Kate turned to face him. She was worried at the blank expression on his face. Maybe she shouldn’t have said anything about painting. Some artists were picky about suggestions. Suddenly his face broke out into a huge smile. He picked her up and swung her around.
“That’s an amazing idea! I never thought about doing book illustrations before. I like how it would have stories to go along with the pictures. But… I’m not a writer.” Caleb stopped, not realizing that Kate was dangling about a foot above the ground. She loved his strength.
“We’ll find someone then. Maybe you could do different volumes as they grow up. We could give it to them every year at Christmas. It could be our first family tradition.” She looked up at him excitedly. He smiled and set her down before crushing her to him.
“Thank you, Kate. Thank you for being my mate and being so damn perfect,” he said, holding her.
She shook her head and looked up at him.
“I don’t know about being perfect, but I’m grateful as hell to have you and Bran as my mates.”
“Are you two almost done in there?” Bran yelled from the parlor. “One of the boys smells like shit and I think the other one is hungry. He keeps trying to eat my fingers.”
Kate’s and Caleb’s eyes widened as they stared at each other. Then both began to laugh uncontrollably.
“It’s not funny, seriously. What in the hell do you feed these guys? Oh God! Guys! I think the other one just shit too! Get your asses in here!” Bran yelled.
“That’s your mate and Alpha in there demanding assistance,” Kate said between bouts of laughter.
“You mean the man who is freaking out over dirty diapers?” Caleb said, catching his breath. “Come on, giggles, let’s go save our Alpha.”
Caleb wrapped an arm around her waist. She smiled and they both headed back into the parlor to teach their Alpha about poopy diapers.
Chapter 6
“Rian, get off your lazy cat ass and help.” Riley grunted as he carried some of the last boxes into the room that had quickly been emptied to serve as the boys’ nursery. He put the boxes down in the adjoining sitting room and walked in rubbing his back. Rian looked up and gave a bright smile.
“Thank goodness! These boys were just about to get their diapers changed. Good thing, too, because I think it’s going to be messy. I’ll unpack those boxes and you can show the boys how awesome you are as Uncle Riley.” Rian got up from where he had been sitting cross-legged in front of the Pack ‘N play. Riley paled and backed away slowly.
“That’s okay. I mean the boys come first. I’ll leave that to you, Rian, since you have already kinda bonded with them.”
Riley did an about-face and practically ran down the stairs. Caleb, who was standing off to one side putting clothes away in a small dresser, chuckled under his breath. Rian looked over at him and winked.
“What is it about the male wolves here and fears of dirty diapers?” Caleb asked.
“I should go tell him they were changed not fifteen minutes ago. How did you know to come over? I thought Bran only called Riley,” Caleb said, finishing up and closing the dresser drawer.
“He did, but Riley was in the diner grabbing something to eat when he called. I overheard the conversation and invited myself. I figured you would need someone to keep the boys out of the way. And don’t you dare breathe a word about the diapers. If you do, I’ll cancel the order for the red-and-black leather bustier I ordered for Kate with Bran’s credit card.” Rian held up Lucas’s toy elephant. Caleb’s eyes widened.
“You are a master and I bow down to your wisdom,” Caleb said, giving a mock half bow.
Rian snorted and rolled his eyes. “Darlin’, I’ve been trying to get a man like you to bow down to me for years,” he said, making the elephant dance.
“Fate just hasn’t found anyone good enough for you yet.” Caleb picked up Landon. He carried him over to the changing tables to get him into his pajamas. Rian scooped up Lucas, walked over to join Caleb and Landon, and began to get Lucas in his pajamas, too. Both boys yawned, rubbing their eyes with small fists.
“Kate said you’re willing to babysit,” Caleb said kissing, Landon’s tummy.
Rian nodded. “I would love to. I used to watch the cubs in my old pride. I miss helping out with children.” Rian picked up the pajama-clad Lucas and nuzzled his neck. The little boy snuggled into Rian’s arms.
“You’re a natural around kids. The twins have obviously taken to you. Do you think you could watch them tomorrow afternoon? I need to go see Mojo to let him know I’ll be quitting as soon as he can find a replacement and I need to order some art supplies.” Caleb picked, picking up a yawning Landon.