Page 113 of Enchant the Dawn

“I was thinking I’d call Ava and ask if now would be a good time to decorate the nursery.”

“I’m sure she’s just been waiting for your call.”

* * *

Ava answered on the first ring. “Maddy! How’s married life?”

“Wonderful! Are you busy?”

“No, why?”

“Is tomorrow morning a good time to decorate the nursery?”

“It’s perfect.”

“Not too early. I’m still feeling a little queasy first thing in the morning.”

“How about eleven?”

“I’ll see you then.” Humming softly, Maddy ended the call. Life was perfect, she thought as she headed outside to water the flowers. She had a lovely home, a sexy, caring husband, and a baby on the way. What else could she ask for?

* * *

Maddy had expected it to take days to decorate the nursery, but with Ava in charge, it took only hours. Ava made suggestions and when Maddy approved, they appeared as if by, well, magic. Pale blue walls. Puffy white clouds on the ceiling. A cartoon knight in shining armor fighting a fiery dragon rode boldly across one wall. A vampire who looked suspiciously like Dominic appeared on another. A word and the wave of a hand conjured a crib, a changing table, a padded rocking chair, a lamp in the shape of a unicorn, pleated curtains at the window.

Maddy could only shake her head as she admired the finished project. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

“Just make sure to let me babysit once in a while.” Ava laid her hand on the swell of Maddy’s belly. “I can’t wait to hold him.”

“Me either. Do you think he’ll look like Dominic?”

“It wouldn’t surprise me. The Falconer genes are very strong.”

“And so are the Falconer men,” Dominic remarked as he came into the room.

“What do you think?” Maddy asked, gesturing at the mural as he slipped his arm around her waist.

“Looks good. Especially the vampire,” he said, winking at Ava.

“I knew you’d like it,” she said. “Well, I’m off. Lily and I are going shopping. Walk me out, Dom?”

“Sure.” He kissed the top of Maddy’s head. “Be right back.” Out on the porch, with the front door closed behind them, he asked, “What’s bothering you, Ava?”

“I’m not sure. I have this nagging feeling that something bad is about to happen, but I don’t know what it is. Have you sensed anything?”

Dominic shook his head. “The Elder Knight is dead. You’ve changed their main directive. Jasper is hopping around somewhere, if some predator hasn’t eaten him. Maddy’s healthy.”

“Maybe I’m just worrying for nothing,” Ava said with a shrug. “I always get nervous when there’s a baby on the way. See you soon.”

After Ava left, Dominic opened his preternatural senses but found nothing to alarm him. No scent of vampires or witches or hunters. Only the fragrance of trees and grass and flowers.

And chocolate chip cookies.

Grinning, he hurried into the kitchen to grab one before they cooled off.

Chapter 46

Maddy glanced at herself in the mirror as she stepped out of the shower. No doubt about it, she was getting fat. Well, not fat, she amended. But she was six months along now and definitely looked pregnant. The last few weeks had flown by, with every day better than the last. Her morning sickness had passed and she felt wonderful.

---