Page 70 of Mr. Kelly

I whistleas I head down the hallway to the nursery. Our honeymoon was a relaxing, sex-filled two weeks in Maldives. If I were ignorant, I’d say I’ve gotten River more pregnant, but I know it’s just our son getting ready to escape her body.

I’m happy despite the reminder of all the darkness in the world. The news has been filled with The Reaper’s killings to the tune of him being a serial killer. Yes, he’s killed multiple people in a short succession, but he’s not aserial killer.He’s a man on a warpath. He seeks vengeance as I imagine any of us would. Besides, I know the people he’s eliminating weren’t making the world a better place.

Just this morning, though, I did feel some level of sadness when the news broke that Inaya Wójcik had been abducted. We expected he’d do something to Father’s daughter, and while the video footage of her abduction doesn’t look like his style, I know he had something to do with it. The picture the news keeps flashing of her is one of her looking happy with the biggest smile that glows from within. Her brown eyes are big and ooze a sweetness you wouldn’t expect from a monster’s child.

My gut tells me that she’s made it to adulthood without being anything like her dad. I hope that sweetness she seemsto possess will cut through The Reaper’s armor. Hopefully, he'll find another way to enact his revenge.

Redirecting my attention to the happier part of life, I refocus on the task at hand. River went into what they call “nesting” mode and worked day and night after she was randomly inspired with a theme for the nursery. I, however, was not allowed to see it until she was done, bringing me back to my little trip down the hall.

I chuckle to myself once I realize the door is closed. River squeals with excitement once I knock, reminding me how cute she is with stuff like this. I’m smiling, something I’m not used to doing so much, by the time she peeks her head out.

“Hello, Mrs. Kelly.” I greet her with a kiss on her nose.

She giggles like she didn’t ride me like it was her calling earlier.

"That greeting always makes my heart flutter," she admits with her hands on her cheeks.

The light bounces off her wedding ring, giving me yet another wave of possessiveness.My wife.

"I love greeting you that way. "

We stare into each other's eyes for a bit, lost in each other until she shakes her head to pull us out of our trance.

The tint on her cheeks makes me love her more. My sweet wife. River steps back and sweeps her hand to show me the space.

I stare at the nursery for a moment, amused and surprised. I thought she'd go with a teddy bear theme or something unrelated to me, but the gray theme with pops of soft yellow and baby blue is a pleasant surprise.

Playful baby elephants are highlighted throughout the space. I love it and I tell her.

River's expression is a mix of relief and pride as she claps happily.

"Good! I'm glad you love it because I do as well."

"I'd thought you picked teddy bears so it really is the big reveal you wanted."

She waves me off. "The last thing I need is for Andrea to think I copied him in any way. Besides, Trunk got us here."

Tucking herself against my body, I wrap my arms around her.

"Interesting," I murmur, not quite sure what to say.

"Is it?" she challenges me while looking up at me. "Your reputation is the reason why I ran straight to you. You've saved me more times than I can count. Just like what the elephant represents, you are a loyal, noble, and wise protector. If our son grows up to be a fraction of the man you are, I'll be proud."

Fuck.She makes it so easy to be obsessed with her. I kiss her tears away since I should be the one crying. I still can't believe I was blind to how much I was missing this kind of love and support.

"I swear I would have proposed right now if you weren't already my wife."

She giggles while I'm thinking about how I'm so in love with her it should be scary. I should be concerned that it'll consume me like a fever meant to drive me insane, yet I'm happy to fall into madness.

"Seriously, River. I love you and can't wait to see you as a mother."

I kiss her a few more times as I lace our fingers together.

"Same," she whispers. "I can't wait to see you hold him, Teddy."

I want the same thing so badly that I feel almost anxious. We still have a ways to go. Everything has happened so fast since she's returned that it almost makes my head hurt.

My divorce, River’s abduction, The Reaper’s appearance, our weddings and respective honeymoons all happened within a couple of months. A whirlwind.

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