Page 79 of Unmasked Prophecy

Talon reaches down, and his hand slides over my belly, shocking me. “I know you wanted that baby, and one day, when the time is right, we’re goin’ to have as many as you want. I promise you that.”

I swallow the lump in my throat, turning to face him. “Really?”

He nods. “Yeah, I seen what you did for Lily. That’s the kind of woman I want havin’ my babies.”

My heart explodes.

He rubs my stomach again. “I’m sorry about your baby.”

I swallow, nodding and looking up at him with blurred vision. “I’ll be just fine. I have you.”

“Yeah. You fuckin’ sure do.”

Eventually, Talon guides me back to the bed. I’m weak with emotion, with gratitude, with the enormity of what’s happening, but there’s something else now too. Strength, building slowly, surely, and for the first time in my life, I believe I can actually embrace it.

For the first time in my life, I think I can be whoever I want to be.

The world just opened up for me, for Lily, and for everyone who feels alone.

I made a difference, as small as it might be, it’s still a difference.

My heart explodes with a joy I know I’ll carry with me until the day I die.

20

Asmall giggle wakes me, followed by a soft thud as Lily launches herself onto the bed. She crawls over Talon, her little arms and legs a flurry of excitement. “Wake up! Wake up! It’s fair day!” Her voice is bright, filling the room with more energy than I’ll ever have at this hour.

Gone is the fragile little girl, and in her place, someone strong and fierce. I can’t wait to see the woman she grows up to be.

Talon grumbles something unintelligible, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her into a playfully rough embrace. “You sure it’s today? Thought that was next week.”

Lily squeals, trying to wriggle free, but her giggles betray her. “Noooo. It’s today! Nia, tell him!”

I sit up, running a hand through my hair, smiling at the two of them. “It’s today, Talon. And I think she’ll explode if we don’t get moving.”

He exhales, releasing Lily, who bounces up and down, her face glowing with anticipation. I watch them, my heart so full it could burst. The last six weeks have been a blur of disbelief and happiness, a reality I never imagined could be mine. When Lily’s parents agreed to sign guardianship over, it felt like a dream.

“You’re mine,” I whispered to Lily the day it was final, holding her tight, her small arms wrapped around me. “Forever.”

“Forever,” she echoed, her voice soft and sure.

Now, she belongs to me, and I’m still not used to the bliss of it. The way the world feels open and bright, the way our littlespace is filled with laughter and love. I’ve watched her grow stronger, healthier, her spirit as fierce as ever.

“We’re goin’, we’re goin’,” Talon says, sitting up and pulling Lily into his lap. She’s still bouncing, her energy infectious, and I can’t help but laugh. “You ever been to a fair before, kid?”

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