Page 8 of Crimson Flames

“How did you make this big of a mess baking cupcakes?” Cillian jokes.

I laugh. “A girl never reveals her tricks.”

“I am certain that is only for magicians,” Boris says with a grin.

“Well then, consider me full of magic. Try the cupcake.”

I can’t wait for them to know the gender and read the name I picked out hidden under the desserts. The moment I saw it, I just knew.

They each bite halfway through the cupcake, frosting covering thier lips when they make eye contact right after seeing the color in the center.

“A girl,” Cillian chokes out, tears swimming in his eyes. I nod, suddenly unable to use my words as emotions nearly suffocate me. It’s as terrifying as it is beautiful.

Boris picks up the piece of paper on the plate. “Aiden.”

Cillian lifts me into his arms this time, and Boris crowds me from behind as tears of joy slide down my face.

“She is going to be so loved,” Boris vows.

“Cherished,” Cillian promises.

“Protected,” I swear.

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“The nursery is more beautiful than I could have imagined,” I tell Boris as I walk into the finished room.

Soft pink walls are decorated with golden crowns, and a cream-colored crib with a matching plush rocking chair adorns the room.

“That happens when you have endless amounts of money,” Cillian says, plugging in the lamp next to the rocker before placing one of my favorite white blankets on it.

“This little one is going to be spoiled,” I say, rubbing my belly; Aiden kicks me in agreement. I can’t help but laugh at the perfect timing. Her sassiness is coming out before she’s evenentered the world. These men really have no idea what they’re in for. Boris and Cillian watch me contentedly before coming over to feel her.

They have only recently been able to feel her move, and I swear most nights their hands never leave my belly.

“Just like her mother,” Boris agrees.

I don’t think I have ever been happier than I am right now.

“I am not spoiled.” I playfully swat him in the chest.

“Oh, Sweetheart,” Cillian says with a chuckle, “you’re treated like a queen, and that little one is going to be a princess. Don’t even try to convince us otherwise.”

It’s true and I know it; but banter is, and always will be, my first love. “We don’t need to be treated like royalty.”

Boris pulls back and looks down at me, his brow furrowed almost in horror.

“Tell that to Alexi, who just bought the bassinet that rocks the baby every time they make a sound.”

I gasp because that’s the one thing I wanted more than anything else on the registry everyone forced me to create.

“Really?” They both laugh then.

“Spoiled rotten,” Cillian says before tickling me.

We run around the nursery as I try to escape him, happiness surrounding us as pure as the light from the sun.

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