Page 66 of Xander

“You have so much to look forward to,” Lottie said dryly, and they all chuckled.

“Anyone up for a game of Most Likely?” Corey asked.

“Oh, yes, let’s play!” As Sera reached behind her and grabbed the worn box off the brick hearth, Lex’s phone buzzed.

“Lex Battle,” he answered.

Xander noticed the dark look that passed over his friend’s face. A look he knew too well—grief. Helplessness. Finality.

A few moments later, he disconnected the call and shoved his chair back. “Sorry, but I have to go.”

“Everything okay?” Xander asked.

Lex hesitated, then slid his phone into his back pocket. “My dad.”

He didn’t need to say more. They all knew his father’s health had been rapidly declining, and his dementia had been getting worse.

“If you need anything, let us know,” Jayson told him, and everyone nodded.

“Thanks.” He sighed and looked down at the floor, shaking his head and huffing out a humorless laugh before meeting his friends’ gazes again. “But unless you can rewind time, there’s not much anyone can do. I’ll see you later.”

A solemn silence settled over the group as they watched him walk out.

“I hate seeing him so down,” Julia murmured after the door clicked shut. “Isn’t his birthday coming up? We could throw him a surprise party.”

“That’s a great idea, baby.” Brand poured another round for everyone. “Madden, you’re in charge of the party favors.”

Everyone snickered.

“No strippers,” Jayson warned, and they all laughed.

The mood began to lighten again, and Sera picked the first card from the box.

“We’ll join you in a few.” Xander stood up, pulling Essie with him. “I need some alone-time with my fiancée.”

While they began the silly game of questions, Xander led Essie outside onto the back deck. It was a perfect night with a full moon and a million stars. An unseasonably warm breeze lifted her dark hair, and he couldn’t drag his eyes off her for all the money in the world.

“You’re so beautiful.” He wrapped his arms around her. Pressed his forehead against hers and breathed deeply.My cinnamon-dusted star.How was it possible to love her so much, he ached? “Are you happy?”

“You make me practically giddy,” she teased, and he chuckled.

“It must be all those orgasms.”

“They are a nice bonus.” She slid her hands up his arms, turning serious. “But the real gift is loving each other.”

The backs of his eyes burned. “You make it so easy to love you,mi Estrella.”

“I never would’ve guessed you’re such an emotional man, Xander Hawke.”

“Not until you.” He willed the damn tears to go away. Such a nuisance. “You’re turning me into an ol’ softie.”

“By the time our daughter comes along, you’re going to be nothing but a big marshmallow.”

He arched a brow. “Daughter?”

“Just a feeling.” Her lashes fluttered and she trailed a finger over his bottom lip. “How do you feel about a little girl?”

His heart swelled. Not long ago, he believed the only thing that would make him feel good—whole—was revenge. It had ruled his mind, his heart and his soul. But now he knew differently.

He flicked his tongue against her finger. “I predict she’s going to have me wrapped around her tiny finger. Just like her beautiful mother.”

Pulling her against the length of his body, he kissed her. Kissed her like she was the absolute light of his life. His guiding star. His salvation. His love.

In the end, he’d learned love was the most powerful force. Stronger than revenge. Formidable enough to conquer the most pressing darkness. The light of Essie’s love had shown him that.

Hell, she was more than a mere star.

She was a damn supernova. Bright enough to outshine an entire galaxy.

And she would always be the center of his.