Peter kissed Rasputina's little face and she giggled. "Oh you bet I am. You hear that, tiny? Lots of presents." Peter pulled her close and he sighed. "I was so afraid I'd miss it. I missed Deirdre's birthday. And she only turns two once, you know?"

Svetlana's hands were in his hair and he had spent a long time with no one touching him. He loved her. He was just going to cross his legs, not call attention to what was happening there, and hope no one noticed.