Splatters of pinks and purples had just breached the windows, and the rain had all but left us for the bigger island, reduced to droplets. The fading purple splotches on Jared’s forehead, cheek and chin stood out in the early light, and they brought back a flood of memories from the days before.

He and I had already survived the impossible—coming face to face with one of the most frightening beings in Hell and a few hundred of his minions, human and demon alike. Simply celebrating another day would have sufficed. That was the moment realization hit, and Jared’s eyes brightened with amusement as my sleepy expression perked.

“It’s today?” I said softly. I reached up to touch his skin, and the residual marks from his skirmish with Shax.

Jared pushed himself onto his elbows, and then leaned his head closer to my stomach. “Good morning, little Bean.”

“Bean?” I said, one eyebrow shooting up.

“Yes, she’s no bigger than a bean. That’s what the book says, anyway.”

“The book.”

Jared reached to the floor, pulling up a thick book, its cover dripping in hideous pastel colors and childish writing.

“I thought I should be prepared for anything that might come up.” Jared flipped through the pages, and then peered up at me, waiting for approval.

“Is there a chapter on balance-disrupting angel babies?” I said, grinning when Jared’s eyebrows pushed together.

He tossed the book to the floor and then playfully situated himself over me, nuzzling my neck.

“Jared!” I squealed, making a poor attempt to push him away. “Stop!”

“I’ll stop if you say it,” he said, his voice muffled against my skin.

“Say what?” I laughed, wiggling in vain.

Jared lifted his head to look me in the eyes. “Bean,” he said, his eyes a soft blue-gray.

I pressed my lips together, forming a hard line, but when he tickled me again, I caved. “Okay!” I pleaded. “Bean!”

A wide grin spread across his face. “I wish I’d known how well this tactic of persuasion works on you three years ago. Life would have been somewhat easier.”

I swatted at him, knowing he would duck. “Not fair.”

Jared kissed my lips, his warmth soaking into my skin. It didn’t seem as warm as usual, but I attributed it to the tropical heat raising my own temperature.

“You know what’s not fair? I don’t get to see you until this afternoon.” He left me alone on the bed, pulling a white T-shirt over his head.

“What do you mean?” I said, pushing up on my elbows.

“You’d better get dressed, sweetheart. We’re expecting company in five minutes.”

“Company?”