s always tonight,” Hudson reminded Kit. “The shower’s all yours. We have about an hour before breakfast.”

Kit climbed out of bed. “I will be reminding you of that tonight. An hour? Okay, that should give me enough time.” He looked at Connie. “Have you talked to your parents yet?”

“Yes. Mom’s still getting ready, but I’m going to meet my dads in the communal living area until it’s time for breakfast,” Connie said.

“I’m going to run up to my office for a minute.” Hudson took another sip of his coffee. “While you get ready, I’m going to check in with Kage.”

“How many people are we going to have there?” Kit asked.

“Audrey, Nelson, Torres, Lanny, Beckett, Connie, and me,” Hudson said. “Seven dragons plus the two who work at your store. Kage, Maia, Denisha, and Doc Terry will be there too. Axel is coming with Doc Terry. Plus, Connie’s parents.”

“Good grief. That should be more than enough,” Kit said.

“Better too many than not enough,” Connie said.

“Well, it sounds like everything is ready to go,” Kit said, setting his coffee on the nightstand.

“We’re as prepared as we can be,” Hudson said. “Try not to stress too much.”

“I’ll just be glad when today is over,” Kit said. “Okay, scoot so I can get ready.”

Connie kissed Kit on the cheek. “I’ll see you two soon.”

Connie and Hudson waved as they walked out the door. Once they were outside, Hudson turned toward Connie. “When I finish up what I’m doing, I’ll meet you in the living room.”

“Sounds good.” Connie kissed Hudson goodbye, then continued on to meet his dads.

As Connie walked through the hallways of the living area, he felt the familiar buzz of dragonkin all around him. He could also hear the construction crew getting to work as usual.

He found his fathers deeply engrossed in a game of chess. The click of the pieces echoed softly in the spacious room, which was filled with morning light filtering through the large windows.

“Good morning,” Connie greeted, approaching them with a smile.

Both looked up, and their faces lit up in unison.

“Morning, son!” Leo called out, gesturing for him to join them.

“How’s everything?” Ford asked, moving a piece across the board.

“Everything’s ready for the signing as far as I know,” Connie replied. He sat down on one of the plush couches nearby. “Just hoping it all goes smoothly.”

“You’ve done all you can,” Leo said reassuringly. “Now, it’s just about seeing it through.”

Ford nodded in agreement. “And we’re all here for you. Remember that.”

“Thanks, dads.”

Leo chuckled softly as he executed a checkmate move on Ford. “Looks like I win again.”

Ford sighed theatrically, but his eyes twinkled with amusement. “Your day will come, old man.”

Their banter comforted Connie, reminding him of many similar mornings filled with laughter and lighthearted challenges. It grounded him, reinforcing that no matter how big today’s event was, it was just one part of his rich, vibrant life.

After some more conversation, they all headed to the dining hall, which was buzzing with activity as various members of their court gathered for breakfast. The smells of freshly baked bread and strong coffee filled the air.

Hudson joined them soon after they sat down at one of the tables.

“How did the meeting with Kage go?” Connie asked as Hudson took a seat beside him.

“Everything’s on track. Kage has all the security details sorted out. We’re ready for whatever comes our way today.”

“That’s reassuring,” Connie said.

The conversation shifted to lighter topics after that as they waited for others to join them for breakfast. Slowly, the room filled with familiar faces—Audrey sauntered in, with Nelson and Torres trailing behind her, discussing strategy in low tones. Lanny and Beckett came together, laughing over some private joke.

Kit and Henrietta arrived shortly after, arm in arm, both looking much more relaxed than yesterday.

“Morning, everyone,” Kit greeted.

Seeing his mom and his mate together warmed Connie’s heart.

By the time everyone was gathered around the table laden with food ranging from fruits and cereals to pancakes and eggs, the air was buzzing with anticipation and camaraderie.

As they ate and chatted about various non-event related topics—movies seen recently, books read, the tension around the upcoming signing seemed to lessen. Laughter replaced worry lines and shared glances conveyed unspoken support among them.

Finally, breakfast wound down, and they all stood up together.

“We need to be leaving,” Kit said, glancing at his phone. “Are we all ready? And are we all here?”

Everybody nodded that they were ready to go.