Page 70 of Nanny for the Demon's Twins

I laugh, watching my family - my heart swells at finally being able to think those words. The brand on my wrist seems to fade away under the warmth of belonging.

Inside, Mrs. Blackwood has outdone herself with a towering cake decorated with sugar flowers that actually bloom and change colors. The twins gasp in delight.

"You've got frosting in your beard," I tell Karn later, reaching up to brush it away. He catches my hand and kisses my palm, making me blush.

"Worth it." His eyes crinkle. "Though not as sweet as you."

"Uncle Karn's being mushy!" Luna announces to the entire hall, making everyone laugh.

I lean into his solid warmth, watching Luna attempt to teach Elder Voss a made-up dance. Nova creates tiny stars that dance around Luna and the Elder. Karn's hand rests on my lower back, steady and protective as always, while he discusses metal tempering with Master Roth.

Nova tugs at my skirt. "Mama?"

"Yes, sweet one?" I bend down to her level, smoothing a wild copper curl from her face.

"When will we get a baby brother?" She asks with all the innocence of her three years.

Luna whirls around, stars forgotten. "Yes! Baby brother! Now!"

I stare at her shocked. Beside me, Karn's coughing fit drowns out Master Roth's hearty laugh.

"That's not-" Karn's voice comes out rough. "Girls, that's not how it-"

"But Uncle Karn, you're our papa now." Luna clings to his leg, violet eyes wide. "And papa and mama make babies."

My cheeks flame hot enough to rival Karn's forge. The surrounding tables erupt in good-natured laughter.

"You've got your hands full already with these two," Mrs. Blackwood winks as she passes by with another platter of sweets.

Karn recovers first, clearing his throat. "How about more cake instead?"

"Cake AND baby brother," Nova negotiates, already reaching for a frosted flower.

I catch Karn's eye, and his slightly panicked expression matches my own. But there's something else there too - a softness, a possibility.

The moment breaks as Luna accidentally turns all the wine into juice, much to the guests' amusement. I lean back in my chair, taking in the scene - the twins' laughter, Karn's proud smile as he watches them, our friends and neighbors sharing in our joy. The fear and loneliness that haunted me for so long feels distant now, replaced by the warmth of belonging.

"Perfect night?" Karn's deep voice rumbles close to my ear.

I turn to face him, seeing past his gruff exterior to the gentle heart beneath. "Perfect everything."

One year later…

Sunlight streams through the shop's windows as I organize the display cases, careful of my growing belly. The twins' latest magical creation - crystal thaliverns that change color with the weather - float lazily above the protection charms.

"Mama, look!" Luna points at a particularly large thalivern that's shifted from blue to purple. "Storm coming!"

Nova peers up from her spot near Karn's workbench where she's "helping" him polish a ceremonial sword. "Can we make thunder too?"

"Absolutely not." Karn's voice carries that familiar mix of sternness and affection. His violet eyes catch mine across the shop, crinkling at the corners. "Your mother needs rest, not magical storms."

I settle into the cushioned chair he insisted on placing behind the counter. "I'm fine, love. The baby's just active today."

"Like us!" Luna bounces over, placing her tiny hands on my stomach. Her magic ripples, creating small sparks of light that dance across my dress.

Karn sets down his work and crosses to us in three long strides. His calloused hands are impossibly gentle as they cover Luna's. "Careful with the magic near your brother."

"Sister," Nova corrects, not looking up from where she's now turning the sword's polish different colors.

---