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Page 24


  The frown eased, and she glanced up at him, a hint of shyness in her gleaming eyes. “I do not need space, Justin Henry Boucher. You, not this place and time, were my greatest wish.”

  His chest expanded, happiness filling him. “I know you’ve just shed one husband, but would you consider takin’ another?”

  Her smile began slowly, but quickly stretched across her face. “I was not given a choice the first time. But since you ask—I would be honored to be your wife.”

  Juste gave a whoop and rolled to his back, taking a laughing Khepri with him. She settled, her knees at either side of his hips. “I want to marry right away. Don’t wanna waste another minute of our lives.”

  “Tomorrow?”

  He chuckled. “Maybe this weekend. I’ll want Denise and Mikey there. And I’ll have to take you shoppin’ for a new dress.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “Shopping can be dangerous.”

  “If I’d wanted safe, I never would have snuck you out of that warehouse.”

  Her smile eased. “Thank you for saving me.”

  Juste shook his head. “Cher, I was a lonely man before I met you. Nearly broken with grief. I blamed myself and the world for losin’ my friend. Thought I didn’t deserve to ever know happiness or be loved. You saved me.”

  Tears filled her eyes, and she settled, cuddling against his chest, their heartbeats blending, strengthening. “We saved each other. For I was lonely, but never knew its true depth until I met you.”

  Juste wrapped his arms around her and stared at the ceiling. They’d both been given second chances. Thank you, Amun. Thank you for this gift.

  Khepri sat in the shade on the hard metal bench, watching as the players poured from the dugout. She wore shorts and a baby tee, but still sweat made her skin sticky. Not that she minded all that much.

  Watching Juste as he coached the tiny players in their black-and-white uniforms filled her with joy. Seeing his face, so open, so happy, as he stood behind one little player to adjust his grip on the bat, made her heart ache. So much happiness filled her that sometimes she wondered if she deserved it. Sure, she’d saved the world, or at least this little corner of it, but still.

  Juste glanced up, gave her a smile, and then stepped back.

  The pitcher gave an underhand toss and the ball sailed right over the mound. The tot wearing the helmet wore a severe look, his eyes darkening with fierce concentration. The moment before the ball flew above the mound, the player swung his bat.

  The crack of wood meeting ball had Khepri leaping to her feet. “Run, Henry, run!” She held her breath as his small feet pounded the dirt on his way to first base. The moment he crossed the plate, she let out a loud whoop.

  Henry’s proud smile was wide as he tipped up the helmet that had slid over his brow. But not nearly as wide as his father’s.

  Khepri’s gaze met Juste’s, and she gave him a blazing smile. From the deepest despair, she’d found happiness. All because she’d met this man.

  Someone settled on the bench beside her. She glanced sideways and met Amun’s amused stare. “Thought you were busy. Something about a crisis in the Mideast.”

  “There’s always a crisis in the Mideast. Can’t an uncle drop in to watch his nephew’s first T-ball game?”

  “Juste won’t be happy to see you again.”

  “Yes, he will.” Amun waggled his brows. “He knows you love me.”

  “And you know he’s the only man for me.”

  He grunted. “Your accent’s nearly gone.”

  “Practice,” she said, grinning.

  “Am I interrupting anything?” Juste slipped past them, sitting on the bench on her opposite side and aiming a glare at Amun.

  Their mock rivalry had started at the wedding Amun had crashed. His arrival had thrilled her, after she’d been so sure she’d never see him again.

  Amun had simply shrugged. “I missed you.”

  As simple as that, he’d become a regular visitor in their lives, one Justin admitted he didn’t “mind so much.”

  Now, she was sandwiched between the two men, and Amun couldn’t quiet his chuckles. “You enjoy making him jealous.”

  “Don’t pretend you don’t like it too.”

  Another player placed a hit in the outfield, and Henry ran, fists and legs flying around second base, to third. When he slid sideways into home, he lifted a thumb to his dad.

  Justin cupped his hands around his mouth. “Way to go, son!”

  “He looks more like his father every day,” Amun murmured, giving her a fond smile. “Have you told him?”

  “Told me what?” Juste said, his gaze sharpening on them both.

  Khepri shrugged. “I haven’t a clue what he’s talking about.” She pinched Amun’s side to hush him up.

  “He’ll have to know sooner or later,” her former husband said. “The first time he sets the house on fire…”

  Khepri dragged in a deep breath. “I’m waiting for the right time. Juste isn’t big on magic.”

  “You underestimate him.”

  “I estimate him just fine,” she sang under her breath.

  Juste placed his hand on her thigh and gave it a squeeze. He leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Think he plans on staying past dinner.”

  “You do know he can hear you whisper.”

  “Yeah, I do.”

  Amun’s laughter grew louder.

  Khepri knew she wore a silly grin, but she was entitled to it. Both men drove her bonkers—a new word she’d learned and that she loved. She reached out both arms and hugged the men on either side of her. “Yes, stay for supper. I’m cooking.”

  Both men groaned, but she didn’t mind they thought her meals were nearly inedible. Perfection was for the realm of the gods.

  About the Author

  Delilah Devlin was born in Spokane, Washington, and spent her childhood as a US Air Force brat. As an adult, she rebelled and went into the army, the first of several careers that would guide her around the world. Today she makes her home in Arkansas and continues to travel. The award-winning author of several paranormal romance, erotic romance, and erotica novels, novellas, and short stories, she channels her interests in mythology, history, and the occult into her writing.

  This book was originally released in episodes as a Kindle Serial. Kindle Serials launched in 2012 as a new way to experience serialized books. Kindle Serials allow readers to enjoy the story as the author creates it, purchasing once and receiving all existing episodes immediately, followed by future episodes as they are published. To find out more about Kindle Serials and to see the current selection of Serials titles, visit www.amazon.com/kindleserials.

 

 

 


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