Page 23 of Claimed By The Devil

“I love you, daddy. Thank you,” Deirdre says with tears in her eyes.

“For what, baby? You did all the work.”

“For giving me a life that I didn’t know was possible. You’re the best husband and father that a girl could ask for.”

“No, little girl. That’s what you did for me,” I kiss her. “Rest now. I’ll be here when you wake up.”

The nurse hands me my daughter, and I sit and rock the tiny baby as Deirdre drifts off to sleep. She looks just like her mother, but she and her big brother have something that their mother and father never had. They have parents who love them and each other, and they will never feel lost or alone in the world.

When both the baby and Deirdre are sleeping soundly, I step out of the room to get some coffee and make a few calls. I’m pouring the coffee when a familiar voice calls out to me from behind.

“I heard you’re a father again. Congratulations,” Bobby Vito says.

I close my eyes and my nostrils flare as I breathe in and prepare to turn and face him. His being here is an intrusion, and it feels like an insult to my family, but I can’t cause a scene in this place. Deirdre would be heartbroken if she woke up to find that I’d been banned from the building.

“Thank you, Bobby. Why are you here? That old heart of yours needs some servicing?”

“No, I have a clean bill of health. I won’t be getting out of your way anytime soon. You’re the reason I’m here. You and my daughter. I came because it’s the respectful thing to do.”

“Our first child was born two years ago. You didn’t want to be respectful then?”

“Fair, I can’t argue that logic. I was wrong. I should’ve been here.”

I’m stunned by his admission and how sincere it feels.

“I don’t want to go up and see her or anything. I just wanted you to know that I was here and that I’m very happy for you both.”

“Thank you. I’ll tell Deirdre that you stopped by,” I nod.

He starts to walk toward the two thugs that accompanied him here then stops and turns back to me.

“You surprised me. Who would’ve thought the ruthless Diavolo would become a good husband and father? When you told me that my daughter was part of the deal, I expected you to have your fun with her and then leave her used up and heartbroken on my front lawn. I’m glad you didn’t. Good night, Danny.”

I return to the room not sure what to think of Bobby’s confession. On the one hand, it’s nice to see that he feels some sense of family honor but, on the other, he confessed that he would have sacrificed his daughter to an animal just to make a deal. I ponder whether or not to tell Deirdre that he was there at all.

If the news gives her hope that she can have a healthy relationship with the man and he reverts to his old behavior, it will break her heart, and it’s my job to protect her from pain.

She’s awake when I enter the room and sees that I’m lost in thought.

“Is everything alright, daddy? she asks me.

“Yes, little girl. Everything is perfect.”

* * *

We arrive homefrom the hospital to find the house filled with flowers and gifts from the crew and their families. D.J. runs to the door and cries, “Daddy! Mommy!” I lift him in the air and cover his face with kisses.

“Hi, baby. Would you like to meet your baby sister?” Deirdre asks him.

He nods and I carry him to the sofa where Deirdre is seated with Daniela in her arms.

“Here she is. What do you think, little man?”

“Hi, little baby,” he smiles. “Mommy, look at all the stuff!”

“I see. Do you want to look at all the presents with Mommy?”

“Yes,” he leaps from my lap and rushes to a giant white teddy bear that is sitting against the wall.

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