I almost felt sorry for Lugh. Almost. “How’s Talein? That boy of his decided to greet the world yet?”

Of all of Darby’s older siblings—and she had plenty, as the forester class, who were the elf equivalent of traders and included medics and arborists, didn’t have the fertility problems that assailed highborn lines—I probably knew Talein and his wife Shona the best. There were only a couple years difference in age between us, and Darby and I often went out for dinner and movies with them. Mathi, it had to be said, had often come with us despite his natural highborn inclination to look down on the lower-born lines. Though he’d also been known to comment that he often felt like a fifth wheel.

Up until now, all of Darby’s siblings had produced baby girls. Finally having a boy to carry the family name forward another generation meant the pressure was off Darby to marry an elf and produce an heir. She really could marry Lugh if she wanted to.

“He greeted the world quickly and raucously at seven this morning,” Darby said. “I’ve been with them all day at the compound; he’s such a lovely wee thing once fed.”

“Please give them both my love and congratulations and tell them I’ll pop in once they’re back at their city apartment in a few weeks.”

As much as I would’ve liked to see them earlier, light elves—especially first-timers—gave birth within the home compound and generally stayed there for the first month or so after a baby’s birth. It gave new parents time to acclimatize to looking after the child while ensuring there was plenty of help and support available.

“Have they named him yet?” I added.

“Ruairí Veon Talein Riagáin. Named after his maternal grandfather, and it definitely suits him, as he’s inherited his red hair.” She sighed. “He really is the cutest damn thing I’ve ever seen, despite the strength of his lungs.”

“Is Lugh aware how clucky you’re getting?” Mathi said.

Darby laughed again. “We haven’t even gotten to first base yet. Let’s not scare the man unduly.”

“And declaring your intention to marry him certainly wouldn’t have done that,” I said wryly.

“Well, he does need to know my intentions are honorable. Unlike that lout in the car with you.”

“If you’re not careful, I’ll speed up and give you less alone time with Lugh,” Mathi said, his tone lazily amused.

“No, you won’t, because that’ll cut your time with Beth.”

He smiled and didn’t deny it.

“We should be there in half an hour or so,” I said, “depending on the traffic.”

“No problem. See you there.”

She hung up, and I put the phone away. After swiping at the trickle of blood near my chin, I glanced at Mathi and said, “Did you happen to find anything worthwhile in the office before the thing was destroyed?”

“It appears our pixie was searching for a specific file.” He reached into his coat pocket, pulled out the jagged edge of a manilla folder, and handed it to me.