Chapter 471

Olivia

The smell of freshly brewed coffee stirred me awake. With my eyes still bleary, I fumbled for my clock on the nightstand.

Only 6:03 am. Who on earth would be up before the sunrise besides farmers and the two newborns in this house—who were, judging from a quick glance at the baby monitor, still fast asleep in their cribs?

But then, the events of yesterday rushed back. Nathan’s emergency business trip. He had to leave this morning, and wouldn’t be back until Friday. It was non-negotiable, unfortunately.

Groaning, I dragged myself out from under the tangled covers, hastily pulling on my robe to ward off the early morning chill. I couldn’t wait until summer.

I crept down the stairs as quietly as my steps allowed, hoping not to wake up the twins. But soft clinking echoed from the kitchen, confirming this morning’s unwelcome reality.

My chest tightened when I walked into the kitchen and saw that Nathan was already dressed in a tidy sweater and slacks, his hair neatly combed to the side as he poured dark roast coffee into a large travel thermos.

Ever the responsible dedicated Alpha, no matter how undesirable the task at hand was. I loved him and I hated him right now.

Leaning against the doorframe with my arms crossed over my chest, I cleared my throat. “Please don’t tell me it's actually time for that awful business trip already.:”

Nathan jumped and whirled around, his surprise shifting instantly to affection upon seeing my frazzled state: maternity pajamas that were just a bit too big from my last pregnancy, and a snarled braid over my shoulder.

“Morning, Liv.” He abandoned preparing his coffee for the road to cross the room and pull me into his warm arms. “You didn’t need to get up. I wanted to let you get some extra sleep after last night.”

I huffed wryly against his shirt. Last night had been a bit of a nightmare; the twins had been fussier than normal, and my back and hips had been killing me.

“Don’t tell me you thought you could sneak out without waking me, at least.” I leaned back a bit and studied his tired face suspiciously as we stood together. “Are you absolutely certain this is necessary? Can’t you attend virtually via video conference or something?”

My last desperate appeal only made Nathan’s frown deepen even more. Clearly this trip wasn’t exciting him, either. He ran both hands down my back, his touch comforting but also bittersweet.

“Believe me, I tried suggesting as much already,” he assured me for the millionth time since yesterday. “But Dan insisted that I tag along. Said it’s an ‘important experience’. Trust me, staying here ranks infinitely higher on my priority list this week too. But I’ve got no choice.”

I let out a soft sigh. “I know, I’m sorry,” I mumbled into his collar.

I paused, licking my lips. “I just hate feeling so powerless lately. First the awkward party ambush, now this…” Anxious tears pricked at the backs of my eyes suddenly, despite my frustration.

Being apart never sat well after everything we had been through. I knew it was only a few days, but it felt like forever.

“Hey. Look at me.” Nathan gently grasped my shoulders, his blue-green eyes meeting mine with a softness to them that made my knees weak. “It’s just a few days, Liv. I’ll be home before you know it. And besides, you might actually enjoy the alone time.”

I rolled my eyes and let out a laugh. “Yeah, right. I’ll be busy with the twins the whole time.”

Nathan chuckled. “Ask Clint if he’ll babysit on one of the days,” he said softly. “Take yourself out. You and Angela have been talking about a spa day, remember? Get your nails done for Valentine’s day…”

It was true; Angela and I had been craving a day together. Maybe it wasn’t a bad idea, but it didn’t entirely ease my worry.

Together, we made our way onto the front steps just as the cold light of dawn began to peek over the distant mountains. I clung fiercely to Nathan’s solid frame, still unwilling to release him fully.

As we stood next to the car, I yanked his jacket collar down roughly, growling a bit in mock intimidation under my breath. “You will be home in time for the gala Friday night, right?” I hissed. “Or I might just kill you, council seat be damned.”

Nathan threw his handsome head back with a burst of laughter at my theatrics. But his expression gave away nothing but sincerity when he gazed down at me again.

“I’ll be there, Liv. I pinky promise.” He raised one pinky finger solemnly.

“If you break the promise, I break your pinky,” I whispered. “Those are the rules.”

Nathan nodded. “Deal. Who needs pinkies, anyway?”

With a laugh, I twisted my little finger around his. The most unbreakable vow. With that, he gave me one last lingering, steamy kiss in the cold morning air before he slid into the car.

After that, I waved my goodbyes and jogged back to the house, shivering both from the cold and the sudden emptiness in my chest.

…

I lounged comfortably beneath a blanket on the couch, a novel in my hand and a plate of snacks on the coffee table next to me. The twins were playing happily in their playpen, and a fire was crackling in the fireplace.

Maybe this whole ‘alone time’ thing wasn’t so bad. It had only been maybe six hours since Nathan had left, but it had been peaceful. The twins were acting like perfect little angels, and…

Suddenly, a cacophony of unexpected noise broke my peace. I dropped my book in surprise, jolting up to a sitting position. My eyes widened when I saw… her.

Aurora. Standing all on her own. No, not just standing, but walking.

“Oh my god.” I jumped to my feet, my mouth agape. Elliot looked at his sister in awe as she kept toddling forward, giggles escaping her tiny lips as her arms were outstretched to the sides.

“Nathan!” I cried out. “Nathan, you have to—”

But then it hit me; he wasn’t here. He was gone, hours away, off on some business trip. He should have been here to see it. But now wasn’t the time to dwell on it, because I had to catch this on camera before it was over.

Quickly, I lunged forward and grabbed my phone off of the coffee table, nearly knocking my tea over in the process. I quickly opened the camera and hit record, managing to film Aurora taking her first steps just in time.

“Look at you go, Aurora!” I cooed, crouching down. “Come to mama! Come on!”

Still giggling, Aurora redirected her staggering steps toward me. She reached her little hands out as she kept toddling forward, finally landing in my arms with a gasp and a shriek of excitement.

Shutting off my phone, I scooped Aurora up in my arms and whirled her around before pressing her close to my chest. “Oh, my little girl,” I purred. “You did it! You took your first steps all on your own!”

If only daddy were here to see it…