Chapter 455

Olivia

I traced random patterns across my rounded belly as I waited in the clinic room, hoping to soothe my restless heart as it pounded in my chest. I knew I shouldn’t be so anxious for a routine prenatal checkup, but I couldn’t help it.

“Nathan should be here,” I muttered to myself as I stared absentmindedly at a poster depicting a womb and ovaries, with little labels on each part.

I let out a soft sigh as my words were met with no response, because I was, of course, alone—aside from my wolf, who merely rumbled in agreement in the back of my mind.

Today, Nathan was at his first Alpha association meeting. I had been a little sad when I found out that he wouldn’t be here to hear our baby’s heartbeat for the first time, but it wasn’t as if we had much of a choice. The doctor was fully booked this time of year, and there was absolutely no passing up his first meeting.

Plus, after all of the hard work we had all put into getting him on that association to begin with, there was no way in hell I would let him skip out on his first meeting just to attend one appointment with me.

There would be plenty more, after all.

As I sat there, it was becoming more and more clear that our child was already exhibiting the Ford penchant for impatience. Just under twenty weeks along, and I was already feeling the little thing writhing around in my belly.

A wistful smile pulled at my lips as I imagined Nathan’s reaction to the constant fluttering. He was utterly fascinated by pregnancy, always eager to bond through reading to my stomach or playing lullabies right up against my skin.

My wandering mind was suddenly interrupted by a soft rap at the door before the doctor entered, clutching her clipboard to her chest.

“Hellooo,” the doctor called out in a sing-song voice. “How are we feeling today, Olivia?”

I smiled. “Feeling good. This pregnancy has been a dream so far.”

The doctor chuckled. “Don’t jinx it,” she said. “No morning sickness, huh?”

“Very little,” I said with a grin. “Nathan and I just went on our honeymoon, and I felt great the whole time.”

“Ah,” the doctor said with a grin of her own. “I remember you mentioning you were going somewhere tropical. You know, saltwater has wonderful effects on pregnancy…”

For a few minutes, we exchanged pleasantries as she asked about the honeymoon. Then, after briefly checking my vitals, she gestured for me to lay back on the table, exposing my rounded belly for the ultrasound.

I sucked in an instinctive breath at the cool gel on my skin, but soon relaxed underneath the rhythmic swoosh swirling across my belly. We both watched the screen intently until a little half-formed body flickered into view.

“There’s baby number three!” the doctor proclaimed warmly. “And quite the little dancer, it seems. I’d say it’s very healthy based on that wiggly silhouette and steady heart rate.”

Immense relief rushed through me as I studied the strong profile of the newest little member of our family. Any worries lingering from the pregnancy hex scare evaporated almost instantly. This child was safe, happy… and incredibly active, just like their siblings before they were born.

After cleaning the gel residue from my skin, the doctor settled into the chair beside me with a celebratory smile.

“I want you to focus on self care and staying stress-free as much as possible, Olivia,” she said. “I know you feel great, but take care not to overextend yourself. Lean on your support network when needed.”

I nodded resolutely. “Of course. My friend Angela is a huge help with the twins. And Nathan makes my health his priority even amongst everything else on his plate currently…”

My voice trailed off, then, as I began thinking about the critical meeting—the first of many—that he was sitting through at that very moment. As exciting as this glimpse at our baby was, part of me felt strangely hollow experiencing it solo.

Sensing my shift in mood, the doctor gave my hand an encouraging squeeze.

“Try not to dwell on what can’t be changed,” she said softly. “You have a strong, devoted partner—the next visit will be even more special with him attending. After all, you’ll be learning your baby’s gender.”

I smiled. “I can’t wait.”

…

By the time I reunited with Clint out front, where he was rocking Aurora and Elliot in their stroller, my optimism had returned.

Nathan would be ecstatic once I shared the sonogram footage proving our little one was safely thriving despite everything. For now, that was enough to give me a boost of energy.

Aurora and Elliot gleefully babbled in their stroller as I pushed them forwards along the park path. Soon, they would be walking; they had already become masters at pulling themselves up to standing positions, using a table or a chair as leverage.

“Is it bad that I already miss the days when their eyes were barely open?” I mused as Clint and I walked together.

Clint, who was surprisingly keeping pace beside me despite leaning on his cane, shot me an amused look. “Don’t worry,” he said with a chuckle. “You’ll get to experience that with another one soon.”

I smirked. “I plan on having more someday, you know.”

“Good gods, woman,” Clint teased. “Is three not enough?”

“Never.”

We fell into a companionable silence as we kept walking. Lately, Clint had a newfound pep in his step. Whereas the cold would have normally made his aching joints even stiffer, lately he had barely even been creaking as he moved.

“Clint, I must say, you seem happier than usual lately,” I said.

Clint smiled, blushing a little. “Ah, well… Just realizing how much brighter the world seems lately, even heading into winter’s bleakest months.”

I smirked. “Mhm, sure,” I teased. “Or maybe it’s a certain someone’s presence making your outlook a little sunnier than usual?”

His cheeks tinged an uncharacteristic pink at my words. “Why, I never… I can’t imagine who you mean, Liv.”

I bumped my shoulder against his playfully. “Oh, come on! I see the way you look at Dianna whenever she’s around. Why don’t you just ask her out to dinner sometime.”

Clint rubbed his neck, flustered. “I, uh…” His voice trailed off then, and I could see a look of sadness washing over his eyes.

His wife had died decades ago, before I had even been born, but I didn’t blame him for still being wary about the concept of moving on. If Nathan died, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be able to love again.

“Only if you want to, you know,” I said gently, linking my arm with his. “And if you feel… ready. But I see how you two are together. And I think she might feel the same way.”

Clint nodded. “Aye,” he said softly. “Perhaps it’s time.”

…

Butterflies swirled anxiously in my stomach as the last shadows of sunset stretched across the driveway, with still no sign of Nathan’s return. He should have been home hours ago, and yet I was still alone here.

At first, I figured that he had gotten caught up with his meeting—he had, after all, made sure to tell me not to expect him home in time for dinner, just in case—but by now it was getting too late for comfort.

Just as I was beginning to consider calling him to at least check in, white headlights suddenly veered into the driveway. I let out a soft breath of relief. He was home.

Except, it wasn’t Nathan’s usual car that was pulling into the driveway, but rather a sleek dark sports car that I didn’t recognize. With my brow furrowed, I peered through the front window, trying to get a better look.

The unfamiliar car idled by the front steps for a long minute before Nathan eventually emerged on unsteady legs and made his way up the steps, waving at the driver. I quirked an eyebrow upon seeing his normally sturdy athletic frame weaving slightly as his gaze seemed to be a bit unfocused.

When he stepped inside a moment later, his unsteadiness was evident. I watched from the kitchen archway as he carelessly plopped his keys into the bowl, wobbling a bit as he kicked his shoes.

“Have a good time?” I suddenly found myself asking. Nathan blinked owlishly at me in the dim light, clearly not expecting me to be there, before breaking into a dimpled grin that instantly eased my worry.

“Oooolivia!” he cooed, drawing out my name in an almost sing-song way. “I didn’t expect to see you there…” His words came out rather slurred.

I raised an eyebrow at him, taking in his almost disheveled appearance.

“Nathan, are you drunk?”