Page 67 of Nightmare For Hire
“But what if I want to?” I pout and softly poke her little tummy, then one of her cheeks. “So so so squishy.”
Norris stands in front of me and scoops his baby out of my arms. He has happy eyes with little crinkles at the corners.
“My little princess. Maybe we’ll all spoil you.” Norris grins at Devon, who rolls her eyes.
“My daughter is not going to be a spoiled brat.”
“But, maybe?” I say.
There’s a knock at the door. “Sorry we’re late!” Dami says as he and Maddox come into the hospital room. “We got distracted.”
By the color of Maddox’s cheeks, I can guess what kind of distracted.
“But we come bearing gifts,” Maddox says as he holds out a gift bag for Devon.
“How sweet, thank you.” She gives the orc a grin and lifts the onesie into the air. “How adorable!” It’s ridiculous and I love it. It’s hot pink and has the Monster Match logo all over it. Then she pulls out a matching hot pink bow headband.
“Where do I get one of these?!” I grab it from her hand. “I need one. We can match.” My eyes go wide and I gasp. “Do they make baby boots?!”
Cyrus kisses my shoulder. “I’ll buy you a pretty headband with a bow. We’ll get you lots of them. All the colors of the rainbowwithglitter.”
I gasp again. “And I can paint her tiny little nails. Or Dani can. He does a better job than I do, but I’m getting better.”
Devon just chuckles. “I love you, Nox, but please stop trying to age my daughter before she’s two days old. I want to enjoy her like this for a little while.”
Dani snorts while Maddox holds him from behind. They’re being all cute and cuddly. All of my favorite people are here.
“Come on, Nox.” Cyrus stands and holds out his hand. “Let’s leave them alone so they can get some rest. I’m sure they’re all exhausted.”
Devon mouths, “thank you.” Norris passes her back their baby, and she coos at it. I love seeing the smiles on their faces.
Cy and I give them hugs, as do Dani and Maddox, with apologies for getting here late. Then we’re out the door and into the hallway.
“So, what was it like holding a baby for the first time?” Cyrus asks.
I tip my head and tap my bottom lip. “Babies smell weird.”
“Hospitals smell weird, babies smell wonderful.” Cyrus flashes me a grin as he tangles his fingers in mine.
“True, hospitals smell weird, and maybe it’s the hospital funk I don’t like. I’ll have to reassess the baby scent at another time.”
“Fair enough.” Cyrus tugs me closer. “I really am proud of you for holding her.”
I love being close to Cyrus and circle my arms around his hips. “I was good, right?”
“Very good.” His eyes dart to my lips.
“Then I get a treat.” I nod sharply.
Dani snorts behind us. “I like the way you think.”
“And that’s why we’re besties. But Cyrus is my one true love. My perfect mate. My soul.”
“And you’re mine.” Cyrus brings my knuckles to his lips again.
“Now who gets blowies?!” I ask, causing everyone in the hall to look at me and my besties to cackle.
Epilogue
