Sleigh Bells and Dragon Spells (Whispering Pines #8)

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

T he winter market buzzed with activity, made even more magical by the presence of Whispering Pines’ newest residents. Reed and Ellie approached, little Asher bundled in tiger-striped Christmas pajamas that matched his parents’ set. The baby’s amber eyes, so like his father’s, widened at the twinkling lights overhead.

“There’s our favorite dragon,” Ellie cooed to Asher, who reached for Falkor with chubby hands. “See? Even the baby approves of your festive attire.”

“Not you too,” Falkor grumbled, but he couldn’t hide his smile as Asher grabbed his finger with surprising strength. The baby’s tiger-striped footie pajamas included a hood with tiny ears that twitched when he giggled.

“If you think that’s cute,” Briar pointed across the square, “look at the Blackwoods.”

Celeste and Kade approached, their matching wolf-themed pajamas coordinating perfectly with baby Amara’s own tiny set. The infant sported a hood with wolf ears, while her father’s pajamas featured running wolves that actually seemed to move across the fabric—no doubt another bit of Celeste’s magical mischief.

“Don’t start,” Kade warned Falkor, adjusting Amara in his arms. “At least yours don’t howl when the baby cries.”

“An excellent feature,” Celeste declared proudly. “Makes it much easier to know when she needs attention, especially with wolf hearing.”

“It makes it impossible to pretend I’m sleeping through midnight feedings,” Kade corrected, but his besotted expression as he gazed at his daughter belied any real complaint.

Fia and Sayer completed the parade of families with little Vienna perched on her father’s shoulders. Their dragon-scale pajamas shimmered with actual magic, changing colors to match Vienna’s moods. Currently, they glowed a happy pink as she pointed excitedly at all the Christmas decorations.

“I see you’ve joined the matching pajama club,” Sayer noted to Falkor with a sympathetic grin. “They’re surprisingly comfortable, aren’t they?”

“Don’t encourage them,” Falkor muttered. “They’ll have us all in coordinating outfits for every holiday.”

“Too late,” Briar sang. “I already ordered our Valentine’s Day set.”

The babies added an extra layer of joy to the celebrations. Asher investigated every ornament within reach with serious concentration, much like his father. Amara howled along with her pajamas, creating an adorable if slightly chaotic chorus. Vienna kept changing the color of her family’s outfits based on her delight at each new discovery.

“I have to admit,” Falkor murmured to Briar as they watched the families celebrate, “they make quite a picture.”

“Getting any ideas?” she teased, nudging him gently.

His arms tightened around her. “Perhaps. Though I think we should master the Polar Express trip first.”

“Speaking of which,” Reed called over, bouncing Asher as the baby started to fuss, “word of advice—enchanted train rides with infants are... interesting. Asher here turned into a tiger cub halfway through and tried to chase the conductor’s cart. He gets that adventurous spirit from his mother,” Reed insisted.

“Pretty sure the shifting comes from your side,” Ellie countered and swatted at him.

The evening continued with more heartwarming moments. Molly brought special baby-safe treats that made the infants giggle magical bubbles. Luna crafted tiny protective amulets disguised as Christmas ornaments for each child. Even Jasper Moon entertained the babies by making his ghostly form showcase different holiday scenes.

As snow continued to dust the celebration, Briar watched the families sharing joy and love, creating memories that would last lifetimes. Falkor’s arms wrapped around her from behind, his warmth seeping through their matching pajamas.

“I can hear you plotting more matching outfits,” he murmured in her ear.

“I’m thinking Easter next. With little dragon eggs...”

His groan made her laugh, but she noticed he held her closer, his eyes soft as he watched Vienna chase enchanted snowflakes while her parents looked on adoringly.

“Our children will be magnificent,” he said quietly. “And probably extremely well-dressed.”

Briar turned in his arms, heart swelling with love. “Was that a hint about our future?”

“That was a promise.” He kissed her softly as the snow fell around them, each flake carrying wishes for the beautiful life ahead.

The sound of multiple babies laughing drew their attention back to their friends. Somehow, all three infants had managed to magically coordinate their pajamas to flash like Christmas lights, much to their parents’ surprise.

“Did you do that?” Kade asked Celeste, who shook her head.

“I think,” Briar said, watching the delighted babies, “we have some natural Christmas magic in the making.”

“We’re in for it now,” Falkor muttered, but his smile remained bright as their community celebrated love, family, and the promise of many magical holidays to come.

The End