"Jake helped me with this," she explains, a hint of nervousness creeping into her voice. "I hope you like it. It's one of your gifts."
I step into the room, curiosity piqued.
What could she have possibly put in here that required Jake's help?
My eyes scan the familiar space, looking for anything out of place.
My gaze lands on something new in the corner—a large glass tank outfitted with heat lamps.
I approach it slowly, my heart rate picking up as I realize what's inside.
A snake, its scales shimmering under the warm light, coils lazily around a branch.
"What kind is it?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. I'm mesmerized by the creature's beauty, its power evident even in repose.
Iris steps closer, her shoulder brushing mine. "It's a Burmese python, a granite morph. Isn't he gorgeous?"
I nod, unable to take my eyes off the snake. "He's magnificent. But why...?"
She turns to me, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Remember that night, after your bender? You were pretty out of it, muttering 'daddy sees snakes.' It stuck with me. I thought... well, I thought this might be the perfect gift. A reminder, maybe."
The memory hits me like a punch to the gut.
That night feels like a lifetime ago, but the shame of it still lingers.
I'd been weak, falling back into old habits, risking everything I'd built since getting out.
But Iris had been there, pulling me back from the edge.
I tear my gaze away from the tank to look at her, really look at her.
This woman who's seen me at my worst and still chooses to stay.
Who's giving me a second chance—at love, at family, at life.
Without a word, I pull her against me, wrapping my arms tightly around her.
I bury my face in her hair, breathing in her scent—a mix of vanilla and something uniquely Iris.
"I hope this is the only snake I see ever again," I murmur, my voice thick with emotion. "Because I'm not going to fall off the wagon again. Not when I have so much to live for."
I feel her relax into my embrace, her arms circling my waist. "I believe in you, Viper," she whispers. "We're in this together."
Standing there, holding Iris close with the quiet presence of the python in the background, I feel a sense of peace I haven't known in years.
The road ahead won't be easy—dealing with Allegra, navigating my return to old business, keeping Iris and our baby safe—but for the first time, I truly believe I'm up for the challenge.