Candy gave him a playful slap on the arm. “Don’t you dare talk about the next one. I still have to give birth to a placenta.”

He kissed her again. “I will hold my daughter. I might never put her down.” His whole face softened as he looked down at her.

Candy laughed. “The scary thing is that I think you mean it.”

“Of course I mean it.” Then he locked eyes with her. “By the way, I have some news.”

She frowned. “What news?”

“I ran into Lake earlier.” He grinned. “Sky is pregnant. She is already a few weeks along. After you jinxed them so badly the last time, they decided to wait awhile before telling anyone. I didn’t even know that she was in heat.”

She had to laugh. “That’s amazing news. It makes sense now. Remember, that little vacation they took. We had to look after Maggie.” She paused, remembering how well the three dogs had gotten along. “It was because she was in heat.” Then she pulled a face. “I didn’t jinx them that first time.”

“You so did.” He nestled into her neck and kissed her just under her ear. Then he looked down at their daughter. “Your mom is a jinxer.”

Their daughter made a little noise that sounded like an agreement.

“You tell your dad that he talks through his… you know where.”

Just at the second, there was a farting noise. The little one had farted. They both looked at one another and laughed.

“You take after your mom,” Torrent managed to get out between chuckles. Then he looked down at the little one and turned serious. He even made a strange noise.

“What’s wrong?” She’d had enough surprises for one day.

“Um… it’s nothing.” He gave a small shake of the head. Candy could see that he didn’t mean it.

“Tell me and right now.” She leaned forward but something inside her spasmed. It felt like the start of a contraction. Shit! “I’m about to get seriously cranky.”

Torrent licked his lips. “I’m sure I just saw her eyes slit… like dragon eyes but that can’t be, on account of her being human.” He pointed out unnecessarily. “I’m sure I was just seeing things.”

“Yeah, you must have been.” Torrent was looking intently at the little one. “How would that even be possible? I mean…” The contraction worsened and she gripped her belly. “…could it be possible?”

“I don’t think so.” He shook his head.

Candy tried to suppress a groan as the contraction grew worse.

“Should I call the healer?” Torrent looked concerned.

“In a minute. Hypothetically speaking, let’s say what you just saw was real.”

He nodded.

“How would it be possible?”