Chapter 169

Olivia

I went home after my coffee date with Angela with a heavy heart.

What if I did kiss Nathan, just to test out Angela’s theory? What would I truly uncover? Would I discover that Nathan was indeed my fated mate, bound to help me regain my wolf’s presence? Or would I discover nothing, and do nothing except for confusing my friend and complicating our already-rocky relationship?

If I kissed Nathan and nothing came of it, I wasn’t sure how I could live with myself. We had already made countless promises to one another that we wouldn’t cross the lines we had created for the sake of our friendship and for my baby’s health, but now I wasn’t so sure. Nathan had held up his end of the deal, but could I?

And regardless of the outcome of the proposed kiss, would he forgive me for only kissing him to test out a theory?

That night, I came home to a fragrant smell emanating from the kitchen.

“Salmon and rice,” Nathan said before I even had a chance to ask what he was cooking. “I know you don’t want me to act like your nutritionist, but…”

I couldn’t help but smile. He looked handsome, standing over the stove with his hair in his eyes and an apron on. For a moment, I pictured him like that every night for the rest of our lives. I had to push those thoughts away, though.

“It’s okay,” I replied, settling onto one of the stools at the counter. “I do appreciate all of this healthy cooking. I feel better already.”

Nathan’s face lit up at my words. It was then that I suddenly pictured him coming closer to me, imagined his lips pressing against mine. My cheeks turned red and I looked away, changing the subject.

…

The glow of the evening sun painted the living room in warm hues as Nathan and I settled on the sofa after dinner, the soft melodies of a distant radio filling the room with a gentle serenade. Nathan’s gaze was fixed on the window, but I kept catching him glancing at the large bulge of my belly, his eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and wonder.

“Go on,” I said, patting my belly. “Wanna feel?”

Nathan’s eyes widened. “R-Really?”

I nodded, smiling. “The baby is kicking.”

With astonishment in his eyes, Nathan gingerly reached out and touched my belly. His eyes began to water and widen even further as he felt the distinct sensation of the baby kicking, creating little drumlike patterns on my stomach.

“So,” he began, his voice tinged with a hesitant excitement, “have you discovered the gender yet? Boy or girl?”

I shook my head, feeling a smile curling my lips as I touched my belly. “I wanted it to be a surprise,” I admitted, looking into his eyes. “I think it adds a little more magic to the whole experience, don't you?”

He grinned, his eyes twinkling. “I can see that. Keeps things interesting, right?”

“Exactly,” I agreed, feeling a warmth spreading through me. Nathan had been more involved than I could have ever imagined, and his genuine interest in the baby was both comforting and endearing.

He looked thoughtful for a moment before asking, “What about the nursery? Have you picked a theme or something?”

My cheeks flushed as I bit my lip, feeling a pang of guilt. “I, uh, actually haven’t done much with the nursery. I got too distracted and didn't get the right supplies yet or even paint the room.”

Nathan's eyebrows shot up, his surprise evident. “Really? Can I see it?”

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded, leading him down the hall to the spare room where the nursery was meant to be. As I opened the door, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of embarrassment.

The room was bare, save for cans of yellow paint lying around, an unassembled crib in the corner, and a few scattered toys. Nothing had been finished, and the room looked forlorn and neglected.

“I know it’s not much,” I stammered, feeling my cheeks burn. “I just didn’t know where to start, and with everything else going on, I never found the time.”

Nathan surveyed the room, his face thoughtful, then turned to me with a determined smile. “Well, it looks like we have our work cut out for us.”

I blinked, taken aback. “We?”

He rolled up his sleeves, his eyes filled with resolve. “Yes, we. I’ll take care of the painting myself, since it’s not healthy for a pregnant woman; but by the end of the week, the two of us can have this room all set for the baby. You’re not in this alone, Olivia.”

I felt my heart swell, my eyes misting over as I looked at him. His words were like a soothing balm, easing the anxiety and guilt I had been carrying around. I hadn’t realized how much I needed to hear that until now.

“Nathan, you don’t have to—” I began, but he shook his head, cutting me off.

“I want to,” he insisted, his voice firm. “This is important to you, so it’s important to me.”

I stared at him, my emotions welling up. He was offering to do something so selfless, something that spoke volumes about his character and the depth of our friendship. I felt myself soften at this, my defenses crumbling as I allowed myself to lean into his support.

“Thank you, Nathan,” I whispered, my voice catching in my throat. “Thank you so much.”

He smiled, reaching out to squeeze my hand. “It’s the least I can do. Now, let’s see what we’ve got here.”

We spent the next hour going through the room, discussing ideas, and planning the nursery’s design. Nathan’s enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself swept up in his vision. We laughed, shared stories, and even had a playful argument over the color of the curtains.

As the evening wore on, I realized that this was more than just a project; it was a bonding experience, a chance for us to grow closer and understand each other better. The connection between us was undeniable, and I couldn’t help but think back to Angela’s words, her suggestion that Nathan and I might be fated mates.

I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the present. The idea still seemed too far-fetched, too improbable to entertain. But as I watched Nathan carefully examining the paint cans, his brow furrowed in concentration, I felt a warmth spreading through me, a warmth that went beyond mere friendship.

Could Angela be right? Could there be something more between Nathan and me, something deeper and more profound?

I shook my head, banishing the thought. Now was not the time for such musings. We had a nursery to create, a future to plan, and a friendship to nurture.

But as I watched Nathan work, his hands skilled and confident, his eyes filled with determination and compassion, I couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of something else, something that hinted at possibilities and promises yet to be explored.

The connection between us was real, and it was growing stronger every day. But what it meant, and where it would lead us, was a mystery only time would reveal.

For now, I was content to let it unfold naturally, trusting in our friendship and the unspoken bond that had brought us together. Whatever the future held, I knew that Nathan would be there, supporting me, caring for me, and helping me navigate the journey ahead.

And that was more than enough for me. For now.