“Oh please, Grateful. What could you have done? Even you can’t magically stop a baby from coming… wait, can you?”
“No. Believe me, I tried. I went into labor the moment I arrived at Polina’s. It wasn’t pretty. Rick had to bring me to Bojingles because I was coughing up bubbles with every contraction.”
“Bubbles?” Silas laughed.
“Not funny. Then the lights kept going out. It was crazy.”
“I guess the goddess wanted her born yesterday.”
“Today. She arrived just after midnight. During the eclipse.”
He handed her the gift bag he’d brought. “For Skyler.”
Grateful reached inside and pulled out a floppy stuffed wolf. “Awww. Silas, this is adorable.”
“Where is the little witch, anyway?” Silas asked.
“She’s sleeping in the bassinet.” Grateful pointed a hand toward a plastic box on wheels on the far side of her room. “Rick left a few minutes ago to pick up Lucas from my dad’s. We were taking a nap.”
Silas crossed to the bassinet and peaked over the edge. The babe, wrapped like a burrito in a pink blanket, blinked up at him with gigantic stormy blue eyes. “She’s awake, Grateful.”
“Oh? Bring her here.”
Silas scooped the baby into his arms, supporting her head and neck as he cradled her close. “You are a special little girl, aren’t you?” he cooed to her. “Smart. See how smart she is, Grateful? She’s already looking at everything.”
“You’re a natural with that baby,” Grateful said with a laugh. “Have you thought about settling down? Having a few of your own?”
He handed Skyler to her mother. “Thought about it. Meredith is amazing. She’s what I’ve been waiting for.”
“But?”
“But we’ve known each other such a short time and most of that time was under extreme circumstances. I want it to be right. I want to be absolutely sure that this is forever.”
Grateful stroked her daughter’s cheek and rubbed her nose against the baby’s. “Is it possible to be absolutely sure about anything? I can tell you one thing, I wasn’t sure birthing two magical children was the right thing to do. I’m still not sure there won’t be unforeseen consequence. But I don’t regret it. Not for a second. I think, sometimes, you’ve got to take a chance.”
Silas kissed her on the forehead. “Congratulations, Grateful. And thanks for the advice. I’ll think on it.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Three months later…
Under a canopy of stars,Silas joined hands with Meredith, the heat of the bonfire toasting the chill from the evening air. Sparks rose between the trees and blended with the stars above. It was a beautiful late-summer evening, every star visible in the clear night sky.
“I’ve never been to a celestial fae funeral before,” Meredith said.
“Neither have I.” Silas lifted their coupled hands and kissed the back of hers. “It’s a privilege to be invited. The celestials are secretive about their traditions.”
“Isn’t it strange how long they waited? It’s been months since Soleil died.”
“You didn’t see what happened to her. There was nothing left to bury. According to Grateful, the fae are heavily religious about astrology. Tonight is the perfect time for this ritual. Don’t ask me to explain why. Something about the alignment of the stars. That part went over my head.”
“Where is Grateful?”
“She’s around. She’s making sure the area is secure and nothing disturbs this ritual. She told me she felt like it was the least she could do.”
“Don’t look now, but there’s someone coming our way, and her eyes are on you.” Meredith gestured with her chin.
Dressed only in a cascade of glistening stars, Astrial approached them, reaching for Silas. He took her trembling hands and greeted her warmly. She’d been crying, and Silas fought the urge to wipe her glistening tears away.
