On a Clear Winter Night: An Irin Chronicles Short Story by Elizabeth Hunter Read Free Book Online

squalling girl on her belly where Geron immediately wiggled closer to his sister. As soon as she felt her twin’s touch, Matti quieted and nestled into him. Both babies turned their little cheeks to Ava’s breast and let out a contented sigh.
    “Look at that,” Malachi said.  
    “She found her brother,” Ava said with wonder. “Malachi… she’s never ever been alone. Her whole life, her big brother has been right there.”
    “Ava…” He pressed a kiss to her cheek and she felt his tears against her skin. “I love you so.”
    “I love you, too. I’m sorry I yelled at you. That was rude.”
    “I think it was quite understandable, canım.”  
    “Hello,” she whispered to her children. “Look at you. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful in my life. I’m so glad I finally get to see you guys.”
    Matti and Geron snuggled closer together, Geron’s arm curled tightly around his little sister’s shoulders.
    Malachi let out a long breath and shifted to the side, easing Ava back against the stacked pillows as Astrid helped her finish her labor. It was… not glamorous in the least. And Ava didn’t care a whit. Candace brought a small tub of warm water over so she and Malachi could clean the babies. Ava was relieved when the bustle was finally over, the helpers had all left, and her children were nestled back into bed lying on Ava’s breast as Malachi lay beside them.  
    “Heaven above, Ava, look at them.” His voice was awestruck. “Look at you.”
    She couldn’t hold in the laughter. “No cameras. Not allowed.”
    His face was luminous. “You have never been more beautiful to me. You are wondrous.”
    Ava couldn’t say a word. She pressed her face into the curve of his neck and let him hold her while she cried the happiest tears of her life. Tears of surprise. Wonder. Amazement. Relief .
    “They’re so beautiful.” She sniffed. “I thought I’d never get them out.”
    His chest rumbled with laughter. “I’m so very glad you did.” He reached over and put his hand on Matti’s head. “Matti, my daughter. You will give us trouble, I think, but also much laughter.”
    Ava brushed a finger over Geron’s soft cheek. Without a doubt, her little boy—born only minutes ahead of his sister—was the more restful baby. He’d already searched out her breast to nurse, his hand curled around his sister’s small fist. Matti had to be guided to Ava’s breast, but once there, she latched on with gusto.
    “I estimate,” Ava said, gently tracing the curve of Matti’s tiny ear, “that we have maybe a half an hour to ourselves before everyone in this house demands entry.”
    “I will fight them off if you insist.”
    “No,” she said. “I don’t mind. I don’t think I mind anything anymore. I love them so much, Malachi. I never knew I could love anyone like this.”
    “Nor did I.”
    Sing , a voice inside her called.
    And so she did.
    Ava sang ancient songs of love and devotion, covering her children in the magic of the Forgiven. As she sang, their father held them, tracing gold talesm over their bodies with gentle hands, covering them with his protective magic as he kissed and held them both. The bedroom filled with ancient magic and new life. For a few minutes, Ava and Malachi rested, dozing with their children safe between them.
    And as predicted, a half an hour later, the crowd descended.

Epilogue

    “AHA!”  
    Malachi turned. “What?”
    Max stormed over to him, a tissue paper crown adorning his blond head. “You’re the one who stole Matti.”
    Malachi shook his head. “I would like to point out that she is, in fact, my daughter. If anyone is stealing her, it’s you and Rhys.”
    Max bent down and held out his hand to the tiny girl, who immediately cooed and wrapped her little hand around the giant’s finger. This one, Malachi decided, he would have to watch. She reserved her ornery moments for her mama and baba . For her aunties and uncles, she was the picture of