“He's old enough to understand.” I laid a hand on Brevyn's shoulder. “And you won't offend him or me with the truth. Tell him as much as you want.”
“Thank you, Vervain. I . . .” Thor looked down at Brevyn. “I've missed having you in my life, Brevyn. You lit my world with happiness.”
“I did?”
“You were so funny,” I said to him. “And Thor is, well, not so much.”
“I can be funny,” Thor said defensively.
Everyone seated behind him started to cough or snicker, even Austin.
Thor swung to face them. “I can be funny!”
“Yes, Son, you can,” Odin said. “But not often. Ull helped with that.” He looked at Brevyn. “But Brevyn isn't Ull.”
“And you shouldn't try to be him,” I added. “You're in a new life, Brev, just as I am. It's good to know the old you but don't get too caught up in him or you won't grow to be the you who you're meant to be this time around.”
“I can't be him again.”
“No, you can't. And Ull knew that when he chose this path. He wanted to be a new person.Youwanted this. And you are incredible as you are, Brevyn. You're becoming everything you wanted to be.”
“I know, Mom. I can feel it. But maybe I can be funny too and make Uncle Thor laugh.”
Thor leaned over to bring his face to the level of Brevyn's. “You don't have to be funny to make me happy. Being in my life is all you have to do.” He hugged Brevyn. “Thank you for coming to visit me.”
“You're welcome,” Brevyn said politely. “Can you take me to meet my cousin now?”
“I'd love to.” Thor straightened and held a hand out to Brevyn.
“Bye, Mom.” Brevyn took Thor's hand.
“Don't forget your bag.” I motioned at the satchel.
“Got it.” He grabbed it and slung it over his shoulder. “Love you!”
“I love you too, Brev. Have fun.”
Watching Thor walk away with my son made me feel strange. If things hadn't gone as they had, Brev could have been Thor's child in this life, his true, biological son. I had loved Thor so much once, but he chose pain over me.
“Vervain?” Azrael laid a hand on my shoulder.
I came out of my reverie with a soft smile. Thank goodness it hadn't worked out with Thor or I wouldn't have Az. I wouldn't have any of my husbands. And yes, I knew that for a fact. A god of Time had screwed with my past once, and I had gotten to experience what my life would have been like if certain things had gone another way. None of those other lives came close to being as wonderful as the one I was meant to live.
“I've missed you, Angel.” I slid in against Az.
Azrael's wings were magically tucked away, so he didn't fold them around me, but he did wrap an arm around my waist and kiss my forehead. “I love you, Carus. I'm glad the birth went well and you're back with us.”
“Me too. Oh, and I checked on the faerie orientation classes this time. They're going well—”
“Hell's bells!” Austin suddenly shouted. “What in tarnation?”
I turned with Azrael to see Austin levitating a foot above his chair.
“Vervain!” Austin cried. “How do I get down?”
“Oh, faerie farts,” I muttered.
Chapter Three
