Page 69 of Zar

Epilogue

One month later…

Zar had to swallow the lump of emotion in his throat before he could ask, “Did you say pregnant?”

Callie waved a little plastic stick in his face. “Congratulations, Daddy.”

His vision blurred and he realized it was because he had tears in his eyes. He blinked them back. “You are sure?”

Callie chuckled. “This is the third test and Arwen confirmed it as well. We’re about to be parents.”

His brain and heart finally caught up to each other. Pregnant. Zar launched himself across the room and swept Callie into his arms, cradling her against his chest. His wings came around her in a protective hold. “You have made me the happiest Zenarian male to ever live, my ofelia,” he murmured, his voice rough with the feelings rioting inside him. “I love you.”

Her arms came around his neck and she nuzzled his chest. “I was on birth control, but I missed a few with all the kidnapping business. I’m glad, though, I want children with you, Zar.”

His chest swelled with pride. “Garra has blessed us, Callie. We will celebrate this wonderful occasion.”

She stiffened. “Maybe we’ll keep it small though. I’m afraid of complications. I mean, there haven’t been any Zenarian-human babies, right?”

Zar hadn’t even considered that there could be a problem. “No. We will be the first.” He paused. “You checked in with Arwen? What did she say? Is the baby healthy?”

She patted him on the chest. “Everything is fine so far. And she plans to monitor me closely.”

“Very closely,” he vowed. “And I will pamper you, little dove. You will want for nothing.”

She laughed. “You already do that, Zar.”

He took her to their bedchamber and placed her on the comforter, then sat down beside her. “You should rest. Much is needed during pregnancy, if I recall.”

She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood. “I’m not going to lay around like a useless lump, so get that idea out of your head right now.”

“But—”

“No, Zar. Besides, Arwen said that activity is healthy for me and the baby.”

He reached out and took her hand in his, then brought it to his mouth for a kiss. “I will worry something fierce. Have patience with me, ofelia.”

She moved to stand between his legs and cupped his face in her soft, delicate hands. “I know, but it will be okay. I can feel it.”

He pulled her closer and kissed her lips. “I will make you proud and be the best father ever. I promise you, Callie.”

“We didn’t have the best role models, but it doesn’t matter. We’ll do better than our parents.” Her hand skated onto his right wing, caressing and turning him on. “Make love to your queen,” she whispered.

He nearly lifted her into the air and tossed her onto the bed but caught himself when he thought of the baby. “Is it safe? I mean, what about the babe?”

Callie winked. “I asked Arwen. We can make love as often as we like. It won’t hurt anything.”

The thought of abstaining for the next nine months didn’t sound appealing but the baby and Callie’s needs came first. “You are sure?”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes! Now, make love to me, winged-man.”

He lifted her carefully and placed her on the bed again. Once she was spread out naked, Zar moved to lay beside her. His hand caressed her breasts as he growled, “You are my world. The baby and you are everything to me, Callie.”

Her blue eyes darkened and she held out her arms. “Come here. I want to celebrate properly.”

“My Callie,” he murmured as he moved gently on top of her. They made love for the rest of the afternoon, only leaving the bed for food and bathroom breaks. Once Callie was sleeping soundly, Zar left the bed and went into the other room. He needed to talk to Arwen and discuss the pregnancy. Callie would be birthing a half-Zenarian, half-earth-born child and he wanted to make certain they were ready for any complications that might arise. He sent up a silent prayer to Garra that all would be well. He couldn’t lose her. Zar refused to even consider the possibility.

Ten months later…

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