His expression goes from shock to elation to gratitude, all within the space of three seconds.
“Thank God,” he breathes, placing one big hand on my tummy. “You’re pregnant, and you love me.”
I nod.
“I do.”
Then he sweeps me into his arms as Corrie and Nora cheer, seizing my mouth with his own.
“I adore you, Jemima Kay,” he rasps against my lips. “More than you know. I will never make such idiotic mistakes again, and I’m so grateful that you’re having my baby. Our baby,” he amends, pulling me close once more. “You’re the one for me.”
With that, our lips lock in an ecstatic kiss as my heart leaps and then soars. After all, the Minotaur I met at a Virgin Hunt has turned into the man of my dreams, but he’s not perfect. He’s not a legend, nor is he a god or a superhero. Instead, Zane Cathcart has made mistakes, but together, we’ll begin our life on even footing, with a world of love before us.
EPILOGUE
Jemima
* * *
For the last six months, I’ve been living with Zane in his massive New York City penthouse. Zane relinquished his suite with Sanctum because he said he doesn’t need it anymore. He has me now, ensconced in his real home, and he doesn’t want to play games now that his baby is in my belly. Of course, we still go to Sanctum events on occasion, but they’re becoming fewer and further between, seeing that I’m getting huge.
“Jem, you are the luckiest person I know,” Bridget smirks as we sit on the couch in the airy living room. My friend came by for a quick coffee, and we’re catching up.
I laugh. “Don’t I know it.”
“I’m serious. You fucked the Minotaur, who happened to be a rich, handsome man, and now you’re going to have a baby with him too. I wish I had your life!”
I place a hand on my enormous, pregnant belly and take a sip of my decaf coffee before sighing with contentment. “It is a pretty amazing life, you’re right, but remember: it wasn’t like this all the time. We had to work through Zane’s issues.”
“You mean that virginity thing?” Bridget asks.
I giggle.
“Yeah. But I guess you can say I’m definitely not a virgin now. I mean, look at me!”
We both have a laugh at that, and the child even kicks a bit, as if he senses our mirth. But then my expression goes solemn.
“Don’t worry, hon. You’ll find the right man someday because you’re gorgeous, intelligent, and a catch. It’s only a matter of time.”
Bridget sighs wistfully. “I hope so. I keep going to Sanctum events, but other than hot sex, I’m not getting much else.”
I titter.
“Yeah, but hot sex is better than no sex.”
My friend giggles too.
“I guess you’re right. But you know the Summer Bacchanal is coming up soon, right? You know, when the real Virgin Hunt takes place. Are you and Zane coming?”
I laugh and shake my head. “I’m way too pregnant to be running through the forest. I fell on my face the last time!”
She clucks and thinks for a moment.
“Yeah, but you know the Bacchanal is more than just the Virgin Hunt. There are other events, like the forest orgy, the bubbly cauldron, and the sacrifice to the gods. You guys could totally do some of those events.”
I chuckle.
“Oh my God, I don’t even think I want to find out what the bubbly cauldron is. But I think we’re going to pass this year. Maybe next, if we have a babysitter? I do want to experience it one of these days because it sounds totally delicious and fun. Kind of like a Burning Man, but sexy and a billion times better. Are you going?”
Bridget chuckles. “Obviously! It’s going to be a good time and last year, I hooked up with ten different men when I was there. I wonder if I’ll hook up with even more this year,” she winks.
I merely squeal with delight.
“Oh my God, you’re so bad! Bubbly cauldron, girl. Do it, do it!”
At that moment, Zane enters the living room and Bridget takes the opportunity jump up.
“Leaving so soon?”
Bridget sighs. “Yes because the Estee Lauder counter calls. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job, but I’ll see you two later, okay?”
She winks as she heads for the elevator that opens directly onto Zane’s penthouse and then disappears with one last wave. Meanwhile, my boyfriend takes a seat next to me on the couch, nuzzling my curls as one big hand rests on my distended tummy. “I love you so much, Jemima.”
I smile up at him. “I know. And I love you, too.”
But then, Zane slips to the floor, on bended knee. My breath catches because is this really happening? Sure enough, he reaches behind his back and pulls out a black velvet box.