Page 39 of Fatally Yours

“ Me and my baby on the edge of the abyss, the world is crumbling, but at least I have her kiss… ” Just like every other time before, we were rolling down the dusty highway with the windows down, soaking in the night air.

The radio was on but muffled beneath August’s smooth voice and darkly seductive words.

There was something romantic behind them, even if sometimes they were masked with sadism.

A small, dimpled smile accented his song, and he turned to me, bringing his tune to an end with his hand atop mine.

“How are you doing?” he questioned, brushing his thumb over my knuckles. I continued to stare out the window, taking in the endless horizon, the drone of insects, and the scraping of tires along the asphalt.

“I’m fine,” I said. And it was the truth. There was nothing more peaceful than this moment right now. I could die over and over knowing that we had finally achieved this tranquility.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.”

“You need to tell me if you’re not, baby,” he said, giving me a look. I turned to him with a soft smile, knowing my somber stance and hollow stare were doing nothing to comfort him.

“Why would I not be?” I asked. “I have everything I need. You’re back with me, we have a family, and I’m happy.

That’s all I’ve ever wanted.” His dimpled grin might have made my heart restart, but I knew that was just a fallacy—something I would have to live with.

And I would. I didn’t need life to be happy.

I just needed this moment right here, right now.

His mismatched eyes caught on the backseat as the tires scraped along the shoulder of the road.

“What are you going to name our baby?” he asked. My expression was tinged with confusion. That was an important event, something he should contribute to. I didn’t want him to think he didn’t have a say.

“She’s our baby. We should name her together.”

“If it’s something crazy, I’ll ax it,” he said, his gaze going out the windshield again.

“But I trust you to pick something good.” Of course, in the past, back when I was alive, I pondered the idea of names for our future children.

It was strange how long ago that was, and despite that, some still stuck in my head, even if the possibility was once a pipe dream.

Now, it was a beautiful yet unconventional reality.

“What about Delilah?”

“Delilah?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s a pretty name,” he said with a smile. “I like it.”

“Good,” I said with a sparkle in my eye and a flutter in my chest. “Delilah, it is.” Glancing back at the resting baby in the back, I smiled at her, knowing my life would be complete. Beside her was the guitar we had taken from the home. I truly did have everything I ever wanted .

Then I wondered if August felt the same way. He probably did, except maybe one thing. Randy Clark’s death was supposed to be at his hands, not mine. A grave feeling settled in as I sank down in my seat, fearing he would feel unfulfilled because I was rash.

“I’m sorry I took the opportunity for revenge from you.” My tone was somber as I wanted to shrink away, feeling like we would never get the opportunity again. Much to my shock, he scoffed and turned to me with a grin.

“Are you kidding? What you did was the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen,” he said.

“I’ve never seen you more powerful. You took out the man that killed me, you saved a baby, and you looked amazing doing it.

Honestly, it made me want to fall to my knees for you.

” I thought I felt my face flush as I smacked him playfully with the back of my hand.

“That is the most insane thing I’ve ever heard come out of your mouth.”

“Even more insane than living forever?” he beamed, gliding onto the shoulder again. I rolled my eyes and steadied the wheel, hoping his driving wouldn’t get us into an accident, all with a smile on my face. It wasn’t like I was scared of dying anymore.

“I’m proud of you.” He wove his fingers between mine again, still driving as recklessly as he did in life. “Is that better?” My emotions came to a halt as I felt like I was in heaven again, riding down the highway with the man I loved, finally at peace with death.

“Better, but I’d rather not talk about… everything.”

“Everything?”

“The bad stuff, at least. Getting married, sure. Me um…” I set my head against the headrest, struggling to put my uncomfortable actions into the world.

“Putting a hole in a guy’s head?”

“I was really hoping not to be so vulgar with it.”

“You know I can’t help myself,” he smirked. I gave him yet another stern look, and he returned his gaze to the road.

“Alright,” he said, his gentle smile never fading. “From now on, we’re vetoing all the murder talk. Does that sound good? ”

“Perfect,” I said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Unless Mandy comes over and makes us watch those damn crime shows she loves so much,” he added. My heart might have skipped in my chest. The implications of that statement were exciting, and I thought my joy might render his bones to dust beneath my grasp.

“We’re inviting Mandy over?”

“Yeah.” He gave my hand a firm squeeze back. “Eventually.” I sat back and let out a breath, never before feeling more serene than I did at this very moment. I had everything I ever wanted, and there was still a bright future ahead of us.

“What are we going to do now?” He turned to me again with a bright smile, his cheeks accented with his signature dimples.

“Whatever you want.”