Page 67 of The Forever One
“I love that.” Ev kisses his wife’s head as a tear slides down her cheek, but she’s so happy, it’s contagious.
The baby’s name is something I’ll definitely cry about later, in the comfort of my husband’s arms right before he fucks me to sleep. But for right now, I want to bask in the happiness that is this new life. The fact that Petal wants to call him Briggs reaffirms our beliefs in a way. We’ve lost a life to gain a new one, and while that is completely tragic, it’s also got a beauty to it. It’s like the universe is reminding us to be grateful for what we have while we have it, to never take anything for granted because it can be gone in an instant. While on the other hand, we need to be grateful for new beginnings, new opportunities to be better, todobetter.
Everything is precious and baby Briggs just became the most protected and loved baby in the whole of New York City.
Marco sits in a chair beside the bed and I get comfortable on his lap as Ev passes Briggs over to me for his first Aunty-cuddle. He’s so light and delicate, I’m afraid I might break him, but I sit back into Marco’s chest, my eyes fixed on the cute bundle in my arms.
“We’ll be back when we’re finished in the bathroom, Riv. Is that okay?” Ev is helping Petal out of bed.
“Of course it is. Take as long as you need.”
Petal looks longingly at Briggs as she leaves the room, practically pushed out by Ev, and the midwife and doula have gone downstairs to do whatever they need to do.
The room is so quiet except for the occasional noise coming from Briggs, and when I say they’re the cutest noises in existence, I’m not even exaggerating.
“This could be us one day.” Marco’s whispered words in my ear make my eyes widen in shock and I turn to look at him, trying to figure out how serious he is. There is a slight fear in the way his brows are raised, as if he thinks what he’s saying is what I want to hear.
It’s not.
“Nope. Didn’t you hear how much pain Petal was in an hour ago? Crotch goblins are not for me. The good thing about a nephew is that we can give him back to his parents when we’re done.”
The relief in his expression as his shoulders drop at my answer is kinda funny, and I can’t help kissing him lightly before he answers.
“Thank fuck for that.”
“Language, Mr. Mancini.” I wink at my husband, mischief in my eyes. “I’ll have to punish you for that later.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT
MARCO
It’s late when we arrive at the house, our ride home filled with quiet contemplation about the new addition to the Fox family. A tiny, fragile, human is now the center of attention in Everest and Petal’s world and I have no doubts that Briggs will be the happiest of all children.
I’m just not ready for that. I’m too fucking selfish to share River with anyone, not even my own kid. I would, of course, if that’s what she wanted, but I can’t say I’m ready to step aside and share her heart.
Although…
“Close your eyes, Tesoro.” With a frown and wrinkle of her nose, River turns toward me and blinks.
“Why?”
“Close. Your. Eyes.” I use my stern voice when she continues to question my demands.
“Oh, I didn’t realize I was dealing with dominant Marco. I thought sweet, caring Marco was still here.” With one hand on the door handle and the other on the small of her back, I lean in and trap her bottom lip between my teeth before whispering, “Stop being a brat and obey.”
“Obey, pfft, don’t push your luck, Mancini.” I allow the corners of my mouth to curve up while I wait for her to do as I ask. Or demand. Same thing.
“Fine, my eyes are closed. This better be good.” I have no doubts she will lose her mind at how good this is going to be.
“I promise, you’ll thank me profusely. On your knees. With my dick in your mouth.” She snorts and I grin. She thinks I’m kidding.
I’m not.
As soon as I open the door, Stefano is waiting with River’s gift in the palm of his hand and a crinkle at the corner of his eyes. He likes it. He approves of my present.
Once we’re inside, I stand in front of my wife and hold out my hand for Stefano to pass me the fragile gift before I whisper a kiss across River’s lips.
“Tesoro, this will never replace what we lost, but I hope it will fill a corner of your heart with love where pain resides. Open your eyes.” Blinking, she looks at me, a small frown forming before her eyes fall to the palm of my hand and land on the ball of fur that lies there, eyes wide, tail wagging.