Epilogue

Tatum ~ Three Years Later

"Oh my gods," I say, trying my best to not let myself completely panic. "We forgot the cupcakes!"

Vinnie swoops into the room, wrapping an arm around my waist. "We did not forget the cupcakes, sweetheart. Your mom is bringing them, remember?"

"Oh right." I run my fingers through my hair and take a deep breath. Vinnie's smokey scent fills my nose, putting me at ease. I lean forward until my forehead connects with his shoulder. "Okay. Everything is fine."

"You're being a most gracious host," Vinnie says, running his hands up and down my spine. "It's not like you've never seen these people before. We see them all the time."

"I know," I say, pulling away so that my mate can see my pout. "I just want the twins to have a good birthday."

We try to plan a monthly picnic for all of us to get together and see each other. The kids absolutely love having the day to run around and play with their cousins and all of us adults love being able to catch up. Raising a clutch is tough work but I'm glad to have them in my life to help carry that burden. We share tips and tricks that are working with raising the kids, share silly stories, and of course, playfully tease our mates.

Once a year, we take turns planning a giant party for the kids to celebrate when they hatched. Though the timing isn't exact, they've all hatched roughly around the same time of the year. The first year was Aldryn with his mate, Eli. Last year Stone hosted with his mate Arvin. This year it's time to have everyone here.

Thank Christ my moms are helping with everything.

"Okay," I say, taking a step away from Vinnie. Today he's got his hair down which he very rarely does. It's so pretty like this. His eyes are lined with a thin layer of kohl. I have the urge to kiss him so that's exactly what I do. "I love you."

"I love you too, sweetheart." I melt at the familiar pet name. "I think I hear someone pulling in."

"Oh gods!"

Vinnie chuckles as I run to the kitchen, making sure all of the last minute things are done. Eventually, I make my way out to the backyard, finding Aldryn and Eli already here. Mama is out here as well, playing with Lily and Skye. Their cousins all run through the yard to join them while Aldryn and Eli take their time, each holding a baby in their arms.

It's mind blowing how much our little family is growing. Vinnie has our own egg in his arms, their obsidian shell shining in the sunlight, making the shell shimmer with a beautiful purple color.

Stone and Arvin pull into the yard, hauling their kiddos out of the back of their van along with their eggs in protective backpacks. I smile at my clutch-mates, overwhelmed by how much I love them. I'm so glad they're here, that we're reunited, that we're making a family.

Mom walks over from her house, carrying a very large tray of cupcakes. All the kids swarm her and for a moment, panic grips my gut as I watch that tray teeter. She gives me a wink when she sees me staring and I roll my eyes at her.

I lean against the side of my house, just taking the chaos in. It really wasn't that long ago when I felt like the lone dragon in the world. Look at me now; two brothers, a boatload of dragon babies, and a mismatched family to call my own.

And it's all thanks to my car losing its fucking tire.

The End