Page 19 of Arthur

George looked directly at me. “To Patrick.”

I tried to smile.

“You always avoided him before. When he was younger.”

“Yes. For two reasons,” Arthur said. “You know how his parents were. But it didn’t help that I continually found myself drawn to him. He was much too young then.”

George shook his head. “You have a baby now.”

Arthur chuckled. “That happens when we find our One, George. You claim one another, other things happen—quite enjoyable things. Then what do you know, a baby happens several months later.”

George looked like he didn’t know if he should smile or shake his head.

“It’s good to see you again, George,” I finally said. “I’m glad you finally returned to the inn. We’ve missed you.” I didn’t know what else to say, really. I was obviously quite a bit younger than both Arthur and George and hadn’t been close to either of them when I had lived here with my parents.

George nodded before he looked at Arthur. “Patrick. You’re mated to Patrick.”

“I am. And this is our son, William.”

George looked down at the baby in Arthur’s arms. “You had a baby?”

“I did, actually,” I said. It wasn’t that I didn’t feel as if we both had a baby. I wouldn’t have William without Arthur. But I was the one who had carried the baby, and it was me who had been cut open to actually deliver the baby.

George’s eyes widened. “You’re a sire, then,” he asked Arthur.

“Yes. I was a bit surprised about that as well. But yes, Patrick was the one that carried our son.”

George shook his head. “I think…I’m going to go to my rooms, and I’ll see you in the morning. If that is all right.”

George started to walk away, and Arthur and I both quickly followed.

“You don’t have to go,” Arthur said.

George stopped and turned. “Yes, I do. Congratulations to the both of you. I never would have rushed in like this if I had known.”

“It’s all right. You frightened me, and that put Arthur on alert. He’s quite protective of me and William.”

George smiled. “I can understand that. Whether I am to be a sire or carrier, I would be protective of my One and children as well. Again, I do apologize for disturbing you both. I hope we can get together tomorrow after the morning meal?”

“Of course,” Arthur said. “Are you sure you don’t need to talk to me now? You came here, after all.”

George shook his head. “No. It can wait. I simply wished to share my experiences with you. That is all. You were quite a bit more successful than I, and I won’t deny being envious. I am truly happy for the two of you though. Both for finding one another and for the baby.” George paused before he gestured his head toward me. “Have a good night.” With that, he was simply gone.

“Is he all right?” I asked, suddenly concerned. “Did you two tussle?”

“Only a bit. He was in the outer room and was on his way here to the bedchamber when I grabbed him. It didn’t take but a moment for me to realize it was George.”

I couldn’t help but feel bad for him. “Do you think he is upset? He said he was envious. What can—”

Arthur stopped me with a finger on my mouth. “This is how things are. It could have just as easily been he who found his One first. In fact, you could have been fated for George and not me. We never know who fate will choose for us.”

I shook my head. The thought of me being paired with George felt wrong. I was Arthur’s. He was William’s other father.

“We’ve done nothing wrong,” Arthur said. He glanced down at William, who was sucking on his fist. “Since he’s going to want to be fed in a short time anyway, how about we take care of that now and then return to bed. William should be good until morning at this point.”

I nodded. “I’ll get the milk.”

I started to walk away, but Arthur stopped me with a hand on my shoulder. I looked at my One, the love I felt for him unable to be masked.