Chapter 409
I turn to him, a small grin forming despite everything. “You did a good job with this one p>
A faint smile touches his lips. “Glad you approve… but I can’t take all the credit p>
Before I can ask what he means, footsteps echo down the hallway.
“Aunt Sierra p>
Nova’s voice fills the space as she runs toward me, her energy as bright as ever, while Nolan follows behind her at a calmer pace, his hands tucked behind his back like a little gentleman.
They reach me at the same time, wrapping their arms around me, and this time I let myself melt into it. I let myself feel the warmth, the comfort, the small sense of normalcy they bring.
“Do you like our new house?” Nova asks excitedly.
“It’s perfect,” I tell her, smiling.
“We all chose it together!” she beams. “Daddy, Nolan and me p>
“Well, you did an amazing job. I love it p>
Before I can even react, she grabs my hand and starts pulling me forward. I stumble slightly, pain shooting through my leg.
“Nova stop,” Noah commands, and then he’s at my side, his hand steadying me. “Are you okay p>
“I’m fine, just a tiny pain,” I say quickly.
Nolan steps closer, his brows furrowing. “Why are you in pain? Are you hurt p>
There’s panic in his eyes, and my heart softens instantly.
“I’m okay. I just twisted my leg earlier. That’s all.” I assure him gently.
Relief floods his face, and he turns to his sister. “You have to be careful p>
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know,” Nova says quickly.
“It’s okay, honey, you didn’t do anything wrong,” I tell her.
She nods, then looks up at me again, her excitement returning. “Do you want to see our rooms p>
“I’d love to,” I say. “I already know it’s amazing p>
Her face lights up as she leads the way, this time more careful with her movements.
We start with her room. It’s everything you’d expect from a little girl with a big imagination—soft pastel colors, fairy lights draped along the walls, a canopy bed covered in plush pillows, and shelves filled with toys and books that look like they’ve already been loved.
“It’s beautiful,” I tell her, and she grins at me.
“Daddy said we could get our own rooms and I wanted something pretty p>
“It is so pretty.” I lightly pinch her cheeks. “You did an amazing job p>
Then we move to Nolan’s room. It’s more structured, more him, with clean lines, darker tones, a mix of books, building sets, and neatly arranged belongings that reflect his quiet and thoughtful nature.
“It suits you.” I grin. “I couldn’t imagine you room any differently… Good job, Nolan p>
He nods once, clearly pleased.
Finally, we stop in front of another door and I glance between them.
“What’s in there p>
They both look excited, while Noah looks tense, almost unsure. My curiosity immediately peaks.
Nolan steps forward and opens the door.
“This is Val’s room,” he says.
Nova bounces slightly. “We did everything ourselves! Dad painted it, and we helped. We picked out the toys and the crib and everything p>
I step inside slowly and I freeze because the room is beautiful.
The nursery is bathed in blush pink tones. Sheer pink curtains filter the light into a warm glow, while a white crib sits under a flowing dusty-pink canopy lit with fairy lights. Pink butterflies appear to flutter across the walls and ceiling, with star accents behind the crib adding a magical touch. Nearby, a white and blush dresser and woven baskets hold plush toys, while a pale pink crocheted rug with an animal design and a cozy blush knitted pouf complete the space, making the room feel airy, calm, and enchanting.
My throat tightens as I take it all in, because I don’t know whether to smile or cry.