Page 70 of Finding His Fox

“Then it’s settled,” I declared. The prospect of taking care of Nate made me grin.

* * *

After putting the finishing touches on the custom-made rocking chair I had promised Oliver, I decided to call it a day.

Even though I had only spent a couple of hours in the workshop, I couldn’t help but miss Nate’s presence.

I took a picture of the rocking chair and sent it to Oliver, as he had requested.

Slipping my phone back into the pocket of my jeans, I made my way back to the cabin, calling out for Nate as I entered.

“Out on the porch. Max and I are enjoying the sun,” Nate yelled in response.

“I’ll join the two of you soon,” I replied with a smile.

After taking a quick shower, I made a detour to the kitchen. I didn’t want to return to Nate empty-handed.

I wanted to surprise him. Gathering the essentials—a tray adorned with a teapot, cups, and an assortment of treats—I headed towards the porch.

Anticipation fluttered in my chest as I pushed open the screen door. And there he was, Nate, sitting on the porch swing, completely engrossed in a book.

Max was curled up at Nate’s feet, surrounded by his toys.

Seeing Nate and Max here, only three days into their stay, filled me with an overwhelming desire for them to be here forever.

A strange lump formed in my throat, a mixture of emotions swirling within me.

I couldn’t help but wonder, would it be too forward to ask Nate to move in with me?

I recalled my recent conversation with Owen on the phone, seeking advice on taking a relationship to the next level.

“You just know,” Owen had said. “Your heart would tell you when.”

At the time, his words hadn’t made much sense to me, but now, as I sat on the porch swing beside Nate, my heart swelled with affection, fondness, and dare I say it, love.

It became clear to me—I loved Nate with everything that I am. That realization gave me the extra push I needed.

Nate and Max still hadn’t noticed my arrival, although I could have sworn that Max opened one eye and closed it again, pretending to be asleep.

“Hey, you look like you could use a break,” I said, breaking the silence.

Nate’s eyes lit up with delight as I set the tray on the small table and joined him on the porch swing.

The warmth of his smile and the gentle breeze surrounding us made this moment feel perfect.

I poured the tea, making sure to sweeten Nate’s cup just the way he liked it. For myself, I added plenty of milk.

After I handed Nate his cup, he smiled and cradled it in his good hand.

Dr. Daniels had informed us that Nate would need to wear the cast for a few more weeks.

It was a reminder that humans took longer to heal, and it made me appreciate my own regenerative abilities.

On the bright side, it meant more time for Nate and me to spend together.

We sipped our tea, sharing a peaceful moment. Time seemed to stand still.

Nate reached for a biscuit from the plate, nibbling on it. Max had woken up and observed us curiously.