Gemma
Gemma was a little disappointed that the honeymoon had ended. Theo had surprised her by taking her to Kayseri, Turkey, where the oldest known gargoyle was located. It was created in the shape of a crocodile and was more than thirteen thousand years old.
Of course, they had to see the gargoyles on Notre Dame and many other places. Gemma was certain she had died and gone to heaven. She no longer had to look over her shoulder, constantly watching to see who was there to kill her. Theo was always by her side, holding her hand, wrapping his arms around her, and showing her how much he truly loved her.
Meanwhile, Baby Naomi was growing. She would certainly need the help of the clan’s midwife to survive this birth. However, Gemma was certain she had been blessed and would not only survive to see her baby, who was destined for greatness, but also many more children. Ivan demanded it. He had told Gemma it was time the dragon shifter clan started growing again, and it may as well start with her. Marie had also reassured her that all would be well with her and her future children.
Who could argue with fate?
Their love had instilled a new lease on life for Theo. He once again took an active part in the elder council, helping to make decisions that would benefit all clan members. He also took his businesses back over.
Aliyah had joined them to live at the mansion and help raise the children, which were going to be a handful if they were anything like their parents.
Early one morning, Gemma felt an ache in her lower back and down her legs.
“Theo,” Gemma said, rubbing her husband’s back.
“Hmm,” he said, still asleep.
“Theo, I need you to go get Clara and the midwife,” she said.
With those words, Theo was wide awake. He sat straight up in bed and said, “What? Come again?”
“I need you to get Clara and the midwife,” Gemma repeated.
He was instantly out the door and flying to get the people Gemma requested.
When they returned, Gemma’s contractions were already three minutes apart.
“I think Naomi is very anxious to see the world,” Aliyah said, bathing Gemma’s head with a cool rag.
“Likely so,” Clara said. “She has beaten the odds to be here.”
Theo was holding tightly onto Gemma’s hand to the point where Gemma said, “Theo, I don’t think you are supposed to distract me from the pain of childbirth by breaking my fingers. I’m pretty sure I will be needing those later.”
He loosened his grip, and she started breathing with the contractions.
At one in the afternoon, Baby Naomi arrived. The midwife cleaned the gunk out of the baby’s mouth and made sure she was breathing, and then finished taking care of Gemma.
Clara and Aliyah washed the baby and wrapped her in a blanket before handing her to Gemma.
At that moment, the entire room was filled with a bright light, and a light, airy voice said, “This child shall be blessed. She will bring peace and love to humanity.”
A couple of months later, Theo found Gemma in the rose garden. It was back to its former glory days when all of the flowers bloomed in different colors. When a breeze blew across the flowers, the air filled with an incredible exotic scent.
“What are you doing out here, my love?” Theo asked.
“I thought you had a board meeting,” she said.
“I did. I told them they did a great job, continue doing a great job, and go home to their families.”
Gemma laughed. “I believe you did. I was just sitting out here, thinking that I’m the luckiest woman in the world. I have a beautiful baby girl. I have an incredible second mother who makes sure to tell me stories of my first mother. And I have two new clans who are my family.”
“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Theo asked.
Gemma got a mischievous smile on her face and put her finger on her chin. “Mmm, I don’t think so. But there is something I need to tell you.” She patted the seat next to her. “Come here and sit down,” she said.
She whispered something in his ear. A huge smile immediately split his face.
