Page 153 of Fix You

She was right. I was a year away from thirty, and the head of my family. After all the disarray of the last year, I needed stability now more than ever. Having a child to pass on the name would certainly do that.

“Women in our world don’t get to bypass motherhood for long.” With a shrug, Maeve reasoned, “It’s just the way things are done.”

I swiped my hand across the sweat on my forehead. Jesus, was Sicily always this hot? As I licked my dry lips, I was ready to hurry over to the reception tent to see if there was something I could drink.

Something alcoholic preferably.

As I stared in disbelief at Maeve, I couldn’t help asking, “How can you be so calm about this?”

“Because I’ve always wanted to be a wife and mother.” With a wink, she added, “I’ve also had longer to come to terms with this since I found out yesterday.”

My worry didn’t really center around Maeve. I knew she would make a phenomenal mother, and I was so grateful that our future child would be so blessed.

No, it was more about any defects in parenting would come from me. I’d only just learned not to be a completely selfish bastard, and that was only because of Maeve.

While on the outside, I might look like a successful businessman, I knew what was on the inside–I had men tortured and killed. Sometimes at my own hands. How could I possibly love and nurture a child?

Once again, all I could think to say was, “Fuck me.”

Maeve took a step towards me. “Rafe, look at me.” When I did, a tender smile curved on her lips. “You’renotyour father. You've proven time and time again that you’llneverbe like him.”

I blinked at her in surprise. She never ceased to amaze me with her ability to see straight through me. “Are you sure?”

“I’m positive. I couldn’tlove you if you were, and I certainly wouldn’t have married you.”

“I want to believe you. I really do.”

Jerking her chin over my shoulder, she said, “Take a look at Exhibit A of how I know despite all of your worries, that you’ll be an amazing father.”

As I turned around, Caterina and Callum came striding towards us. Julianna appeared an absolute angel in her long, lacy gown. But it wasn’t her I focused on–it was Callum.

With his daughter protectively in his arms, he stared at her with such reverence. Despite the blackhearted man he was, he would never hurt a hair on her head, yet he would annihilate anyone who brought her pain. Just like Maeve had foretold that night at the reception, Callum was an exceptional father.

And I could be as well.

No, Iwouldbe.

“You’re right,” I said to her.

“Aren’t I always?” she teased.

“Easy now,” I replied before drawing her into my arms.

As I stared down into her beautiful face, my heart thundered in my chest. After all these days, weeks, and months together, she still had the ability to take my breath away. I’d never understand how a man like me could be so blessed.

“I love you,Tesoro.”

“And I love you,mo chuisle.”

As I bestowed a passionate kiss on her lips, a groan came from behind us. Pulling away, Callum scowled. “Do you have to do that?”

“Yes, I do. Just like you had to maul and slobber all over my sister in front of me.”

While Caterina giggled, Callum only rolled his eyes. “Whatever.” Turning his attention to Julianna, he said, “Don’t ever think you’re going to be smooching a boy in front of me.”

Julianna’s responded by giggling and smacking her hand against Callum’s chest. “I think she told you,” Maeve mused.

Callum made a horrible face. “I can’t bear the thought.”

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