Page 29 of The Dragon’s Accidental Manny

Leaving Cam with four children to raise was something I could prepare for but not prevent. Fate had given me my family, mate, and now a new baby, but it could easily snatch that away.

I sank into a bean bag, taking deep breaths. Trying to think more positive thoughts, I contemplated how this baby would be different in that I’d experience the thrill of watching my mate’s belly grow. But love didn’t discriminate. It wasn’t exclusive. I was choosing this baby just as I’d chosen to be Bea, Isla, and Jack’s dad.

My brother would have been the fun uncle. If he were alive, he would have bought me a mug that said the World’s Okayest Dad.

I’m sorry I upset you. My dragon rarely apologized. I was wrong. All four of the children are yours, and I love them too.

It’s okay.

I was holding back on Cam and me marking one another. His world already looked nothing like it had when he first arrived, and I didn’t want to heap more changes on him.

The next morning, everyone gathered in the courtyard after breakfast.

“We have some news.” I was standing behind Cam, and the kids were on bean bags.

“You’re buying Cam a new car,” Isla suggested.

“It’s about time. One more rattle and it’ll fall apart.” Bea wasn’t wrong.

“No, though that’s long overdue.” Maybe I’d rent one for him during the pregnancy if I could get him to agree to it.

I put a hand on Cam’s shoulder. Three sets of eyes followed the movement, but none of the kids was sporting a shocked face.

“Cam is my mate.”

“That’s it?” Bea looked around as if searching for a better surprise.

“Don’t you have any questions?” Cam asked.

The three shared a glance, and they shrugged.

“You kissed.” Jack made kissy noises, and Isla told him he was spitting at her and it was gross.

“When?” We’d been so careful.

“One night when you thought we were watching TV.” Bea wriggled in the bean bag. “We got up and peeked into the courtyard. You said Dad’s beard was ticklish.”

Cam blushed, and Isla told us we were always looking at one another with silly grins on our faces.

“And you’re okay with that?” I reached for Cam’s hand, and the girls nodded.

“Are you our dad now?” Jack wanted to know.

“I’m whatever you want me to be.” Cam told the kids they didn’t have to call him Dad or Papa. And he moved from his bean bag to sit between the children. “Cam will do.”

“You’re my Camcam.” Jack had decided on a title.

“I love it.” Cam squeezed our son’s hand.

“Dad’s fine.” Isla shrugged. “You’ve been a dad to us since you arrived.”

Cam kissed our second oldest as Bea fidgeted with her sweater.

“Is it okay if I still call you Cam for a bit?” She was close to tears, and Cam hugged her and rested his chin on her head. “Change is hard sometimes.”

“Sweetheart, Dad is just a name. I’ll always be your Cam.”

“Can we have screen time now?” Isla was itching to finish her tween detective series.