Author's Note-So this is a little bittersweet. This is the last part of this story. I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. I do have a one-shot I've written that follows this that I'll post in a week or so. I'm still working on my next story. It should end up quite a bit longer than this one so it will take me some time to finish. Thank you to all who have followed, favorited or left a review of this story. It has meant so much to me.

Eva's Wish

Epilogue

Dante drove the car down the street, passing the brightly colored buildings. He'd been pleasantly surprised when he and Lady went to purchase it. He'd figured with the kid she was going to suggest an SUV or perish the thought, a minivan. At the dealership, she'd started toward a minivan and he felt his heart stop. Turns out she was walking past it to this beauty. Yeah it might have 4-doors but the V8 Hemi engine under the hood was anything but pedestrian. She'd given him a sly smile when he walked up. "We still need something quick for demon hunting. Besides, have you seen the trunk on this thing? Big enough for weapons and the kid stuff," she'd said. He'd decided right then and there he loved her more than anything. The only argument was what color. He'd acquiesced and instead of the cherry red they walked away with a gunmetal gray one. He looked around as he drove. "Man you were not kidding, this place is tiny. Would've never looked for you in someplace like this," he said.

Lady smiled, looking out the passenger window. "Well you weren't looking now were you? Yeah, this place is small but everyone here was surprisingly kind. You'll want to pull in over there," she said pointing to a building ahead on their right.

Dante smoothly parked the car and got out, stretching his muscles. He opened the rear door and gently shook Lilith's leg. "C'mon pumpkin, time to wake up, we're here."

Lilith blinked and looked at him with sleepy eyes. "We're here?" she asked.

"Yes, sweetie," Lady said. "Remember to grab her jacket."

Dante nodded and unbuckled the car seat. Grabbing her black jean jacket, he pulled her out of the car seat and set Lilith down. He helped her put the jacket on over her long sleeved red t-shirt adorned with tiny pink hearts and closed the door.

Lilith looked around. "Mommy, why are we here?" she asked.

Lady gave her a warm smile as she and Dante joined her on the sidewalk. "Daddy wanted to see the town where you were born," she said.

Lilith started to become more alert. "I was born here?" she asked.

Lady nodded. Dante smiled at her. "Lead the way," he said.

Lady smiled and pointed to the building they were parked next to. "We should start here," she said. Dante quirked an eyebrow. Lady walked to the door and opened it. Dante reached around and grabbed the handle, letting her walk in first.

Lady stepped inside the familiar space. Her eyes took a quick moment to adjust to the dim light. The worn oak bar was still polished to a bright shine. The stools were all empty. The only occupant had their back to them. "We're not open yet," he rasped.

Lady broke out in a grin. "Looks like my timing's impressive as always," she said.

The man behind the bar stood up straight and turned. "Frannie?" he asked.

"Hiya Blue," Lady said.

Blue broke out in a huge grin. Rushing from behind the bar he caught Lady in a giant bear hug. "Missed you somethin fierce," he said. "Let me look at you," he said, holding her at arm's length. "You look good, dear. Need a job?"

Lady laughed. "I'm pretty busy these days," she said, nodding toward the door. Dante and Lilith stood watching the old friends reconnect.

Blue's eyes fell on Lilith. He looked back to Lady. "Is that the little one?" he asked.

Lady nodded. "Lilith come here and meet my friend Blue," she said, holding out her hand.

Lilith looked at Dante for a moment. He let go of her hand and gave her a gentle push toward Lady. "It's okay, you don't need to be shy," he said.

Lilith walked over and took Lady's hand and looked up at Blue. "Hello," she said.

Blue crouched down. "Well hello little lady, I'm Blue," he said, extending a hand. Lilith gave him a shy smile and shook his hand. "Would you like a fizzy cherry flavored drink?" he asked. Lilith broke into a big smile. She looked up at Lady who nodded.

Lilith looked back at Blue. "Yes, please," she said.

Blue stood and looked at Dante. Dante met his gaze and stepped forward, extending a hand. "I'm Dante," he said.

Blue took his hand and gave a firm shake-almost too firm. "C'mon over and I'll pour you somethin," Blue said.

Dante grinned. "I'm not one to turn down an offer like that," he said.

Blue went back behind the bar. Lady sat down on one of the stools. Dante lifted Lilith up onto the stool next to her and he sat with Lilith between them. Blue pulled some bottles down and starting mixing things up. "So Frannie, how you been?" he asked.

"Good," Lady said. "I've returned to my previous line of work. Been real busy, especially now that Lilith is back with Dante and I."

Blue shot Dante a look. Finishing mixing the beverage, Blue pushed the red, bubbly concoction in front of Lilith. Her face lit up. "Thank you," she said.

"You're welcome," Blue said, smiling at her. Turning his attention to Dante, Blue asked what he wanted.

"Shot of Jack Daniels, please," Dante said.

Blue nodded and grabbed the bottle. "So Dante is it, how long have you known Frannie here?" Blue asked as he poured the drink.

Dante gave a slow smile. "I've known her for over 20 years, since she was 16," he said. "Waited a long time to catch her eye. I owe you a debt for keeping her safe for me."

Lady raised an eyebrow. "Keep me safe?" she asked.

"Even you'll admit you weren't tip top while you were here. And I owe a debt to anyone who kept you and her," Dante said, rubbing Lilith's back, "safe while we were apart."

Blue nodded. "Frannie, he's right. You didn't talk much about it while you were here, but I could tell from the first time we met you had a lot going on in that head of yours. You know that I never asked and it wasn't any of my business, but I could tell you were wrestling with something big. When you told me about the little one, it all made sense," he said.

Lady sighed. "Yeah, I could've handled that better," she said.

Blue pushed the drink in front of Dante and he picked it up and saluted Blue with it. "We both could've handled things better," he said. "It doesn't matter now, we figured it out and got the most important thing back where she belongs," he said, reaching over and tickling Lilith's chin.

Lilith giggled. "You're silly, daddy," she said.

Blue nodded at Dante, a satisfied look on his face. "Frannie, what can I pour you?" he asked.

"Just water for me," she said. "Someone should be good for transporting our precious cargo."

Dante raised an eyebrow. Lady gave him a smile and batted her eyelashes at him. He shrugged.

"Mommy, why does Mr. Blue call you Frannie?" Lilith asked.

Lady shifted in her seat. "So Francesca isn't your given name?" Blue asked.

"No," she admitted. "It's Lady. I was trying hard to make sure that Dante didn't find me while we were apart."

Blue shook his head. "Always felt like somethin was off. You never told him about the little one, did you?"

Lady lowered her eyes. "You must think less of me," she said.

Before Blue could say anything, Dante reached over and gave Lady's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Past is past," he said. "Can't say what would've been. All we can do is go forward. Doesn't change anything. It worked out," he said, smiling at Lady.

Blue smiled and nodded, appreciating the clear love that Dante held for his friend. "He's right you know," Blue said. "Can't change it, best to move forward. Should I call you Lady?" he asked.

Lady smiled. "You can call me whatever you'd like, Blue," she said. "It's just good to see you."

Blue grinned. "Can I grab you another?" he asked, noticing Dante's drink was gone.

Dante grinned. "I would love it," he said. Blue grabbed him another drink and proceeded to finish his opening duties while talking with the two of them. He was surprised to find out they were both demon hunters, but if he thought about it, it made sense why Frannie, er Lady, was so good at handling the ruffians that occasionally strode into the bar.

Time flew as they chatted. The bar opened and a few patrons wandered in. Lady greeted some of the familiar faces warmly. Dante sat back and watched the way the hard folks of this town softened in her presence. He felt a swelling of gratitude that the folks of this town looked out for her during a time when he couldn't.

After a while Lady checked her watch. With Lilith in their lives, she'd taken to wearing one-trying to be a somewhat responsible parent. "I've got to go," she said. Dante nodded. They'd discussed beforehand that there was someone in town she wanted to visit on her own first. Dante had been curious and had to stifle his immediate response to protest. He'd had to remind himself that she had an independent streak and he needed to respect that.

"No problem. I saw the pier at the end of the street. Maybe I'll take Lilith down there and check it out," Dante said.

"Sounds good," Lady said. "You have fun with daddy," she said, kissing Lilith's temple. "I shouldn't be too long." Lilith smiled at her.

Lady gave Blue a hug goodbye and left the bar, taking a moment for her eyes to adjust to the bright sunshine outside. Walking up the familiar street she stopped in front of a green door. Opening the door she stepped into the familiar building.

The older woman behind the desk broke into a big grin. "Frannie," she greeted.

"Hello Shirley," Lady said, smiling back.

"I was so surprised when you called," Shirley said. "It's great to see you. Let me get him for you." Shirley turned over her shoulder and yelled, "Frank!"

A door down the hall opened. "Yes dear?" he asked, poking his head out.

"Frannie's here," Shirley said.

Lady chuckled. Not much had changed with these two.

Dr. Baum shuffled up to the front. "Frannie," he said, giving her a hug. "It's good to see you."

"You too," Lady said.

"I was surprised when Shirley said you'd called. Let's step in my office," he said.

Lady followed Dr. Baum down the hall to his office. He motioned for her to take a seat in the cushioned chair while he sat in his office chair. "So how can I help?" he asked.

Lady shifted in the chair, a little nervous. "You'd think this would be easier," she said.

Dr. Baum gave her a warm smile and patted her knee. "Don't worry," he said, "I'm here to help and as you know anything you tell me stays here."

Lady gave him a smile. Taking a deep breath she looked at him. "Need you to confirm a hunch I've got," she said.

Dr. Baum stood and smiled. "This way," he said, leaving the office. Lady rose and followed him to an exam room.

Forty minutes later, she stepped out in the lobby, Dr. Baum following her. Shirley gave her a warm smile. "It's been so good to see you dear," she said.

"You too," Lady said. "Thank you both for everything."

Shirley came around the desk and gave her a hug. "We're always here," she said. Dr. Baum opened the door for Lady and she stepped outside. They followed her.

"Mommy!" she heard and turned to see Lilith running toward her. Dante was walking behind Lilith, a slight smile on his face. Lilith careened into Lady's thigh, wrapping her arms around it. "I got to see a man catch a fish on the pier but then this bird came and stole it," Lilith exclaimed.

Lady smiled at Lilith. "Really?" she asked. Lilith nodded enthusiastically.

"Lilith?" Dr. Baum asked.

The little girl turned and looked at him as Dante walked up to them. "Do I know you?" she asked.

Dr. Baum gave her a smile. "Not that you would remember," he said. "I helped your mama while she was giving birth to you."

Dante put an arm around Lady. "I'm impressed you remembered her name," Lady said.

"I always remember the names of the special ones," Dr. Baum said.

"Special ones?" Lilith asked.

Dr. Baum nodded. "Special children like you with your pretty hair," he said. "I'd only seen it one time before, a little boy," he said. "Must've been what, twenty-four or twenty five-years ago now, I think. Nero was his name."

Dante's eyes widened. Lilith cocked her head to the side. "Do you mean my cousin Nero?" she asked.

Dr. Baum blinked. "Your cousin?" he asked.

Dante nodded. "My brother's son," he said. "He's about twenty-four, same silver hair. Family trait, I suppose."

Dr. Baum looked at Dante. "You're Lilith's father then?"

Lady nodded. "Yes, Dr. Baum, this is Dante and he's Lilith's father."

Dante extended his hand and shook Dr. Baum's hand. "It's nice to meet you," he said. "I'm grateful you took good care of my girls."

"It was my pleasure," Dr. Baum said.

Lady shook her head. "I can't believe it, Nero was born here too. What are the odds? He has so many questions. Dr. Baum, would it be okay for us to tell him about you? His father hasn't been able to tell him much. I don't believe he was aware that Nero's mother was pregnant," she said.

Dante snorted. "Verge has been able to tell him almost nothing. I think the poor kid ended up with more questions than answers after that talk," he said.

Dr. Baum considered for a moment and shared a look with Shirley. She nodded. "It's the right thing to do Frank," she said.

Dr. Baum sighed. "I'd be willing to speak with him, but I'm not sure what I would have to tell him will bring him much peace," he said.

Lady frowned. "Is it that bad?" she asked.

Dr. Baum had a faraway look in his eyes. "Nero's mother came from a high class family in Fortuna. They brought her here and set her up in a house on the outskirts of town. I was in training at the time with the town's physician. We'd go out to check on her, monitor her progress with the pregnancy. She was always alone and I got the impression she was very, very sad. Toward the latter part of her pregnancy, they hired a caretaker for her," he said, looking at Shirley. "I'm glad they did."

Shirley smiled back and looked at Dante and Lady. "I'd accepted the position but it came with very strict instructions that I wasn't to speak of what I saw or what I heard. I could tell she was heartbroken, but she never spoke of the child's father and didn't seem to have much joy at the impending arrival. She often cried herself to sleep. When she went into labor, I called Dr. Sellers and he came with Frank. Nero's birth," she said, pausing, "was a hard one."

Lady felt her emotions swirling. She could only imagine what Nero's mother had gone through. Shirley continued. "She was very weak after the birth. She'd given us his name and held him for a bit. She then told me she was tired and asked me to take him. I took Nero and laid him down, when I turned back," Shirley's eyes teared up and Dr. Baum put an arm around her. "She was gone."

Lady felt tears prickling at her eyes. Lilith looked confused. "She was gone like she left?" she asked.

Dante gave her a soft smile. "Lilith, it's like we talked about with the parents of the kids who stay with Nero and Kyrie. She passed on," he said, rubbing her back.

"Oh," Lilith said, her eyes watering. "That's so sad, daddy."

Shirley gave her a soft smile. "It was sad," she said. "We laid her to rest in a meadow above the town. Her family didn't provide me a way to contact them. I was prepared to stay here and care for young Nero. By that time, Frank and I were courting."

Dr. Baum nodded. "He was a good baby. He was with us for almost a month before his grandfather arrived. He insisted on taking the boy. We had no right to refuse him, as uncomfortable as we were. He took Nero and we never saw him again," he said, sadness echoing in his words.

"Well, we'd love to let him know about you folks," Dante said. "He's had a lot of questions and my brother isn't exactly a well of answers."

"Feel free to give him our contact information," Dr. Baum said.

Lady smiled. "You'll be pleased to know he's turned out to be one great kid. He and his girlfriend are caring for orphans from Fortuna after the tragedy there. He does a lot to help folks," she said.

"Sounds like an admirable young man," Dr. Baum said. "We'd love to reconnect with him."

Lady and Dante made their farewells. Lady showed her family where she used to live and the cove when she's spent so much time. They let Lilith play by the shore for a bit before moving back to the meadow before the beach. Spreading a blanket, they enjoyed the warm sunshine. Dante had moved over and was leaning against a tree, appearing to doze but his eyes followed Lilith's movements like a hawk. Next to him, Lady sat with his arm around her and her head resting on his chest. A small stream wound through the meadow toward the beach. Lilith was running around and occasionally staring at things in the stream.

Lady watched her daughter and lazily ran her hand over Dante's chest. "I should thank you, you know," she said.

"Why's that?" Dante asked.

"You keep your promises," she said.

Dante smiled. "Of course I do. I am awesome after all. So which promise are you referring to?" he asked.

Lady smiled. "Well you did promise me once that if I ever wanted another baby you'd do everything in your power to give me one," she said.

Dante felt his heart skip a beat and his eyes widened. "Are you serious?" he asked.

Lady nodded, biting her bottom lip. "I had a suspicion and Dr. Baum confirmed it," she said.

"Oh wow," Dante said.

"You okay with this?" she asked, starting to worry.

Dante smiled and tightened his arm around her. "More than okay," he said.

Lady raised an eyebrow. "You know this means things like diapers and no sleep, right?"

Dante chuckled. "We kill demons for a living," he said. "We can handle a baby."

Lady smiled at him and gave him a kiss. "Yeah, I suppose we should be able to handle this."

Dante grinned at her, excited and a little scared of what was to come. He looked at Lilith and had a thought. "Hey pumpkin, come here," he called out.

Lilith ran over. "Yes daddy?"

"Pick that plant by your foot, the globe shaped one and come here," Dante said.

Lilith picked the requested plant and came over to Dante's side. He brought his arm up and pulled her in his lap. "In a moment I want you to close your eyes, make a wish and then blow on the plant like you're blowing on a candle," he instructed. "You got that?" Lilith nodded. "Go," he said.

Lilith closed her eyes, waited a moment and blew. "Open your eyes, pumpkin," Dante said. Lilith opened her eyes and watched the dandelion seeds float away on the breeze.

Lady smiled. "What did you wish for?" she asked.

Lilith fidgeted. "You'll think it's dumb," she said.

Lady shook her head. "Never, sweetness," she said. "What was your wish?"

"I wished for a little brother or sister to play with," Lilith said.

Dante laughed and Lady smiled. "Well sweetie, how would you feel if I told you you'll get your wish in about oh, seven months or so?" Lady said.

Lilith's eyes widened and she looked at Lady with a hopeful look. "Really?" she asked.

Dante nodded. "Yup, your mom is having a baby," he said. Lilith launched herself off Dante's lap, whooping and running around in excitement.

Dante pulled Lady in close and watched their daughter. Kissing the top of Lady's head, he looked up at the clouds above and smiled. "Looks like you got your wish mom," he said softly.

The End