Page 58 of My Monster, My Choice

“I’d be honored,” Tera says before he’s even done talking. “Especially after our previous conversation.”

I gasp. “I can’t ask that of you!”

Relion laughs. “We were here asking Mikhail and Calbin if Tera was well enough to carry twokishren, like Lilaina did. Mikhail just said Calbin can implant two in a womb at the same time. Ours and yours.”

My beautiful, stubborn, amazing daughter smiles. “And you didn’t ask, mom. You don’t need to.”

“Yeah, mum,” Kenny agrees. “You’s didn’t.” And then, like he can’t contain his excitement, he wriggles his hands until his uncontrollable spirit fingers wave in the air. “Ima gonna be another brother! An’ I hava pappy!”

Elex smiles and pulls Kenny toward us for a family hug. When Kenny squirms away, Elex cups my jaw. “If you do not wantkish, that is okay too, my mate. It is your choice.”

My smile is huge. “Anything for you, Pappy Elex.” And then my smile grows dreamy as I think about the baby I missed. “Anything for me.”

His smile grows just as wide as he realizes my choice. “You’re sure, beautiful?”

“I love you, Elex Neriah Mahogani. I would love to have your babies.”

Epilogue

ONE YEAR LATER

Liam Jamek Elex is perfect. A month after his birth, in which he shared a womb with his nephew, Jonas, I can finally hold him without bursting into tears.

I used to stare at him and just cry like a crazy person.

During the in vitro procedure, Calbin froze more eggs in case we’d like to try again. Anya said she and Jaire would like another in a few years’ time and would be fine with a double implantation.

My dear friend Dori offered her womb.

Lampia offered hers, though she admitted it’s a bit dusty.

About every one of the dancers offered, even though none of them besides Anya and Tera have ever been through a pregnancy.

My heart is so full with the way women band together now in our new way of life—correcting the wrongs doled to us for decades. Possibly longer. We’ve finally learned to stick up for each other, much the way men did throughout the ages.

The memory of Doctor Brown and Lyle during Loretta’s death comes to mind. That connected look between the men, theknowingof what would benefit each other in the long run.

At the expense of women.

“Mykishwill have hismaman’sstrength,” Elex says, and his tentacles brush over the baby in my lap. Our son. Our beautiful, perfect son.

Kenny is a bit miffed with the name Liam and glares at Elex and Jaire every time he says it. The two Adroki males—and obviously now Relion, since he grins broadly—have a secret shared among them.

“Don’t betesty, Kenny,” Jaire says, and all four of them break into Kenny-like giggles. My son laughs so hard his face is red as Jaire and Relion take him off to wrestle on the lawn, making him screamuncle, which he absolutely loves doing.

“He is utterly perfect,” Tera says, staring at her own son. “I wonder if the boys will mind sharing a birthday?”

“Nah,” I decide. “They’re going to be best friends and they’ll love it. They’ll share a cake and everything.”

“They’re here,” Elex says, his eyes narrowing to the road down the path where dust is kicked up by the horse-drawn carriage. Not everyone on Earth can afford a car and certainly not a limo like the president used to cavort around in.

Even though my brothers do well, they prefer the old ways. So, it’s a carriage for Bobby and Jimmy. My first meeting with them in over fifteen years.

“Are you nervous?” Elex asks, his hand tightening on my shoulder.

I can’t believe he thinks I’m strong. He’s the one who gives me strength.

“A little. I’m glad you’re all here.”

---