The Nursery
Chapter 78 The Nursery
NINA’S HOME, NEW YORK. “Do you like it?” Xander asked. Nina blinked rapidly, taking the room all in. It feels like too much surprise in a day. The room had an entire makeover from a plain room to a nursery. It had a pink wall, a cot, and everything else that was a touch of pink and white. “You already knew it was a girl?” She inquired. “Just me, not the others.” He said. She walked further into the room and marveled at it. There was a small wardrobe that made her giggle. She opened the door to find it filled with baby clothes. “Xander.” She drawled tearfully. “Isn’t this too much?” “What matters is, do you like it?” “I feel so shameless saying this. But I love every bit of it. And this teddy bear.” Nina muttered, reaching for the pink fluffy teddy bear with a white heart placed in its hands. “I have always desired this even though I could have gotten it alone. I thought it would be better if I were gifted.” “I could get you an entire room filled with it.” She laughed, “No, this is just enough. I don’t know how to thank you enough, Xander. It feels like a lot.” She said, touching the cot. “Did you arrange this yourself?” “Not really; I got help from Jace even though he did nothing but harass me all through it. We still had it done.” “Jace doesn’t even have to do all of this for me. Yet he comes through every time.” “He has no choice. I will tie him down to be reasonable if that is what it will take.” Nina giggled as she sat on the couch, put in place for the mother. “This feels so nice.” Xander sat on the rug by her foot. “I asked for the best of it delivered.” “How did you finish all this in just a few hours?” “I had them smuggled in during the day when you were at the office. Since I knew you wouldn’t open the room, I felt at ease putting everything in place.” She stayed quiet and gave the room another longing look. It made her caress her belly absentmindedly. Asher would never have been able to do this much if they were together. She would be the one saddled with the responsibility. He has never been the type to keep to detail. “Ah.” She let out, breaking the silence. Xander jumped onto his knees, staring at her with a worried look. “What happened?” Her face blossomed into a smile. She reached for Xander’s hand and placed it on her belly without saying a word. Instead, she only held his gaze. Just then, he felt a movement in her stomach like a kick. “Did she just kick?” He asked as his eyes rounded in surprise. Nina nodded slowly. “Yes. I can’t seem to get used to it due to the strength her little feet possess. She seems like a fierce one.” “That wouldn’t be a surprise. The little one is like her mother, after all.” She blushed, biting down on her lip. Xander’s hand was still on her belly. Their eyes met, and it remained there for some seconds. Nina leaned forward, and he did the same. Just as they were about to lock lips, the door opened abruptly, and Jace glared at them with an unremorseful glare. “Have you two ever been told that it is rude for the hosts to leave their guests hanging? And just so you know, Mum and Uncle Jason are here.” He announced, shutting the door. Xander facepalmed himself, chuckling. “I am so sorry, Nina.” Nina blushed profusely, biting down on her lips. “You invited them?” “Only when you agree to it. I already told my mom and uncle it would help if they came. And at the same time, I wasn’t sure if you would like the guest in your space.” “Well, then, I would love that. It’s been so long since anyone celebrated me. Just like my twenty-first birthday.” There was a twinkle in her eyes. Xander grinned sheepishly at the memory. He had gone all out to make her day memorable in college. It was his delight to see how happy Nina was. “You have always been good with surprises. You are amazing.” She cooed, kissing his forehead. He helped her up, and they headed outside. The party had already begun in full swing without them. Games had started, and the kitchen counter had plenty of food that Nina hadn’t noticed before. Nina went to say hello to Jason and Venus. Just when Nina thought the guest list had ended, her assistants walked in with gifts. Before she knew it, it was a full-blown party. Nina sat on the chair reserved for her with a bowl of fruit. She watched them as they cracked jokes and played games with each other. She enjoyed every bit of the sight in front of her. Her heart felt free like it had never been in ages. With every passing minute, she glanced at Xander. Just looking at him makes her heart skip. He is beginning to have the same effect he always had on her during their days in college. Even though she is trying hard not to do something she might regret eventually, she can’t help but admit that he is a darling. Nina wants to be the best for him if there is a chance they will be together. It would be unfair to Xander only to have her halfhearted affection. He deserves someone who knows what it is they want. “Hey, why are you so lost in thought?” Tania asked after retiring from the game. Nina shrugged with a smile plastered to her face. “I am just happy. I don’t know what I have done to deserve any of you. Thank you so much for being so supportive. I wouldn’t have been here if you didn’t help me out that night.” She snorted. “Hell no. Anyone would have helped you, and I am very sure of that. You are a good person, Nina. And I hope you know that.” “Thank you, boo.” She cackled, hugging her. They talked a little while before Nina got dragged to the middle to do the baby mama dance. She was letting loose of all the pain that had her held down. Nina danced her ass out, letting gratitude seep into her pores for the moment as she felt blessed and happy about the people in her life. ******** “The party was amazing,” Nina commented, shutting the door after seeing everyone off. They had all waited to clean up, and she couldn’t be more grateful. “I am glad you like it.” Xander mused. “You should retire to bed now. It’s been a long day. Do you need me to make you some warm milk?” “No, I am fine. Thank you so much for today. You are a blessing to behold.” “It’s my pleasure. I will do it repeatedly as long as it pleases you.” He replied, resting on the long couch. “Why are you sleeping there?” She answered her question. “Oh my goodness, the nursery was your room before.” The house only had two sleeping rooms. “It’s all good. I can sleep here. I will get a blanket, that’s all.” “No, I can’t allow that. It’s all because of me. Knowing you will sleep on the couch will make me unhappy. We can share my bed, and you can’t say no.” Nina said amidst a yawn. Xander knew it would be a waste of time arguing with her. “I don’t seem to have any other choice. Not now that you have spoken.” He teased. Nina shook her head and walked into the room. She got rid of her dress, leaving just the lingerie on. Xander gulped as he lay on the bed, his back turned to her. Even though he had only caught a glimpse of her body, it made him drool. However, the intention was not to pass his boundary. “Xander,” Nina called out as they lay in the dark. He turned to her and held his face too close to hers. “Are you okay?” She didn’t respond and locked lips with him instead. This time, Nina didn’t hold back. She has been fantasizing about him all evening. And for the first time in a long while, she had chosen to throw caution to the wind and live in the moment. Xander kissed her gently like he was scared rushing it would have an aftermath. She guided his hand to her rounded breast, and he squeezed it with caution. Nina moaned and wiggled under his hold. Her body yearned for more, and he could tell. She tried to reach between his thighs, but he held her hand back. She paused the kiss, breathing heavily. “What is it?” She asked. He smiled and kissed her forehead. “We have both had a long day, baby. Why not sleep instead? I am sure you are tired, too.” Nina’s face showed disappointment, making him feel bad for depriving her of what she needed the most. He also wants it, but this isn’t the time. “How about I cuddle you to sleep.” He said. A weak smile appeared on her lips. “Okay,” Nina replied in a low tone. With her back turned to him, Xander held her close with his arm draping over her belly protectively. Before he could mumble another apology, she was fast asleep, snoring lightly. It made him smile, and in no time, he fell deep into sleep, too.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.