Page 101 of Vow To The Devil

That's an understatement. Remy ranted for a full hour about disrespectful young upstarts destroying his family legacy. His tirade only stopped after I threatened to move him to a nursing home.

"But he agreed, reluctantly. The children can move in as soon as we finish renovations." I brush a strand of hair from Talia's face. "Don't worry about Remy. I'll handle him."

She smiles softly. "I know you will."

Rising on tiptoe, she kisses me. I wrap my arms around her, marveling again at her inner strength. With her by my side, I can conquer anything.

Talia's smile fades as she considers the logistics. "It will be a big change for Remy. Are you sure he understands what this means?"

I shrug. "Does it matter? I'm not asking his permission. This is my house now, and I'll do as I please."

She gives me a reproachful look. "Dare, he's your grandfather. You can't just disregard his feelings."

I scowl, even though I know she's right. Remy doesn't deserve Talia's compassion after how wretchedly he's treated her.

"Fine, I'll speak to him again," I concede. "Make sure he grasps the situation fully."

Talia nods, appeased. She kisses Hope's downy head as the baby drifts to sleep in her arms.

Watching them, resolve hardens within me. I will not fail these children as my grandfather and father failed me. They will have everything they need, both material and emotional.

She looks up, eyes shining. "Dare, you're making my childhood dreams come true. The fact that we can give these children a real home, a chance at a future. It's all I've ever wanted."

I caress her cheek, heart swelling with emotion. "Anything for you, darling girl. Your happiness means everything to me."

She kisses me softly. "I really think you would do anything if I asked."

I kiss her knuckles, vowing silently to live up to her faith in me.

"I promise this is just the beginning," I tell her earnestly. "You'll see. Our little family is going to grow much larger. But you'll want for nothing. I'll move heaven and earth to give you the life you deserve."

Her radiant smile is all the reward I need.

ChapterForty

DARE

THREE MONTHS LATER

Iwatch as four burly movers lug a massive oak desk up the grand staircase. "Careful with that!" I call. "It's antique and not replicable!"

The movers grunt in response, focused on their task. I sigh, realizing that unless I want to help carry the heavy piece of furniture myself, I have little or no control over how the movers choose to carry it.

Behind me, childish giggles and pounding footsteps echo through the cavernous foyer. We are several days into the moving process here at the estate. And I'm having trouble repressing my disapproving, uptight inner critic.

Needless to say, it's been quite an adjustment for everyone.

My wife Talia appears at my side, resting a hand on my forearm. Our baby Hope is sleeping blissfully while she rests in a baby sling, tucked up against Talia's breasts. Talia is in overalls and a long sleeved t-shirt and looks absolutely radiant.

"You're doing so well," she coaches me gently. I soften under her touch, reminded of why we endure this chaos.

Our ever growing family.

I kiss her briefly. She smiles and wiggles her eyebrows.

"Will you carry this box into the kitchen? It's filled with the new baby bottles and bottle warming equipment."

"Of course," I reply, hoisting the box with ease. "I live to serve, Mrs. Morgan."

---