T he year after a tragic and deadly holiday season, Nox Renaud and Livia Chatelaine are finally able to move on with their romance. They marry in an opulent ceremony in New Orleans and then swap the sultry heat of Louisiana for the beautiful island paradise of Guadeloupe for their honeymoon .

Eager to enjoy their tropical Christmas, Nox, and Livia, now recovered from their terrible injuries, explore the kinkier side of their relationship in their luxurious private villa. They plan to come up with a way to free themselves of the past for good and move on with their happy life – especially when Livia discovers something that will change their lives forever …

L ivia hid a grin as Odelle fussed around her. “You realize if it hadn’t been for your passive-aggressive blackmail, Nox and I would have gone to City Hall by now ?”

Odelle glared at her in the mirror. “Passive-aggressive is my thing, and you wouldn’t have dared. You may think it’s ridiculous, but you needed a society wedding. Despite everything, people are still side-eyeing you for marrying Nox .”

Livia sighed. “The waitress gold-digger .”

Odelle stopped, then put her hands on Livia’s shoulders. “I didn’t mean that, I’m sorry. You know me .”

“No offense taken, and I do get your meaning. I see some of them looking suspiciously at me. Especially one .”

Odelle leaned her cheek against Livia’s, and they both hissed “Janine Dupois” before collapsing into laughter. Odelle brushed and twisted Livia’s thick, tawny hair into an elegant up-do. “You know what she’s like .”

“I do. The way she kept coming to the hospital and fawning over Nox…yuck. She was lucky I was hooked up to those machines .”

Odelle winced, and Livia smiled at her. “I have to joke about it, Odie, because if I don’t, I’ll scream .”

Odelle nodded, understanding. Livia and Nox had almost died at the hands of Sandor Carpentier, Nox’s business partner, supposed friend and half-brother, who had been obsessed with killing Livia and destroying Nox. Both of them were stabbed and shot, but Livia had gotten the worst of it, and after months of rehab, she only now began to feel like herself. She would always walk with a limp, the result of the bullet that slammed through her belly and buried itself in her spine, but now she had gotten to a place where she could function like her old self .

And today, she would prove it. She would walk down the aisle, with just Odelle and her old college friend Juno as bridesmaids, no one giving her away – she didn’t hold with that old-fashioned practice, she told Nox, who nodded in agreement. And that wasn’t the only modern aspect of their wedding. Nox had asked her if she would like him to take her name after marriage. Livia had been stunned .

“You would really do that ?”

“I would. It’s your mother’s maiden name, right ?”

Livia felt tears fill her eyes. “It was. I never wanted my father’s name .”

“Then I would be honored to share it with you – if you’ll permit me .”

So, after their wedding, they would be Mr. and Mrs. Chatelaine . It touched Livia’s heart beyond what she could express. Since then, she had been trying to find ways that she could incorporate Nox’s family, slaughtered by Sandor and his father, into their wedding. She had already made up her mind that their own children could share his family’s names, but she wanted Gabriella, Tynan, and Teague to be part of their day too. She’d finally come up with the perfect idea a week ago, and with Odelle’s help, the wedding ring she would place on Nox’s finger was inscribed with his family’s names. She hoped he would like the idea .

“He will,” Odelle told her now, “but he’s going to have a hard time looking at anything else but you, Liv. I’m all done here. Take a look .”

Livia got up and walked to the floor-length mirror. She hardly recognized herself. The word that came to her was elegance. She felt elegant for the first time in her life. The dress, ivory silk, was a slim column which clung to her curves. The top with its square neck and long, flowing bell sleeves made her look like an angel. Odelle had swept her hair up but left tendrils of brown hair to fall around her face. Livia’s make up was light, just the way she liked it: pinky blush, a rosy lip and subtle gold eyeshadow to bring out the chocolate brown of her eyes. “Is that me ?”

Odelle looked proud. “It certainly is .”

Livia turned and hugged Odelle. “Thank you , Odie .”

Odelle, never comfortable with physical contact, nevertheless hugged her tightly. “Congratulations, sweetheart. You made it .”

T he look on Nox’s face as she walked down the aisle to marry him made her feel like crying with joy. The love in his eyes, his obvious admiration, the way his eyes smoldered with desire. He kissed her gently as she reached him. “You’re glorious,” he whispered, “I love you so much .”

She grinned up at him. “I love you, and you have dirty in your eyes .”

“You have no idea what I’m thinking about right now, but it’s certainly not appropriate for church .”

Livia covered a snort and Nox grinned as they turned to face the minister. In a few moments, they were pronounced husband and wife to the cheers of their friends. Odelle was openly weeping, much to Livia’s shock, and her other bridesmaid, a grinning Juno, was comforting her. Livia made sure Nox saw the inscription on the inset of his wedding ring and Nox was moved beyond words. “That’s perfect,” he said, his voice breaking, and kissed her more passionately than was probably appropriate but neither of them cared .

After the wedding reception, Nox whisked her away to his private jet. As they settled in for the flight, Livia grinned at her new husband. “I thought you were going to sell this thing ?”

Nox grinned sheepishly. “It’s so convenient, though. I promised to have a thousand trees planted every time I use it. Which won’t be much,” he added, rolling his eyes at her disapproval. “Come here , wife .”

Livia grinned, kicking off her shoes, and went to sit on his lap. She kissed him, her mouth curving up in a smile as he began to unbutton her dress. “Can I just say, Mrs. Chatelaine, that you looked like a goddess in this dress and that, despite my desperation to have you naked right now, I’m being very careful not to rip it ?”

Livia laughed and helped him undo the dress. She stood and wriggled out of it, then unhooked her bra, letting her plump breasts fall into his waiting hands. She began to unbutton his shirt as he sucked her nipples . “Nox ?”

“Yes, baby?” His voice was muffled as his mouth found her other breast. Livia sighed happily, pushed off his shirt .

“Take me to the bedroom back there and fuck me senseless. I need animal sex tonight .”

Nox needed no more persuasion. He picked her up, wrapping her legs around his waist, and carried her to the small bedroom at the back of the plane, throwing her down on the bed and stripping the rest of his clothes off. As he stripped, Livia slipped out of her panties and spread her legs so he could watch her touch herself. Nox’s cock was already ramrod hard against his belly, and he fisted the root of it as he approached her. “You have the most beautiful cunt in the world,” he said, then thrust hard into her, finding her ready for him. “Christ, you’re wet .”

“I’ve been thinking about fucking you all day,” she murmured, her lips against his, “Your cock deep inside me, reaming me into submission. I nearly came when you touched me at the top of the aisle, thinking about your body on mine, your mouth on mine. Fuck me hard, husband …”

He thrust harder and deeper with each stroke, Livia tilting her pelvis to take him in deeper. His mouth was rough on hers, tasting, caressing, nipping her lower lip with his teeth, drawing blood. Livia tightened her thighs around his waist, their eyes locked, as their pace quickened and, breathless, they drove each other to a shattering orgasm .

Livia felt his cum pump deep inside her, reveling in the feeling, her vagina contracting around his cock. “God, I wish you could be inside me for forever .”

Panting, Nox chuckled. “Might make socializing a little awkward.” He pulled out of her and collapsed by her side, kissing her mouth, tender now. “God, it just keeps getting better , huh ?”

“You betcha.” Livia grinned at him, tangling her fingers in his hair. “I’m looking forward to being thoroughly reamed by you in a tropical setting.” Nox laughed with her .

“Such a lady. Well, I promise I’ll make that particular wish come true .”

Livia moved so she could lay on top of him. “I’m going to suck your cock until you beg me for mercy .”

“Ha, I believe it. Damn , you’re frisky today, wife,” he said as she bit his nipple then moved down his body to take his cock in her mouth. She grinned up at him .

“I was denied your body for months. I’m just catching up .”

Nox laughed and then sucked in a sharp breath as she sucked his cock, teasing the sensitive tip with her tongue, gently massaging his balls. “Wait,” he said and turned his body around 180 degrees. “Wrap those gorgeous legs around my head, beautiful, I’m going to eat you out like never before .”

He buried his face in her sex, his tongue lashing around her labia, seeking her clit as she continued to work his cock until they were both trembling and coming. Livia drank his seed down as he teased her clit, his tongue dipping deep into her cunt .

Afterwards, they lay in each other’s arms, kissing, talking about their future, as the plane continued on its journey. Before the wedding, while they were recovering, Roderick LeFevre had come to Nox and offered to buy him out of his company .

“There’s no pressure, but it would be a new start for both of you .”

Roderick and Livia had formed a friendship – Rod sending her flowers in the hospital and visiting her. Livia brokered that kind of friendship between Nox – still mourning his friends Roan and Amber – and the other man, and now Rod had become a trusted friend of the couple. Nox had considered his offer ever since .

“I think I’m going to sell to Rod,” he told Livia now. “My heart isn’t in it anymore, and he’s done a fantastic job of taking over the Asshole’s side of the business .”

‘The Asshole’ was how they referred to Sandor now, the man who had nearly murdered them both, and had murdered their friends, and worse, Nox’s mother. Both Livia and Nox swore never to speak his name again after the police had finished their investigation .

Livia nodded. “I think it’s the best idea. Will you concentrate on the Foundation ?”

“Yes…with yours and Charvi’s help. I also have some contacts, friends in Italy who might be able to help too. I think I was meant to start the Foundation, I really do, as much as I was meant to meet you .”

“I do , too .”

“So, are you going to finish your Master’s? Charvi was concerned you might have lost the motivation .”

“She was? No, I want to finish…and I think I’d like to get my Ph.D . too .”

Nox looked impressed. “Sexy doctor? I’m all for that .”

“Pervo.” She giggled as he tickled her. “I’ll wear my graduation cap to bed and bounce on top of your cock .”

“That’s a promise.” Nox laughed then let out a long sigh of satisfaction. “After everything, we deserve this happiness .”

“We certainly do.” She kissed him and snuggled into his chest. Nox traced a circle around her navel, scarred by Sandor’s knife .

“Maybe we can think about children too ?”

Livia nodded. “I want a bunch, Nox, but you know what the doc said. We have to be patient. It’ll happen. He said I can still get pregnant, but with only one ovary …”

“I know. Damn that bullet .”

“Damn it.” Livia kissed him and smiled. “And yet, I’m still here, and we can still have our kids. It just might take a little longer. I stopped the birth control, but it takes a while to flush out of my system .”

“I know.” Nox kissed her. “And I enjoy practicing .”

Livia laughed as he covered her body again. “Aren’t men supposed to slow down after forty ?”

“Hey, I have two years to go yet, and is this slowing down?” He thrust his cock into her again, and they made love, losing themselves in the other for the rest of the flight .

T he villa was secluded but utterly luxurious, with large picture windows and white furnishings. It was night, and outside the bright moon shone on the ocean that lapped at the beach and Livia pushed open the doors and stepped out onto the sand . “Wow .”

She breathed in the fresh ocean air. “How late is it ?”

Nox slipped his arms around her, kissing her neck. “Nearly dawn. Are you tired ?”

She turned in his arms and pressed her lips against his. “Would you hate me if I said yes ?”

Nox grinned. “Not at all…I’m an old man, remember? I could do with a shower though .”

They showered together and fell into the soft bed, Livia moaning at the comfort. “Now that we’re an old couple, there’ll be no more sex marathons, just missionary once a month .”

Nox laughed. “Today, in Most Unbelievable Claims .” He wrapped his arms around her as she snuggled into his chest. “Sleep tight, baby, you’re going to need your energy for what I’m going to do tomorrow .”

“That sounds promising,” Livia said then yawned widely, making Nox laugh. She closed her eyes and lay on his chest, breathing in his scent, her love, her husband .

T hey slept until noon then made love slowly and tenderly before beginning their day. They explored the island and snorkeled in the clear blue ocean before finding a restaurant and enjoying. They walked hand-in-hand back along the beach as the sun set .

Livia leaned happily against Nox. “Could we be more cliché ?”

“I don’t care,” he laughed. “We deserve some cheesy romance .”

“Yes, we do.” She looked up at him. “Nox…when we get back to the villa…I’m in charge for the night .”

“You are , huh ?”

“Oh, yes. I have quite the evening planned for you .”

Nox raised an eyebrow at her, his mouth hitching up in a grin. “Mistress …”

“You bet your sweet ass.” She looked him up and down as they reached the villa. “Wait here until I call you inside, boy. Lose the t-shirt, keep the linen pants on. I like the way they outline your cock .”

Nox, already enjoying the game, saluted her. “Anything you desire, Ma’am .”

Livia grinned at him as she disappeared inside. In the bedroom, she stripped quickly, slipping on the leather harness they had so enjoyed in the past, but hadn’t used since before they’d been injured. She fastened the buttery soft straps around her body, outlining her breasts, framing her navel and slipping between her legs. She was shaven, loving the feeling of his cock on her bare skin, and now she slicked some flavored lube into her pussy – not that I need it , she thought with a grin. She slid her legs into knee-high leather boots. She had purchased some new sex toys before the wedding, hoping to keep them a surprise for their honeymoon, and gathered them now, walking back into the living area. She climbed into a wooden chair, then sat on the counter, opposite the French window where Nox was waiting .

“You may come in , boy .”

Nox pushed aside the billowing voile drape and stepped into the room. Livia smiled at him, spreading her legs slowly and Nox sighed. “Wow… wow , Liv …”

“Ma’am .”

“Yes, Ma’am .”

Livia slid her finger into her cunt and Nox gave a moan. Liv grinned. “What would you like to do to me , boy ?”

Nox grabbed his crotch and Liv could see his penis was already hardening just at the sight of her. “Lose the pants, let me see that magnificent cock .”

He pulled at the draw-string, and his linen pants slipped to the floor. His cock stood proud against his belly. Liv smiled. “ Tell me .”

“I want to kiss your belly,” he growled, “bite your ripe tits, fuck your perfect cunt until you scream. I want to eat your delicious pussy, finger fuck your deep, round navel, pull your hair and fucking taste every single goddess-like part of you .”

Liv was so turned on, but she always wanted to control both herself and Nox to prolong their experience. She reached for a small vial of monoi oil and dripped it between her breasts, letting it trail down her stomach to form a pool in her navel before it dripped into her sex. “Put your fingers inside me , boy .”

Nox slid his forefinger deep into her cunt, stroking her. “May I kiss you, ma’am ?”

“ You may .”

Their mouths crushed against the other’s, their tongues delving deep into the other’s mouth, exploring, tasting as Nox slid another finger into her, then another, then another until only his thumb was free, stroking her clit. Livia gave a moan, but quickly controlled it, breaking away from his kiss, trying not to smile. “You may bite my breasts , boy .”

Grinning. Nox took her nipple into his mouth, biting down, making her squeal. Livia tangled her fingers in his dark curls and pulled hard. “Do you like that , boy ?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Nox switched to her other breast. “Would ma’am like me to kiss her belly next ?”

Livia nodded, her breath quickening as he moved lower, dipping his tongue into her navel, biting at the soft curve of her. Nox’s hand slid down the leather boots, feeling the shape of her calves inside them .

“Boy .”

Nox looked up. “Yes, ma’am ?”

“Eat my cunt. Make me come .”

And the moment his mouth touched her sex, Livia lost herself in the sensation of his tongue lashing around her clit. He was relentless, his mouth working on her senses until Livia came, shuddering and calling his name. Forgetting her role play, she grabbed his head, crushing her lips against his. “Fuck me, fuck me hard , Nox .”

“Yes, ma’am.” His grin was wide and triumphant as he thrust his hugely engorged cock deep into her swollen cunt, and Livia moaned. Nox picked her up and laid her on the floor, reaming her hard with his cock, pinning her hands above her head, kissing her so fiercely it made her head swim. “Madam is kind for letting me fuck her so hard, also for wearing those boots. Little Nox is very happy right now .”

That did it. Breaking character, Livia started giggling furiously, and Nox lost his rhythm. They collapsed in fits of laughter before Nox managed to calm himself enough to begin again. Livia gazed up at him as he thrust slowly but harder each time, making her gasp with the force of him. Grinning, Nox pinched her clit hard between his fingers and Livia came with a jerk, gasping, panting for air. Nox pulled out and came on her belly, groaning and saying her name over and over. They collapsed together, limbs entangled .

“I love you,” Livia whispered, and Nox nodded, kissing her tenderly. Livia grinned at him ruefully. “I guess I need to practice my Dom skills .”

“You were perfect.” He rubbed his nose against hers. “And the leather boots? Damn, woman .”

“I thought you might like them. I bought us some new toys too .”

“I like the oil, very sexy .”

Livia kissed him. “The strawberry lube ?”

“Nice, but I prefer your taste of cherries and honey.” Nox stroked his hand down her belly. “And this belly, so soft.” He splayed his fingers over it now, feeling the soft curve. He traced the scars that Sandor had left on her and a cloud crossed his face. Livia smoothed his brow .

“No frowning. What’s past is past.” That had been their rule during their long recovery. No looking backward .

“You’re right.” He drew his fingers up her body and cupped her face in his palm. “You’re so beautiful, baby, inside and out. I’m the luckiest man in the world .”

Livia kissed him, her fingernails trailing up and down his strongly muscled back. “Damn right you are .”

She pushed him onto his back and straddled him. “Now, I’m going to ride you like a wild cat, then you’re going to punish me for being such a slut with that lovely riding crop . Deal ?”

“Deal ?”

Their games lasted well into the night, finally ending when they fell into bed, sore, exhausted, but utterly blissed out .

“God, you have exhausted me, woman.” Nox touched the welts from the crop on her breasts and belly. “Are you sure I wasn’t too rough?” He frowned slightly .

“Perfectly sure,” Livia said with a grin. “You know, you could get as rough as you like with me. No choking though. I’m not into asphyxiation stuff .”

“Me either. You know, I bought some stuff too .”

Livia grinned. “You did ? What ?”

“Oh no. You have to wait until tomorrow night. Tomorrow night, it’s my turn to be in charge .”

L ivia had been curious all day to see what Nox had planned, and when the evening came, he asked her to strip down for him while he watched. She did so, swaying to an imaginary beat as she slid out of her dress. She hadn’t bothered with underwear; on one of their longs treks into the forests on the islands, she and Nox had fucked against more than one tree, once almost getting caught by passing tourists. She loved the way Nox looked at her naked body, how he touched her as if she was the most precious thing in the world, and the most carnal; that she was the most ethereal woman and the most animal .

He stood now and led her to their bedroom. He kissed her, stroking her clit gently. “Darling girl…I’d like to fuck you in your beautiful cunt, and in your perfect ass… but then …”

He went to the closet and pulled something else out. Livia gasped when she saw it. A strap-on. Nox grinned at her surprise. “I want our relationship to be totally equal .”

“Like you taking my name wasn’t enough,” she laughed, but she took the strap-on from him and studied it. “Are you sure ?”

“You have given your entire body to me, in every way. Your generosity is beyond what I ever dreamed. So , this .”

Livia kissed him, crushing her lips against his. “You are one unique guy, Nox Renaud .”

“Nox Chatelaine ,” he reminded her with a grin. She touched his face .

“I love you beyond words , Nox .”

They went to bed, enjoying making love until Nox strapped the dildo onto her pelvis. Livia grinned. “This feels weird, but kind of good .”

“This part,” he demonstrated,” should rub against your clit and give you as much pleasure as you’re giving me .”

He said it with confidence, but she could see he was nervous. She grinned at him. “I promise I’ll be gentle with you .”

She made sure he was relaxed by straddling him and giving him a massage before they started, and when he was ready, she slicked some lube into the dildo and gently eased into his ass. Livia moved slowly, slightly unnerved by the feeling, but when she heard Nox’s groan of pleasure, she felt more confident. They fucked slowly, building to a mellow but exquisite climax for both of them, then Livia took the strap-on off as Nox turned onto his back, his erection huge, and she lowered herself onto it and rode him hard. He massaged her breasts as she thrust onto him and when he came again, shooting thick cum deep into her belly, she cried out his name, throwing her head back .

Panting for air, she lay down on top of him, his arms tight around her. “Was that okay ?”

“More than okay,” Nox said, “Wow. I never thought I would enjoy that .”

“And yet you agreed to it anyway .”

“Like I said,” he said, kissing her forehead, “this is a marriage of equals .”

“Gosh .”

“What ?”

Livia looked at him and grinned. “We’re married .”

He laughed. “Has that only just sunk in ?”

Livia chuckled. “You know what? I think it has, except, weirdly, I already felt married to you. Is that weird ?”

“No, I get it. It felt like that for me very quickly into our relationship.” He stroked his hands down her body. “God, you’re intoxicating .”

Livia smiled at him, stroking his damp curls away from his face. “Let’s stay here, forever .”

“Okay.” They both laughed, and Nox kissed her. “We can live wherever you want , baby .”

“I don’t mind as long as I’m with you .”

“I was thinking…we should sell the mansion, find somewhere that we both choose to live. Start afresh now. I don’t want to bring our kids up in the place my family died .”

Livia propped herself up on her elbow. “I think that’s a terrific idea. I didn’t want to say anything, because after all, it’s your family home, but I was thinking…it’s not exactly child friendly, either .”

“Agreed.” He curled a lock of her hair around her finger. “So, we’ll contact some realtors when we get home. Still want to stay in New Orleans ?”

Livia nodded. “I do. Odelle and Charvi are there, Marcel, Rod. They’re all so important to me .”

Nox smiled. “I’m still rocking back from the fact that you’re so friendly with Rod LeFevre .”

“We’re friendly with him – and yes, he’s become like my big brother. I love Simon too…talk about two people who were meant to be together .”

“Agreed. And don’t you love that Odelle hangs out with them all the time ?”

Livia giggled. “Love it – and also afraid what they might unleash together. Rod has really brought out Odelle’s fun side .”

“Odelle is a totally different person from when I knew her before you. If anyone has brought her out, it’s you.” Nox smiled at her fondly, then sighed. Livia stroked his face .

“It’s okay to mourn for Roan and Amber, you know. Roan was naïve and reckless, and Amber…well. She just got swept along with Sandor’s psychopathy. Their faults cost them their lives, but we can still celebrate their gifts. We should .”

Nox shook his head, smiling. “Your capacity for forgiveness blows my mind .”

“Beats hanging onto resentment,” she said, looking away from him. He read her mind .

“ Your dad ?”

“That’s too much water under the bridge. He’s not in my life, or our lives. That’s all .”

Nox was silent for a long time, then sat up, facing her. Livia frowned at his troubled expression. “What is it , baby ?”

Nox drew in a deep breath. “Sweetheart…your father was in New Orleans before the wedding .”

Livia felt a jolt of shock . “What ?”

Nox nodded. “He contacted the office, wanted to speak to me. I declined his call, but I had someone tail him. They said he looked rough, real rough .”

Livia chewed her lip. “He wanted to try and get money from you. He looked rough because he drinks a bottle of whiskey and smokes sixty cigarettes a day .”

“Do you blame me for not taking his call ?”

“Not at all. Did he leave New Orleans ?”

Nox looked uncomfortable. “Liv…please don’t be mad at me for not telling you this sooner .”

Livia narrowed her eyes . “What ?”

“Your father got into a bar fight, and lost. He got jumped out in the streets and was dumped in the Michoud Canal. The police pulled his body out the next day .”

He waited for her reaction, but Livia merely nodded. “To be honest, I’m surprised he lasted this long. It’s harsh, but I don’t feel anything but relief. If you had taken his call, we would never have gotten rid of him. Ever. He deserved what he got.” She smiled apologetically at Nox. “I know you would give anything to have your father in your life, but we grew up with very different men. I wish I had met Tynan, Gabriella, and Teague. I might not have known them, but I feel their presence in our lives every day and am so thankful for it .”

Nox smiled at her, heavy emotion in his green eyes. “You gave them back to me, baby. Despite everything we went through, no matter what we lost, you gave them back to me .”

Livia wound her arms around his neck. “We are a family, Nox, we have been since that first day in your garden .”

He held her, pulling her tight against his chest. “You and me, now, Livvy. That’s all that matters .”

I t was the last day of their honeymoon when Livia had a dizzy spell. She was carrying their plates in from an outdoor supper when her legs wobbled, and she had to put the plates down on the counter quickly. Nox was at her side in an instant. “You okay , baby ?”

She smiled, her head whirling. “Just a little dizzy, is all. I’ll be okay .”

“Maybe you should lie down .”

Livia waited for a few minutes, but still feeling odd, she let Nox persuade her to lie down on their bed. She closed her eyes but her head still whirled, and after a few minutes, she felt a sickening wave of nausea and ran to the bathroom to throw up. Nox held her hair back and wiped her face with a cool cloth as Livia caught her breath. She looked up at him. “Do you feel sick? Was it something we ate ?”

Nox shook his head, and then realization dawned on them both. “Do you think…?” He began, but trailed off. Livia’s eyes were wide .

“It could be. Where’s my bag? I have a couple of tests in there .”

Their relationship was now so close that Livia felt no embarrassment about peeing in front of Nox. She washed off the plastic on the test strip and wiped it with some tissue. “Now we wait .”

Pregnant or not-pregnant. Livia felt unbelievably nervous, and when she looked at Nox, she could see he was having the same thoughts. They began to count down together then picked up the test .

Positive. “Holy crap,” Livia exclaimed as Nox whooped, gathering her up in his arms. “We made a freaking baby !”

Livia burst out laughing and crying at the same time, and a jubilant Nox twirled her around before remembering her nausea. “Sorry, honey.” He splayed his hand out over her belly. “That’s our kid in there .”

Livia collapsed in sobs and Nox hugged her. “Why are you crying ?”

“Because I’m so relieved , Nox, so happy that I can give you your children. For the last year, being stabbed, being shot, I was so afraid I couldn’t have children and god, I was desperate for them, desperate to carry your child and now…” She sobbed harder, and Nox held her tightly .

“You are my heroine, my love, the mother of my children,” he said, his voice breaking, “and I love you with every cell in my body. You have made me so happy, Livvy, so very happy .”

They embraced, both crying now, both overwhelmed, both overjoyed .

E ight and a half months later, Charlotte Gabriella Renaud Chatelaine was born, followed thirteen months later by Noah Tygue. Livia was a natural mother, filling her children’s lives with fun and love. Nox doted on his offspring, the fun dad, the disciplinarian when needed, the teacher, the champion .

One night after the children were in bed, Livia and Nox sat on the balcony of their home, a modest Hacienda-style dwelling just outside the city, and pondered how lucky they were .

Nox held her hand, and they gazed up at the stars. “We got it good .”

“We certainly do.” Livia leaned over to kiss him. “Thank you , Nox .”

He looked surprised. “ For what ?”

“For everything .”

He smiled. “Then thank you too, wifey .”

She laughed. “Still can’t get used to that. It sounds so grown-up,” she said incredulously, and Nox laughed aloud .

“We have two kids and being married is what’s grown up ?”

“Yup. About those two kids …”

Nox looked at her curiously . “Yes ?”

Livia grinned at him. “If I said to you… Supersperm ...”

Nox grinned. “Seriously ?”

“Yup,” Livia pretended to be resigned. “You done gone knocked me up ag’in, Mister .”

Nox was delighted, and Livia laughed as he dropped to his knees and lay his head on her belly. “That noise you hear is gas. I’m only a month along, or so. I found out earlier .”

And she laughed as Nox pulled her into his arms and kissed her until she couldn’t breathe …

T he End