Page 98 of Temptation and Tyranny

We fell into a comfortable silence, both lost in our own thoughts. I found myself reflecting on the events of the day—the warmth of family gathered together, the joy of giving and receiving gifts, the laughter and love that had filled every moment.

And at the center of it all, little Ember. Watching Steele with his daughter had been a revelation. The tenderness in his eyes, the gentle way he held her, the pride that radiated from him with her every little accomplishment—it was a side of my best friend I’d never seen before.

“You know,” I said, breaking the silence, “seeing Steele with Ember today...it made me realize something.”

Allegra hummed questioningly, her fingers idly tracing patterns on my chest.

“It made me realize that I want that,” I continued, my voice soft but firm. “That connection, that...indescribable bond between parent and child. Iwant to be the kind of father our child can look up to, and can depend on. The kind of father who’s always there, no matter what.”

I felt Allegra smile against my chest. “You will be,” she said with certainty. “You’re already so good with Ember. And the way you’ve changed your life, the sacrifices you’ve made for us...Cooper, you’re going to be an amazing father.”

Her words filled me with a warmth that spread from my chest to the tips of my fingers and toes. “You really think so?”

“I know so,” Allegra said, propping herself up on one elbow to look at me. “Our child is going to be so loved, so protected. Between you, me, Grandpa, Uncle Steele and Aunt Ashlynn, Cousin Ember, and Uncle Colton...this baby is going to have the most amazing family.”

I grinned, picturing it. Family dinners, birthday parties, holidays spent together—all the things I’d never thought I’d have again but secretly longed for. “You’re right,” I said, pulling Allegra close for a kiss. “Our kid is going to be the luckiest kid in the world.”

As we drifted off to sleep, my hand resting protectively over Allegra’s stomach, I felt a sense of peace and rightness settle over me. This was where I was meant to be, who I was meant to be. Cooper Moreau—husband, soon-to-be father, surrounded by friends and family.

And really, what more could an ex-tyrant like me ask for?

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