Page 45 of Matrimonial Merger

“Soon enough,” I agreed, quietly sipping my tea. As the hot liquid hit my stomach, she picked up speed in protest.

“What are you thinking?” Cal asked.

“That I am forever grateful for this city. And I’m glad I stopped fighting my ties to it,” I said. “That I just got over being a Delphine and stopped running from it.”

He tucked a strand of hair between my ear. “You’re always going to be a Delphine. And Cordelia will be, too.”

“I know.”

“You’re David’s daughter. There is no denying it, Daphne. You defend your family and legacy fiercely—with your whole heart. When you heard the call and when the time was right, you came home. And I am so glad it worked out.”

I met his gaze. “When the timing was right and you believed in me. When I didn’t, you did, Cal.”

“Maybe, but it took your determination and persistence. Daphne, never doubt your own will to thrive. It makes me so proud. I am so happy to be your husband.”

His words brought tears to my eyes.

“No, no, don’t cry,” he snickered. “God, I’m sorry.”

“I just… I’d cry at a commercial right now,” I said. “But it’s beautiful. It all is.”

“It’s the best,” Cal said. “It’s our chaotic, beautiful happily-ever-after, Daphne.”

EPILOGUE

Cal

I sortedthrough the nursery as Daphne called out, “It’s chaos, but I am so tired. I cannot move!”

“It’s fine,” I said. “Go sit down on the damn couch, woman!”

I heard her mumble and waddle past the damn nursery. Daphne’s problem wasn’t a fear of giving birth. It was her stubborn approach to never slowing down. She’d been on leave since before her due date. She was nowoverdueand finally having contractions that looked like something. I basically had to force her to put on pants to go to the hospital. She was determined to stay here as long as she could—swearing it would never happen.

“The aquamarine one!” Daphne called.

“Yes, baby. I have it. I know which one!”

I finally pulled out the onesie she wanted—one Chloe had made custom with the Delphine’s dolphin logo on it. Daphne waited until we were literally on the way out the door with a car waiting below to take us to the hospital to change her mind on the “going home” outfit. I didn’t argue with the woman about to push a human out of her body.

“Got it!” I called back, shoving the tiny garment in the bag and packing it off to the door. When I reached her, she was standing by the elevator, staring down at her feet.

“Shit,” Daphne said. “My water just broke. The car?—”

“I will get a towel,” I promised. “It’s fine.”

“We need to clean it up?—”

“Just focus on yourself, baby,” I said. “I will handle it.”

I tossed the bag down on the ground by the elevator door and grabbed a slew of towels from the linen closet.

“Not the blue ones,” Daphne cringed. “I literally just bought those.”

“Daphne, this isnotthe time to worry about towels. I will buy you a dozen more if it bothers you. Hold this one.”

She didn’t protest as I raced away with the others, tossing them in the washer. She called the elevator. As we climbed on, I realized this was the last time we’d be here alone—a couple rather than a family of three.

“It’s the end of an era,” Daphne said.

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