“Did you really dive into the Harlem River after him?”
Hesitantly, I nod, unsure where he’s going with this line of questioning.
“I see. Turns out I was wrong about you, sorceress.” His gaze sweeps over me. “You’re an enchantress all right, but one of the good ones. Only a truly incredible woman would jump into those waters to save her lover.”
I stare back at Wolfe as silence stretches between us. Was that a compliment? Praise even?
“Thank you for not getting him killed last night.” I offer my own version of gratitude.
Wolfe grins. I believe it’s the first time I’ve ever seen that expression on his face. “Well, I’m going to head out. I aim to sleep like a rock after that night. Stay safe, sorceress.”
I watch him leave, sensing a shift in the energy between us. Wolfe’s acceptance and appreciation means a lot to me. For the first time among the Irish, I don’t feel like a complete outsider.
“Everyone’s gone home,” I tell Cian as I step into the shower with him. “We’re alone.”
“Thank fuck because I don’t want to stay away from you for a moment longer, but I also wasn’t keen on the idea of them hearing you scream.” Grabbing my ass, he lifts me up and I wrap my legs around his waist.
“You’re planning to make me scream?” I tease him.
“I am.” He buries his face in the crook of my neck. “But first you should know I’ve made a decision.”
“Okay.”
“I’m going to continue to see that shrink—for not only my sake, but yours and our child’s. I want to be the best father I can be to them. As well as the husband you deserve.”
“You’re already everything I want, Cian.” My heart swells with so much love and tenderness.
“That’s because you’re a saint. No one else would have stuck with me or put up with my shit.”
“You’re mine,Irlandese, and I’m yours. That means forever and always no matter what life throws at us.”
“I believe you.” He claims my mouth in a toe curling kiss.
I reach between us and stroke his hard cock until his control snaps. He thrusts into me, pure awe in his eyes as he buries himself deep.
I moan, my head falling back to rest on the shower tile.
Steaming water sprays us as we make love. It washes away all of oursorrys.Our pain, and regrets, go with them down the drain, leaving behind an empty space for our new beginning. Everything has changed for us.
Cian’s haunted past is good and buried.
I have the man I fell in love with back—he’s whole again. Present.
We’re starting a family. In a few months we’ll be first-time parents, and our universe will shift yet again.
CHAPTER 63
Cian
The new year’s right around the corner. This holiday season was the happiest and busiest one yet. Ravenna and I finished the nursery that had been sitting vacant for years. We opted to keep our baby’s gender a mystery, so we went with a green and white color scheme. The little O’Rourke growing in her belly will grow up in a soothing, calm, nature-inspired space—at least that’s what the interior designer said about our choices. I’m just glad the space will be ready and waiting for when our little one arrives.
This was also the first year that we spent extended time with Ravenna’s cousins and their husbands. Our raid on the compound really broke the ice between us all, and being around them is like hanging out with family.
It’s still a foreign, slightly uncomfortable concept to me, but I’m working on it. I even sent my own cousins, the Banes, holiday cards this year. Sappy as fuck, but I’ll be a father relatively soon, and I think that kind of shit comes with the territory.
I’d like to think that I’ll be a strong, protective, wise type of parent, but every time I remember Ravenna’s pregnant, my heart melts. I go all gooey inside. She’s barely showing and Ispend every chance I get on my knees softly murmuring stories to her stomach.
Let’s face it, I’m going to end up being one of those indulgent, doting fathers. I’ll probably spoil the fuck out of our kids.
