Page 36 of Brix

“That is a wild one, Bill. If anyone should see this woman, do not approach as she is believed to be dangerous. Call the local authorities or any of the numbers you see here on the screen for the FBI, Scotland Yard, or Interpol.”

“Well, I guess she finally got her fame,” said Daphne, staring at the scene. She sat down on Brix’s lap as the other women walked in, doing the same. Magnolia hugged Walker, kissing him passionately, then pulling back, staring at him.

“Are you okay, babe?” he asked, concerned for his woman.

“I’m good. I’m better than good, Walker. All of this has reminded me of how very lucky I am. I’ve got a family that loves and supports me, I have my health, I have great friends, and more than anything, I have you, Walker. A man who loves me in spite of my craziness and paranoia.”

“Oh, babe. It’s not craziness or paranoia. Your fears are real, but we’re getting through them. Together.”

“When we get home, Walker, I want a wedding. A big, crazy, wild, hundreds of people Belle Fleur wedding. I want everyone to know how much I love you, and I want to start our life together.”

“Mags,” he whispered, feeling the emotions bubbling to the surface. “My sweet, sweet Mags. I can’t think of anything more perfect.”

“I’ll pass it along to the wedding fairies,” said AJ.

“I’d say this is something to celebrate,” smiled Heath. “Dinner and champagne!”

“No champagne for me,” said Daphne, smiling at Brix. “I was going to save this for later, but it seems we’re in the mood to celebrate. Your grandmother confirmed it for me. I’m expecting.”

“Wh-what?” he asked, confusion filling his face.

“Pregnant, Brix. You know, a bun in the oven. A baby arriving by stork. I’m pregnant. We’re having a baby.”

“Oh, hell,” he smiled. “Oh, hell. Dad, Mom, I’m gonna be a father!”

“We heard, son,” smiled Tiger. Hazel hugged them both, kissing Daphne’s cheeks.

“You’re going to be a great mother, Daph. Let me know if my son does anything stupid. I’ll kick his ass.”

“Thanks, Mom,” smirked Brix.

“Well, alright then. A wedding and a baby to celebrate. Let’s go. Timothy has dinner almost done, and we’ll pop open the champagne. And apple juice,” he said, hugging his old friend. “Congrats, Daph. Remember, if it’s a boy, Heath is a great name.”

“Timothy!” came the cry from the kitchen. They all laughed, taking their seats for a well-deserved meal.

For one night, just one night they would celebrate and not talk about Deirdre Bishop. They would worry about her tomorrow and find her no matter what.

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.”

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