CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Brix lay his head gently on Daphne's breasts. His big hand covered the expanse of her belly as he spoke to his unborn child.

"I don't care if you're a boy or a girl. I just want you to be healthy and happy," he whispered. Daphne smiled, running her fingers through his hair. "Of course, if you're a girl, you're not allowed to date until you're at least thirty-five. If you're a boy, well, we'll have to talk about some things to make sure you don't get into trouble with the girls. No doubt you're gonna be a good-looking lad."

"Brix," she laughed. "You can't say things like that. It doesn't matter what he or she looks like. It matters that they're a good person."

"Well, that's a given, babe. We're going to raise our children in an environment where they feel loved and part of the family. Your parents said they would come over when your time gets close. I like them. I like them a lot."

"I know," she smiled. "I do, too. I hate that we missed out on so many years together, but I'm so happy we've found one another now. Your grandfather called Cassandra's parents. They're supposed to arrive tomorrow. They're going to take her body back to Norway with them. The disease she had affected his sister as well. She's almost twenty-five now. She survived, Brix. Cass could have as well."

"I know, babe. Don't think about that now. There's nothing we can do for her except to ensure that her story is told and she's not forgotten."

"Maybe if it's a girl, we could name her Cassandra. Or Caliope, since that was her real name," said Daphne.

"We can name our children whatever you like," he said, kissing her belly. "We'll have as many as you want. Do we know if we're having more than one?"

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Well," laughed Brix. "You know that we're famous for having multiple births at Belle Fleur. I mean, look at Mags, Em, Ellie, and Maddie. Four. Spontaneous quadruplets. We've had triplets, lots of twins. I mean, you just never know."

"Your grandmother didn't say there was more than one. Maybe it's too early," she frowned.

"Would you want that?" smiled Brix. "Would you want multiples?"

Daphne had to think about that for a moment. Double or triple the diapers, bottles, feedings, nighttime interruptions. Double or triple the college tuition, the clothing bills, cars, insurance. Would she want multiples?

"Yes," she smiled. "Yes. I'll take one, two, three, four, any number that I'm given as long as you're by my side."

"My baby, my sweet, sweet baby. I will be by your side for the rest of our lives. I knew I loved you the moment I saw you in that hospital room with Elena. When Major asked me to go with you to get her clothes, my heart nearly stopped."

"We talked so easily," she smiled down at his face. "It was as if I'd known you forever. I kept thinking, this must be some sort of a trick. You were so damn handsome. Big, strong, just oozing sexuality. I was trying very hard to remain a lady."

"You were a lady every moment we were together, babe. Your beauty took my breath away. I was so worried that you wouldn't want to be with me if you found out about my heritage."

"Brix, you couldn't possibly think that," she said quietly. "You are the most beautiful man I've ever known in my entire life. Any woman would be thrilled to be by your side for the rest of her life. Your grandparents and parents are the most beautiful, kind, intelligent, wonderful people I've ever met. I'm so lucky that you chose me."

"Oh, babe. I didn't have a choice but to choose you. I would have been fucking miserable for the rest of my life if I hadn't." He kissed one breast, then the other, sucking on her nipples as he did.

"Mmmm, yes, Brix."

"Can we?" he asked.

"We definitely can," she smiled.

He opened her legs wide, rubbing the already hard clit between his thumb and forefinger. She was soaked as he entered her, driving slowly, carefully, deeply. Arching her back, she reached for him, taking his mouth and tasting her husband.

Lifting her legs up and over his shoulders, he released a fierce growl, rumbling low in his chest as his cock hit the very depths of her. With just a flick of his finger, she screamed her release as he exploded inside her.

He carried her to the shower, washing his love from her body as she did the same for him. After drying off, he massaged a sweet-smelling lotion into her body, watching as she fell asleep naked in their bed.

Smiling down at her, he kissed her belly and spoke softly.

"Alright. A deal, little one. Be one, be two, be three. Be girl or boy. Just be healthy and don't give Mama and me fits. Deal?" There was an awkward silence, and he nodded. "That's what I thought."