Catherine's mind was spinning. She couldn't believe she had been pregnant for that long and had no clue. It was a frightening thought, but luckily, she wasn't much of a drinker or anything like that, so she hadn't touched any alcohol, but still, it was a frightening thought. It was what she wanted, given the other option was being pregnant with Jasper's baby, but she was still in a state of shock. Her hand found her stomach, holding there as she tried to come to terms with the fact that there was a baby in her stomach and it was made with the person she loved.

It made sense, she decided. Her mum was almost full-term before she started showing. They had small babies in her family, but still, little Phoenix Jr.—the paparazzi were going to have a field day with this.

After a quick shower and putting on a fresh—and comfortable—change of clothes, Catherine returned with her bags to the medical quarters, only to find that Phoenix was awake and talking with Jasper. Her heart sank.

But they were laughing.

Bonding…

They even shook hands—Catherine realized then that the transport helicopter had arrived, and they were going their separate ways.

Today was definitely a weird day.

Sheepishly, Catherine approached Jasper and Phoenix. There were probably a million other ways to do this, but she didn't want to ask some doctor she didn't trust, so feeling like her tail was between her legs, she asked Jasper her biggest worry and concern right now. Mostly because she was a little dizzy. "Um." She eyed the paramedics who were still getting ready in the distance. "So, um, I don't know how to say this exactly, but just how bad or dangerous is it to give blood when you're pregnant?" she asked her ex.

"It's not advised, but why—wait, are you…?" Jasper looked pale as a ghost.

So did Phoenix.

"Relax," Catherine said, a small smile playing on her lips despite her nervousness. "It's not yours, Jasper. It's Phoenix's."

Phoenix still looked mortified. "Fucking hell, are you sure? How many guys were there???" he asked her.

Catherine forgave his accusing tone considering he had just been shot and was doped up on painkillers, but she also couldn't keep this from him. So despite it being terrible timing, she replied, "No one. Just you. I'm over 22 weeks pregnant, Phoenix. We're having a little girl."

"What? You're kidding?"

Since he didn't believe her, Catherine rolled her eyes and pulled out the ultrasound image the technician had given her. "Look," she said softly, pointing to the clear shape of a baby. "That's our daughter."

She expected him to freak out or perhaps turn paler than a ghost, but instead, he teared up. "Seriously?" He looked at her. "You're pregnant? And it's mine? How?”

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

Catherine nodded. “I think the spell kept me from knowing, I mean I felt strange sometimes and I don’t know when my last period was, but I did not even wonder about it”

"Wow, I… I can't believe it," he croaked. "I'm going to be a dad. I'm going to be a dad. This is the happiest day of my life—I didn't even know this was possible. I didn't know I could be a dad."

Catherine felt tears welling up in her eyes. "I know it's a shock, but... are you happy about this, Phoenix?"

Phoenix reached out, taking her hand in his. "Happy? Catherine, I'm... I'm overjoyed. I thought... When you first said you were pregnant, I was willing to raise another man's child because I love you so much. But this? Our child? It's more than I ever dared to hope for."

Catherine squeezed his hand, her heart swelling with love. "I was so scared to tell you. I didn't know how you'd react."

Phoenix pulled her closer, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "We're in this together, Catherine. You, me, and our little girl."

"How much drugs did they give you?" Catherine joked, but Jasper signaled 'a lot,' which made her smile, and then the rescue team got Phoenix onto the stretcher and moved him into the helicopter. The rescue team wasn't going to let her join since she wasn't his wife or relative—and apparently knocked-up girlfriend didn't count, but then Jasper saved the day by explaining she gave blood and was in desperate need of medical attention too.

They moved onto the helicopter, and Catherine felt light-headed as they moved into the air. They didn't recommend pregnant women flying, but she guessed this was a special circumstance. She sat next to Phoenix, feeling like her world was spinning as she held his hand. The trip was quiet. Tranquil. And before they knew it, they had arrived at the hospital.

Phoenix and Catherine got separated for a while.

She was taken for more scans and stuff relating to the baby, who was apparently perfectly healthy. She even got to see her daughter for a second time on the ultrasound. The technician confirmed that it was indeed a girl, and Catherine couldn't wait to share this moment with Phoenix when he was more lucid.

When they were finally alone, Catherine addressed the elephant in the room. Her hand found his, squeezing lightly as she glanced around at all the machines. "So, uh. Do we need to worry?" she wondered, "about Demi? Do you think she'll come back? Or try and hurt us again?"

"I don't know," Phoenix replied honestly. "But I'm pretty sure murdering people isn't a part of her job description, so if I take it up with headquarters, I could probably get her fired, or at the very least demoted." There was a pause as he stared out into space, although nothing was said for a moment, a lot of emotion displayed through his dark eyes. "I can't believe everything that happened. Demi has been my best friend—my only friend, for over a decade, and she literally left me for dead."

"She's a demon," Catherine replied, giving his hand a small squeeze. "I think she's been hardwired that way, Phoenix. And she didn't intend on hurting you. I'm sure she regretted it afterward. And hey, at least we know now why I wasn't affected by the curse—why I'm immune."

Phoenix smiled. "Because we're soulmates," he said. "But I knew that already."

So did she.

As they lay there, hands intertwined, Catherine felt a flutter in her stomach. Their daughter, making her presence known. She guided Phoenix's hand to the spot, watching his face light up as he felt the movement.

"Our little girl," he whispered, awe in his voice. "Our little miracle."

Catherine nodded, tears of joy slipping down her cheeks. Against all odds, they were together, and now they had this precious life to protect and nurture. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them as a family.