Epilogue
“Stop, Mammon. I’m too big,” Penelope says, laughing as I try to nuzzle her neck.
My wife is eight and a half months pregnant, and moving isn”t easy. That doesn”t stop her desire for me or mine for her, but I know she feels so ungainly and unattractive that she wants to discourage me from seeing her naked.
“You’re gorgeous, little one,” I whisper into her ear, making her shiver. “My angel, my savior.”
“Ugh. I”m not so little anymore. And I”m pretty sure I”m no angel since you”ve debauched me,” she says, smiling as she looks deep into my eyes.
I nip her throat. ”You love it when I debauch you.”
Penelope sighs. ”You”re right, I do. You”re such an expert at it.” She pauses, and a small frown mars her brow. “Do you think you’ll go to heaven now you have a soul?”
“I think so,” I answer, rolling over on the blanket where we”re gazing at the night stars. “If I’m not allowed in Hell anymore, then it makes sense that I”ll go to Heaven eventually.”
“Are you still happy with your decision?” she asks quietly, one hand over her rounded stomach.
“To leave Hell forever? Yes, because it means I can devote all my time to you,” I reply without hesitation. “I don’t miss reaping the souls of the greedy or sitting on that throne. I don’t miss a thing about being in Hell.”
“I’m glad.” Penelope sighs, but she does that a lot lately. The baby takes her breath away. She smiles and grabs my hand, placing it against her stomach over her maternity dress. A foot kicks under my palm. “The baby says hi, Daddy.”
“Daddy,” I say with reverence. “Now, that’s a title I can’t wait to have. The demon of greed doesn’t suit me anymore, does it?”
“Oh, you’re still fierce-looking. But I see your beauty. I always have,” Penelope says, catching another breath before she continues. “But no, you’re not a demon anymore. Not by nature, at least.”
“I’ll always be a demon, Pen, don’t doubt that. I’m still the same physically,” I say, extending my taloned fingers and pointing at my horns. “But I”m a reformed demon. I don’t belong in The Below anymore. Besides, from what I’ve heard, Rapha is doing an excellent job with Drusilla by his side.”
Penelope smiles. “I’m glad he was able to bring her back. I love a good second-chance romance.”
Her brown eyes are full of love as she looks at me. I know she”s grateful I chose to leave my previous life behind, embracing a newfound purpose rooted in love and devotion. As she lies beside me, a gentle breeze rustles the leaves of the nearby trees, creating a soothing melody.
“Mammon,” she whispers, tracing absent circles on my chest. “I can’t believe how far we’ve come. From the depths of Hell to this peaceful place under the starlit sky.”
I turn to her, my chest filled with tenderness. “And I wouldn’t change a thing, Pen. Having you in my life is everything.”
Tears well up in her eyes as she absorbs my words. The weight of our journey and the sacrifices we”ve made are tangible at this moment. Our baby kicks again as if sharing that sentiment.
“I love you,” she says softly, her voice quivering with emotion.
“Hello?” a voice calls out.
Penelope stills, and I know she recognizes that voice.
“Mom?” Penelope calls.
She tries to get up, but the weight of the baby keeps her pinned in place. I help her sit up as a pale, thin woman emerges from the darkness and approaches us.
Penelope looks at me in awe, and I nod. “I asked her to come by. I took her from your old house and found her a safe place to stay until she got her strength back. She asked to see you, and I thought you would want that.”
“Thank you,” Penelope whispers, leaning in to kiss me before I stand. “Where are you going?”
“Giving you some privacy. Talk to your mother, Pen. This is that chance you always wanted. Remember?” I prod, earning a nod from Penelope.
She releases my hand. “I do. Thank you.”
I walk away, smiling at her mother as I pass.