CHAPTER 30: Lucky man...

Randol
In less than a minute, I can hear her steady breathing. I kiss her forehead, and pull her in a little tighter. This is what true happiness feels like. I wish the early stages of our relationship could be different, but as long as I get to be near her, I can handle a little weirdness. I'm just lying there for a long while, holding this woman in my arms, when I hear the door open.
"Mr. Torelli. What are you doing here?"
"Celeste said she was going to come check on you then head to bed. I didn't see her come upstairs, so I got worried that something was wrong."
"No, she's fine. Just exhausted, I think."
"I meant with you, Randol. I thought something had happened to you."
"Oh, sorry. I just assumed you were worried about Celeste."
"Well, I'm always worried about Celeste, but since it appears you'll be in the family soon, I'll have to shift some of my worry to you too." He smiles at me, but it's almost a sad smile.
"Mr. Torelli?"
"Yes?"
"I just want you to know, I really do care about her. I would do anything to protect her. If she'll have me, she will be my whole world."
"I know that, Randol. You're a good man. I trust you with her, more than some others. I also know that if you screw up, it won't be me you have to worry about."
"She's more than I deserve, sir. I really thought I was the underdog in this fight for her heart. No pun intended."
"Why would you be the underdog?"
"Well, she has history with Ajax and his family, not to mention he's a wizard. Ryu has got to be one of the most intelligent, and successful people I know, paranormal or human. Then there's me. I never went to college. I'm just a cook. Sure, I have a few restaurants, but that is hard, backbreaking manual labor. I still have to put blood, sweat, and tears in every single day to keep things running smoothly. The worst part is I live in New York. I would never ask her to move away from you, so in order to be with her I will have to sell them all. It's the only thing I have to offer a mate, but she is worth giving it all up."
"That's why she chose you, Randol."
"Umm, I don't understand."
"Celeste doesn't want money or status. She is a surgeon, for God's sake. She makes enough money to support ten people comfortably. On her own. She doesn't want to be with someone just because it's familiar, either. What she wants is someone with a big heart who will truly love her. More importantly, though, she wants someone she thinks will be a good father. Family is very important to her. She chose you not because of anything other than the fact that she feels she can love you for the rest of her life, and in return you will show her and any future children the same love, if not more. If you didn't have such a kind, genuine heart, we wouldn't even be having this conversation."
"I don't know what to say, Mr. Torelli. Thank you. It means so much to me that you think that way about me. You are right, though. I will do everything in my power to make her happy."
"I know you will. Just make sure I get to walk her down the aisle someday. It would kill me if you eloped."
"Hahah, that, I can promise."
"Get some rest, Randol. I'm sure she's going to wake you up bright and early to examine you."
"I'm sure you're right. I have a very strict doctor." I look at the angelic face lying on my chest, and smile to Mr. Torelli as he exits the room.
I have to hurry up and heal. I need to get out of this house and have some real alone time with her. This is not the ideal situation or the ideal time, but we need to have a talk about what all this means. I need to let her know about being my mate. I also need to let her know I was serious about not wanting her to have to move if she doesn't want to. There are so many things I need to tell her. I feel like my head is going to explode right now thinking about it all. I'm trapped in this room for now, so I might as well enjoy the company while I can.
I pull the blanket up over Celeste and scoot down in the bed slightly. I close my eyes and try to sleep. She is so warm lying next to me. I feel comfort and peace. It's not long before focusing on her calmed my mind enough for me to fall fast asleep, Celeste all the while cradled in my arms.