Page 103 of Claimed By the Villain

Four Years Later

She wanted the fairy tale, but she chose the villain.

She wanted the dream, but she chose the man who is everyone else’s nightmare.

It took me a long time to understand that, despite her fantasies of love, what Jackie wanted most of all was me.

And today, as I watch our almost four-year-old son building sandcastles on our island, I silently thank the universe for granting me the privilege of being the one who receives the love of such a determined woman.

“He never gives up,” my wife says, walking over and pointing to where our firstborn is playing.

Dix has already had three of hisfortressesknocked down by the waves.

“Stubborn like you. He could at least build the castles a little farther from the water,” I say.

“Determinedlike me, you mean, right? Our boy likes a challenge.”

I pull her onto my lap on the lounge chair, making her sit sideways because of her six-months-pregnant belly. Before long, our second son, Hudd, will be here.

“Was I your challenge?” I ask.

“Yes, and also my greatest victory. You, our children, and the memories we’re creating.”

I kiss the top of her head, and she rests it on my shoulder.

I never pictured myself as a father.

I never gave myself the right to dream of a family, but now, I couldn’t keep breathing if I ever lost them.

The love I feel is limitless, uncontained, overwhelming.

Now I have my harbor. I’ve learned both to belong and to claim.

I treasure every single day by their side.

“You never gave up on me,” I say.

“It was never a choice, Lucifer. I loved you from the very first moment, and I belonged to you in that same instant too. There could never be another. There never will be.”