Page 3 of Valley of the Shadow
Baojia lifted another one. “Bat?”
She cocked her head and considered it. “Mmmm. No.”
Baojia sighed and picked up the one he would have grabbed first if he hadn’t wanted to go through the mock trial Sarah loved so much.
“Vampire?”
Eyes wide, Sarah grinned and held out her arms.
Baojia sighed and tossed her the ridiculous joke his wife had bought the Christmas before. It was a stuffed cartoon vampire with a purple cape and felt fangs. It looked like it belonged on a cereal box.
Sarah absolutely loved it. Just as Natalie had known she would.
You married an evil, evil woman.
“Okay. Book, then bed.” Baojia sat next to his little girl as she snuggled under the purple blanket, hugging the ridiculous vampire and sucking her thumb. “And remind me what the silly vampire’s name is?”
Sarah took her thumb out of her mouth. “Giovanni.”
Baojia smiled. “That’s right.”
He pulledhis shirt off before he slipped into bed next to his wife.
“Hmm?” Natalie rolled toward him, her face pale and her long red hair piled on top of her head. “Hey, handsome. Kids in bed?”
“Yes.” He scooted next to her and pulled her into his chest. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m just overtired.” She yawned and snuggled in. “I had those two deadlines last week, and I’ve been running on empty.”
“You need to sleep more.” He stroked a hand over her hair. “Maybe the kids’ schedule—”
“Shh.” She put a finger over his lips. “The schedule is fine. I’m fine. Just working too much. Thanks for putting the kids to bed.”
“It was my turn anyway.” He kissed her hand. “Did you want to sleep more?”
“Maybe.” She drifted a little, still drowsy. Her hand traced the lines of muscle on his chest. “Give me a minute.”
If she wanted to sleep, Baojia didn’t mind lying with her. His wife was his favorite person. He could sit all night just listening to her heart beating and hearing her breathe.
He loved watching Natalie, seeing the changes in her face and her body as the years passed. They’d been together over eight years, and Baojia felt the privilege of witnessing her mortal years because she had chosenhimto be a permanent part of her life.
Natalie had transformed during pregnancy, a fascinating and frightening time for a vampire unaccustomed to change. Her belly swelled and marks appeared on her skin. Her lips and breasts were fuller. Her feet grew bigger. Her dark red hair had thickened, and even her heart sounded different. Her blood tasted richer, and he had to be very careful when he took her vein. He’d tried to abstain, but she’d put her foot down.
During the first pregnancy, he’d been more than a little alarmed. Then it happened again, and he wasn’t alarmed, but their three-year-old son had been.
Family life, Baojia had decided, was the greatest and most unexpected adventure.
“Is Sarah sleeping?” Natalie murmured.
“Hopefully.”
“With her vampire?”
He grunted. “Yes.”
She let out an evil laugh. “I’m going to get Sadia one for her next birthday.”
Baojia smiled. “What an excellent idea.” He loosened her hair and began playing with it.
