Gabriel shrugged as he wrapped her up again and handed her to me, then climbed into the bed beside us again.
"Lil, if you want alone time with her, let us know. We can leave." Gabriel kissed my forehead and stared down at Ariel as I pulled up my shirt.
"I'm okay," I said. "I love you both. I want you to spend time with her, too."
Nervous about breastfeeding, I wasn't totally sure what to do, but she latched like she'd been doing it for years. "I wonder if all this magic making me heal is going to affect if she can get any milk or colostrum," I said as she suckled. "She seems to be getting something."
Michael put his hand on her. "She's eating. She's happy."
"You can feel her emotions?" I asked in surprise. "I didn't realize you could read a baby like that."
"Oh, yes. I'd be handy to have around before a child can talk, actually. I can tell you exactly what they need when they cry."
I grunted. "Too bad, then."
My sarcastic words brought more tears to my eyes. What I would've given to have raised a child with my mates.
After several minutes, I switched her to the other breast, just like it says to do in all those new mom books I read. She latched on again. "The books all say it's harder than this," I said. "She's a pro."
"Well, she is my child," Gabriel quipped. "I'm smarter than the average angel."
Michael chortled. "I'm sure that's it."
Ignoring them, I focused on her. "How much time do I have?" I asked.
"Hours yet. Just enjoy her." Gabe slipped out of bed again. "I'm going to have Sandalphon work on your nursery. I assume we're giving it all to the new family?"
I nodded without looking at him. "Yes. They won't have anything prepared at all."
He came back a few minutes later. "He's conjuring boxes and whatever else he needs, then once they're on board we'll zap it over there." Jellybean followed him into the room and jumped up on the bed. Holding Ariel out, I let him sniff her. He chuffed, nudged her with his nose, and laid down at our feet. Even the dog liked her.
I snuggled down onto my side. Ariel had finished eating and was asleep, but she made the sweetest noises, coos, and grunts as she slept. Humming, I rubbed her back with my fingertips, using my power to imbibe her with love. As I did, I thought about all the things I wished I could say to her. The advice I'd give.
If everything worked out, we'd find a way to be a part of her life. We could turn up every once in a while, as relatives that didn't come into town often, or tell her we were her aunt and uncles. Something like that. But if it didn't go well, and this attack on Lucifer ended badly, it might become necessary to distance ourselves from her.
And when you lived for thousands of years, human years passed in a blink. Years I didn't want to miss, but very well might.
Likely would.
So, I used my limited powers to give it all to her. I wasn't at all sure how it would work. Hopefully, when she had moments of introspection as she grew, she'd have my voice deep inside. Reminding her of her worth.
Never let a man define you. Always try to help those less fortunate than yourself. Don't do anything you wouldn't want to have to explain to a priest, until you're old enough to not have to explain things to a priest if you don't want to. Enjoy the carbs, but remember everything in moderation. Love hard and often, no matter the risk. Hearts always heal. Mistakes don't define us. How we react to mistakes is what defines us. Lipstick and mascara are a girl's best friends. You are your own biggest advocate. Your fathers and I love you more than our own lives. If not for this love, we wouldn't try to give you a normal, human life. You are the most precious soul I've ever met.
As we sat and snuggled, I breathed in her scent and sent loving emotions straight to her aura. If nothing else, she would always feel loved.
21
Constance-Lilith
The hours passed like minutes just like I knew they would. All too soon, as I was stroking Ariel's cheek and humming, Michael's voice intruded on our temporary bliss. "It's two-thirty, Lil."
We were due to meet Ariel's new parents in a half hour. I sobbed, my emotions overwhelming me, and clutched her tight.
"You've got to get it all out now," Michael said. "Once we get there, we need to put all our focus into making sure they do this the way we want them to."
I nodded. I knew that. It didn't make it any easier to squash down my emotions. It took me every minute of that half hour to calm down and get dressed. As I pulled on some black leggings, I stared at my sweet daughter, swaddled in a pink blanket on the bed.
The leggings slid across my stomach with ease, and I paused, looking down at myself. "What the hell?"
