My Maddie (Hades Hangmen #8) - Tillie Cole Page 0,104

into Charon’s ear. I fought a lump in my throat.

“Styx talks to Charon,” I said to Bella. Our sisters were gathered around Phebe. She was so happy. She deserved so much to be happy. I found Styx again. He was drinking a beer, guiding Charon outside onto the porch. And all the time he spoke to Charon. Styx, the Hangmen Mute, spoke with ease to his son.

“Most men change when they become fathers,” Bella said. I sat down on my chair. She sat beside me. “I have assisted many births with Ruth.” Bella’s eyes lost focus as she thought. “When they see their child, something changes within them. Like an age-old instinct to love and protect this small baby switches on inside them.” She smiled. “It is truly a beautiful and powerful thing to see.” I glanced down at my hands. I was fiddling with my fingers. Bella must have seen this. “Flame is doing better?”

My husband’s face popped into my mind. He was doing better. Better than months ago. But there were times I saw him stumble. A few days here and there, a week of difficulty… there were days when he believed the flames were too much for him to handle. There were nights he sat beside the bed watching my stomach in case something was to go wrong with the baby. Nights when his poppa’s voice convinced Flame that he was evil. Nights when Flame dreamed that Isaiah came to him and blamed him for his death. Those were the worst occurrences. When he broke, Flame dropped to his knees and told me he feared he would kill our child.

“I spoke to Rider,” I revealed. “He told me that Flame may never be free from his past traumas. That he may relapse at any time. But that, if he did, he would rise again, as he had done so many times before.” I turned to Bella. I took hold of her hand. “I want him to love our baby,” I whispered. It was my greatest fear. One I had not dared to speak aloud, yet I thought so many times. “I want Flame to see our baby and know he is their father.” Bella rubbed my back. “What if he does not, Bella? What will we do then?”

“He will,” Bella assured me. “It may take him time to adjust. It may not be instantaneous. But he will love them as much as he does you. Maddie, the way he loves you…” she trailed off. “Have faith, sister. He will find his way.”

In nodded. I yawned, already tired. My back had ached for a day, twinges had rippled across my stomach. I was uncomfortable and ready to meet my baby. “Can you help me stand?” I asked Bella. She took my hand and pulled me to my feet. I stretched my back and moved to walk to Phebe and the celebration, when a sharp pain cut through my stomach. I bent over, wincing at the shock of pain.

“Maddie?’ Bella called, concerned. I looked to my sister, suddenly feeling wet liquid rush down the inside of my thighs. My heart began to race. “Your waters have broken,” Bella said. Mae and Lilah came rushing over. Sudden nerves accosted me.

“Maddie,” Mae said, and helped me toward the door. “We need to get you home.” Lilah took my other hand as Bella moved aside.

“I am calling Ruth,” Bella said, taking her cell from her pocket. Mae and Lilah brought me to the porch.

“Breathe,” Mae said, brushing my long hair back from my face. “You can do this, sister.” She kissed my cheek. I met her light blue eyes. Eye coloring she shared with Bella, and now Charon. “You will meet your daughter or son soon.” As she spoke those words my heart blossomed and chased away any fear that resided in my bones.

“My daughter or son,” I whispered, as I closed my eyes. My daughter or son… I was going to be a mother.

The sound of a truck roared in the distance. It pulled to a stop in front of Mae’s home. Asher jumped out of the truck. “Maddie!” he cried and came to the porch. “Are you okay?” His dark eyes looked down at my stomach.

“The baby is coming,” I said. I smiled but another sharp pain pressed on my lower back as I did. I held my breath and squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for the pain to pass.

“Shit, Maddie!” Ash said nervously, and raked his hands through his