Dionysus laughed and rose to his feet to kiss her.
The crowd around them cheered, and as he pulled away, he took the ring and slipped it onto her finger.
“You are every wish I’ve ever had come true and more,” he said.
“Merry Christmas, Dionysus,” she said.
“Merry Christmas,” he said, kissing her again.
“No!” Acamus yelled.
They laughed, and for once in Dionysus’s life, he felt like everything was perfect.
Chapter 12
Persephone
As soon as Persephone appeared in the Underworld, she drew Hermes into a hug.
“I missed you,” she said.
“I missed you too,” he said. “I’m sorry I ruined your Christmas.”
“The only way you could have ruined Christmas, Hermes, is if you hadn’t been here to celebrate with us.”
He pulled back. “Thanks, Sephy.”
Hecate clapped her hands. “All right, out. I must prepare the queen for her entrance.”
“See you soon, Sephy!” he said as he left the suite, bells jingling with each step.
Persephone smoothed her hands over her belly as it tightened. She blew out a breath. It felt like her usual contractions, the ones she’d had yesterday but a little more intense.
“Is an outfit change necessary, Hecate?” Persephone asked. “I adore this one already.”
“I’m just changing out the bow, dear,” said the goddess, manifesting a glittering gold ribbon.
As Hecate finished tying the bow, Persephone felt another cramp low in her belly, the pain ebbing to a dull ache that rested in her lower back.
“Are you all right?” Hecate asked.
“Yes,” Persephone said, unable to hide the strain in her voice.
The goddess placed her hands on her belly, gaze rising to hers.
“The babies are almost ready,” she said.
Persephone’s heart fluttered. She’d suspected, but it was different having it confirmed.
“Are you saying I will be a mother on Christmas?”
Hecate took Persephone’s face between her warm hands. “I would say so, my love. How do you feel?”
“I’m okay,” she said. Right now, she felt it was better to move than to stay still. “I want to see to my guests until…until it’s too much.”
The goddess nodded and they left her chambers.
The roar of the crowd grew louder as they neared the foyer. The main doors were open to the cold night, and souls and gods lined the walls. As Persephone passed, they bowed and rang bells. Children fell in line behind her as they made their way to the ballroom where Hades waited.
