Page 37 of Balor
I kissed her again. “She’ll be perfect. I have no doubt.”
Belladonna nodded and leaned into me. She’d seemed happier, and lighter, in the past week than she had since I’d first met her. Now that her father was gone, and so was the Coven of Eternal Night, she no longer felt the need to constantly be on guard. She could finally relax and enjoy life.
“I love you.” I’d told her countless times since we’d both confessed, but it never felt like enough. “I don’t want you to ever doubt it. Or me. You’re mine and I’m yours. Always.”
“I love you too,” she said. “I know it’s crazy. We don’t really know one another, but you risked so much to save me. And you’ve given me a daughter.”
I leaned in and brushed my lips against hers. “I’ll give you anything you want. Just tell me and I’ll make it happen.”
“I don’t need anything except you. And a safe place to have our child. I’m not used to having much.”
Her words warmed my heart. She really didn’t ask for much. I’d give her the world, but it wasn’t what she wanted.
“I hope she has your hair. I’d love to have a daughter with fiery red hair. I don’t know if I could love you more, but seeing you with our daughter…” I shook my head. “I have a feeling she’s going to wrap me around her little finger.”
Belladonna smiled. “I think you’re right.”
“I’ll show you how much I love you every day. I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure you’re happy. Both of you.” I kissed the back of her hand and placed it over my heart. “I never thought I’d be a father. Now that I know I will be, I want to be the best one possible. I have dreams for our daughter. I want her to have the freedom you didn’t. I want to give her the world, Belladonna. I want to see our daughter running down the halls with a smile on her face. I want to see you cuddling with her in the library, reading to her. And I want to see you holding her, looking at me with love in your eyes. I want you both to be happy here.”
I could tell Belladonna was close to tears. I kissed her lips, savoring the sweet taste of her. When I drew back, I just stared at her for a moment. I’d never met anyone more beautiful.
“I’m guessing you’ll want to redo the nursery,” I said.
Her eyes widened. “You have a nursery?”
“It’s never been used, but one of the times I was changing rooms around this place, I created one. Maybe I knew I’d someday need it, or I’d just hoped I might. I can show you.” I held out my hand, and she slipped her fingers into mine.
The nursery was at the end of the hall on the second floor. I knew it wasn’t what she’d want for our daughter. The bedding was old, and the furniture would be considered antique now. It would be best to start over. I pulled her into the room and watched as she took it all in.
“We can change the color of the walls, get new furniture and bedding,” I said. “Whatever you want.”
“I’d like to have some time to think about it. Maybe order a few things. Since we’re having a girl, I’d like something softer. Maybe have a few things custom made.”
“I have a contractor I can call to come do the work. He’s done several things for me over the years. I trust him, and he’s the only human I’d allow in our home. Well, aside from Collin. That may change in the future, but right now, I’m not risking you or Artemis.”
“Could we go into town and look for a few things? It might give me some ideas,” she said.
I smiled, thankful she was ready to finally step outside of the house. “Yeah, we do that. Why don’t we take the truck in case you decide to buy something?”
She nodded. “I’m ready if you are.”
The ride to town was peaceful and I parked on Main Street. Getting out, I walked around to Belladonna’s side and helped her down, keeping hold of her hand. We stepped out onto the streets of Darkwood, the sun casting a gentle glow on the quaint shops lining the road. Laughter reached my ears, and I caught the scent of fresh bread from a nearby bakery. I’d never taken the time to truly appreciate the town before, but it looked like it would be a good place to raise my daughter.
Several people noticed us. More than one person said good morning, and there were nods of respect from those who knew who I was -- now that I’d finally come clean. I’d worked from the shadows for so long, it felt strange to be out in the open.
“Mr. Hades,” the shopkeeper said, stepping out of his store. “Or do you prefer Balor?”
I smiled and shook my head. “Balor is fine, Mr. Thompson.”
His cheeks flushed a little and he smiled. “Hard to believe you know who I am.”
“I know everyone in Darkwood.”
His gaze went to Belladonna. “Welcome to Darkwood, Ma’am.”
“Thank you, but you can just call me Belladonna.”
“Of course. It’s a pleasure to meet you. In fact, a lot of folks around here are eager to make your acquaintance.”