Page 23 of Having the Time of My Midlife

“Anyhoo,” Candy said in her outdoor voice, quickly moving on before Gram made her go to the bathroom and start washing her potty mouth out with soap. “Cecily believes in you. Don’t know how many others do since you used to be a gaping hole of death and destruction. You have your work cut out for you. But you ain’t gonna get real far unless you believe in yourself.”

It took everything Pandora had not to roll her eyes. It was fascinating to watch. She shook her head and opened her mouth. No words came out. She tried again and failed.

“Papa!” Alana Catherine said softly, reaching for the Demon Goddess. “Papa.”

Candy Vargo chuckled. “This here little nugget believes in you too. That makes three.”

Pandora’s head cocked to the side. “You need work on your math.”

“My math is just fuc…aling fine, shithead.” Candy stared at Pandora long and hard. Pandora held the Keeper of Fate’s gaze. “I’m the third.”

A small collective gasp filled the room. Pandora’s was the loudest.

“You’re a fool,” she said.

“Been called worse,” Candy admitted. “But I see a spark of something and I ain’t never wrong. Truth hurts. Wear it.”

I was sure Pandora wanted to refute everything Candy Vargo had just said. But she was wise and simply pressed her lips together.

She finally spoke. “What is she?” The Demon Goddess pointed at Alana Catherine.

“A baby,” I said. “She’s a baby.”

She might not give Candy Vargo an eye roll, but she sure gave me one. “I can see that,” she snapped. “That’s not what I meant. Is she Immortal?”

“She is,” Gideon answered coolly. He was doing his best not to attack Pandora. My husband was having a tough time of it. “My child will eventually become the Death Counselor. And let me be clear, if you ever harm even one single hair on her head, I will destroy you. Your demise will take decades and be filled with more pain and agony than your tiny little mind could imagine.”

Pandora looked at him with dead eyes. “I’d deserve no less. You have nothing to fear, Reaper. I will not harm the child. Ever.”

Gideon nodded. It was jerky and filled with fury, but he didn’t physically go at her. I considered it a win.

“PAPA!” Alana Catherine yelled, reaching for the Goddess of the Darkness.

“The child has spoken,” Candy said. “She wants you to hold her.”

I swallowed hard then swallowed again. It sounded like a gulp. I supposed it was. This was not in any scenario I’d ever imagined.

But here we were…

I wasn’t sure I wanted to be at this party, but there was no way I was leaving.

CHAPTER SIX

Pandora trembledas she held out her arms. I’d never seen anyone so uncomfortable around a baby. I was worried she’d drop her. Out of pure motherly instinct, I moved closer, ready to catch my daughter if she fell. The Demon spared me a grateful glance. It slightly calmed my frayed nerves.

Cecily put her hand on Pandora’s back, and Abaddon stood by. The Demon hadn’t said a word, but his presence spoke volumes. He was here for Cecily. I wasn’t sure if he trusted Pandora, but he did trust Cecily.

Candy Vargo was all over the shiiiituation. As she placed my daughter into Pandora’s arms, she positioned her so she was safe and secure. Gideon’s stressed breathing was loud in the quiet room. His unease was evident. I wasn’t relaxed, but wasn’t as on edge. What was happening was nuts, but Alana Catherine was insistent and persistent.

I marveled at the bizarre circumstances unraveling in front of my eyes. Going from widowed paralegal, to the Death Counselor, to the Angel of Mercy to being a mom was almost unthinkable. However, it was my truth. I was handling it the best I could. Seeing my daughter being held by one of the Goddesses of the Darkness had not been on my bingo card. Itwouldn’t alarm me to have the Bitch Goddess Cecily hold my baby, but it was surreal to see Pandora cradle my child. I was ready to snatch her back at the first sign of my child’s distress.

“What do I do?” Pandora whispered, looking down at Alana Catherine like she was an alien.

“Nothin’,” Candy Vargo said, pulling out a toothpick and popping it into her mouth. “You let her do what she wants to do. She’s a special little chickadee, and I ain’t got no clue why she wants you.”

The Four Horsemen were still grim-faced, but they watched with curiosity. Lura Belle, Jolly Sue, and Dimple floated nearby, along with Gram and her beau, Mr. Jackson. Charlie stayed close to Gideon. That was smart. Charlie could handle him. Heck, Charlie could handle all of us. He was wise, kind, and powerful as they came. Tim and Jennifer were off to the side. Jennifer had a glass of wine, and Tim had his handy-dandy notebook.

We waited.

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