As she made her way to Neve and Talin’s cottage, her mind swirled with possibilities for the party. She couldn’t believe that she had held off talking about it. But that’s what happened when she let her mind come up with reasons for keeping it to herself. Her steps quickened in her excitement.
Neve answered the door with a smile, her long, straight black hair pulled into a low ponytail. Her silver eyes that identified her as a Light Fae brightened at the sight of River. “Hey! I was just thinking about you.”
“Really?” River asked as she walked inside.
“I was thinking we need a girls’ day.”
“That does sound good.”
Neve motioned for her to follow as she led River from the entryway into the living area. “Would you like something to drink?”
“I’m fine, thanks. I’m actually here to talk to you about something.”
“Oh, I’m all ears. Sit.”
River sank into the contemporary white leather chair next to the light gray sofa while Neve tucked a foot under her and curled up on the couch in a corner. River glanced at the fire that popped, warming the room. “I want to host a holiday dinner party this year. It’s last-minute, but I’ve been missing things I would normally do this time of year.”
“That sounds fun. Is there anything I can help with?”
River smiled and scooted to the edge of the chair. “I was hoping you’d ask.”
They shared a laugh before Neve asked, “What are the details?”
“I don’t know,” River admitted with a shake of her head. “I just came from talking to Erith and Cael to make sure they were okay with it.”
Neve rolled her eyes. “Of course, they are, but it was good that you spoke to them. So…dates?”
“Christmas Eve.”
“You mean, in two days? Have you told everyone?”
“Not yet. I was hoping you could help me with that since you can get around faster than I can.”
Neve laughed. “It would be my pleasure. Are you hosting it?”
“I wanted to, but I’d like it to feel like the holidays. Snow and all that. It doesn’t snow at my place.”
Neve’s eyes widened. “I have the perfect location. Talin and I found it months ago.”
“Where?” River asked.
Neve jumped to her feet and held out her hand. “It’s better if I show you.”
Later that evening, Kyran studied River from his position on the edge of the sofa.
“What?” she asked with a grin from her place on the floor next to Breac, who stood between them.
“You’re really not going to tell me the location?”
She shook her head, her eyes glinting with merriment. “It’s a surprise.”
“Who all knows the place?”
“Stop,” she said with a laugh. “You can wait a few days to find out.”
He flattened his lips and sighed. “You know I have no patience.”
“Exactly. This will be good for you.”
Kyran snorted. “I doubt you’d be amenable if the situation were reversed.”
“I know I wouldn’t,” she replied pithily.
His attention shifted to their son, who had his eye on something across the room. Just as Breac took off, Kyran snatched him, lifting the child high as he got to his feet before spinning him around. Breac squealed in delight, his little laugh bouncing off the walls. Kyran kissed Breac on the cheek before setting him back on the floor to continue playing as he resumed his seat.
“I’m not leaving you out.”
He lifted his gaze to River’s pale blue eyes. “I know.”
“I want this to be special for you.”
“Babe, everything we do together is special.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Nice try. I’m still not telling you.”
“It was worth a try,” he said with a grin.
Breac reached for a strand of River’s long, straight dark hair. She flicked it over her shoulder and tickled Breac to shift his focus. Kyran realized that his mate had a knack for knowing how to do that for both him and their son. Not that he minded. Her excitement warmed his heart.
He’d been more than a little worried after their conversation that morning. It had been obvious that something was on her mind, but he had assumed it was the growing tension regarding the Fae Others. He’d never realized that she missed her home—though he should have.
Kyran smiled at his son and briefly met his wife’s eyes. Being on Death’s realm might keep the mates and his son safe, but he and the other Reapers needed to remember that some had given up their homes to be with them.
“Do you regret it?” he asked.
River’s head swung to him. “What?”
“Us. Leaving your home.”
She rose to her feet and walked to him, pushing him back so she could sit on his lap. Her pale blue eyes held his as she touched his face with her hand. “I regret nothing. If I had the chance to do it all again, I wouldn’t change a thing. I love you with all my heart. I might miss things about Earth, but the comfort and safety of living here is well worth it.”
“You’ll tell me if that changes?”
“I promise,” she whispered before lowering her head and placing her lips on his.
Kyran’s blood heated as his arms tightened around her. He hadn’t thought it possible to love someone as he loved his wife, but there was no denying that they had a special bond that couldn’t be explained.
“Me!” Breac cried.
Kyran and River broke apart to look down at their son, who stood beside the sofa, staring up at them with a bright smile. River reached down and lifted him, placing him on her lap. Breac laughed as he looked from her to Kyran. The simplest things brought his son joy—and gave Kyran more things to smile about.
“I’ve got to go,” River said, though she made no move to leave.
Kyran grinned. “It’s misting.”
She laughed and ran her fingers through his hair. “That won’t stop me.”
“Let me and Breac bring you.”
“How can I resist that offer from my handsome men?”
Kyran looked at Breac. “Did you hear that, son? She thinks we’re handsome.”
Breac smiled in response.
Kyran took his son while River rose from his lap and put on her boots. When she was ready, he got to his feet and tucked Breac against him before holding his hand out to River. As soon as she took it, he teleported the three of them under the overhang at the entrance of Talin’s house. The door opened before either could knock.
“Breac!” Neve said in a high-pitched voice when she saw the boy.
Breac’s face lit up as he reached for his Aunt Neve. Kyran handed over his son, watching as his plump little arms wrapped around Neve’s neck and squeezed, his fingers tangling in her hair. Neve smothered Breac in kisses and motioned Kyran and River in. Neve didn’t get too far before Talin came around the corner, likely drawn by the sound of Breac’s laughter.
“There’s my little man,” Talin said.
Breac pressed his open mouth against Neve’s cheek, then held out his arms to Talin. Kyran watched as his fellow Reaper plucked Breac from his mate’s arms and swung him up high, causing Breac to squeal in delight. He was used to being passed from person to person when the others were around, and Breac liked the attention.