"The time has come," Coralie intoned with mock solemnity, "to talk of having a bigger family. I'd really like more kids, Ash. And I know you do too."There was a stubborn gleam to the normal meek imp's eyes that gave the impression that this was a discussion that she would not back down from. And she wouldn't. She adored Gilby and Ashton. They were her precious babies. But she wanted a whole houseful of little sweeties to love and tend to and teach. But it was a mark of her love and respect for her mate that she was having this discussion rather than sneaking down to the stone banks alone and springing a surprise child on everyone.
"The house my uncle helped us find is big enough for more than the four of us. And you might be in school, but you'll still be close enough to help me out if need be. C'mon, Ash. What do you say?"
She smiled and fluttered her eyelashes at the chimera playfully.
As Coralie began to talk, Ashlynn felt her jaw drop slightly in silent shock. She'd known for a long time now that Coralie had always wanted a large family. But... wasn't this too soon? Mentally, she calculated and realized that Gilby and Ashton were nearly at the age where they'd have to leave soon for the Academy. And Coralie was right. The house that her uncle had found for them really was more than big enough for a family big enough to keep the imp happy."But the shop," she began, only to snap her mouth shut. Coralie was going to run a pet shop. Any children would be safe enough playing behind the counter or even staying for a few hours under the watchful eyes of a babysitter. There were ways to juggle schedules so that everyone could be happy.
Giving in with a soft sighed chuckle, Ashlynn reached out to ruffle her mate's hair affectionately.
"All right, all right. Yes, I would like more kids too," she said as she leaned down to brush her lips against Coralie's forehead. "If this is what you really want, it's what we'll do."
And really, she thought as she went back to sorting through the things she would want for University, why not add a little more love to the world? Nothing wrong with that.
