Page 20 of His Sunshine Baby (The Silver City #2)

My heart is beating so fast.

It’s a strange feeling, with my wolf being even more excited than I am, and it’s not only because I’m back on the Blood Moon territory for the first time in a while... actually, the fact that they let me through is already surprising enough. I mean, am I still welcome after my parting with Nate? I shouldn’t be, right? Yet, all the wolves guarding the border let me in, even though I know I’m being watched and followed closely.

I feel like every step closer to Nora is a step closer to the answers I’ve been looking for all this time. I’m so excited, maybe because I believe in Danny’s theory and Sylviana’s words too much. I’m on guard, but if I had wings, I would fly all the way there right away.

Today is going to be one hell of a day. First, meeting with Nora, and then, that appointment at the clinic. I’m not sure which one I’m more nervous about.

I finally find the salon, and I spot Boyan and Nora, along with an army of hairdressers. Moon Goddess, did they seriously book the whole salon for her?

I walk in, taking off my cap, hoping she will be able to recognize me from our short first encounter. Bobo raises his head, frowning.

“Hi, Bobo,” I say with a little smile.

He frowns.

“Elena. You’re not supposed to be here.”

So I guess he did not completely agree with the plan. I knew it was weird he wouldn’t respond to my mind-linking.

“I know. Are you going to stop me?”

“ If Nathaniel or the King find you here, you’ll be in serious trouble, Elena. I understand you want to speak to Nora, but… ”

I know he switched to mind-linking not to include Nora, but I can’t help but smile a little. That is so Boyan-like.

“ It’s okay, Boyan. Is that why you didn’t agree to it? You were worried for me? ”

“ Beta instinct. Protecting people is what I do. ”

“ Thanks, Big Boy. I’m okay. ”

He sighs.

“Okay. You’re already here anyway.”

With his approval, I can finally approach Nora. Moon Goddess, my heart is beating so fast now that she’s right in front of me! And we can finally have a real chat, too. She’s even prettier up close, and I can tell she’s getting all dolled up for her birthday. They probably have a whole party ready for her as the Blood Moon’s future Luna.

I take the seat next to her, a bit nervous but excited.

“Hi, Nora.”

“Hello…”

She is a bit hesitant, with her cheeks blushing. She’s observing me so intensely, I can tell she’s as curious as I am.

“So, you recognize me, I guess. Sorry, I had to leave suddenly last time, but I don’t really want Nate to know that you and I are acquainted.”

“Why?”

Damn, why did I have to mention Nate. I shrug, trying to think of something.

“Personal reasons. Let’s just say it would make things a bit more... complicated. It made it hard for me to get to you already. Your security is quite tight! Thankfully, your bodyguard is a friend.”

I wink at Boyan, who’s still a bit stiff and uneasy. I can tell he’s sending glances at the door and mind-linking to see how much time I can have with Nora before people from the Blood Moon clan intervene.

“ Are you sad that Danny didn’t accompany me? ”

He hesitates a bit before answering.

“You owe me one, Elena.”

“I know, I know, Big Boy,” I answer with a smile. “I’ll talk to him, I promise.”

I guess I owe him that much. And Danny isn’t that mad at him anyway. He loves Boyan more than he’s willing to admit.

“Anyway. I really wanted to meet with you, Nora,” I say, finally addressing her.

“Me too. I have so many questions for you! What happened last time? How can we mind-link? I never did that with anyone!”

Oh my gosh, she’s so excited! I’m happy someone is as enthusiastic and curious as I am, but I don’t have all the answers! I take a breath and think about what I really need to tell her first.

“Easy, girl. I know you have a lot to ask, but I can’t stay long,” I say with a glance at the door, “and I may not have all the answers you are looking for. First, our mind-link suggests we are related somehow, though I’m not sure about the details. When we met on the Jade Moon clan’s turf, I felt it. My wolf reacted strongly to your presence, so I came to your fight against the Alpha to confirm it. That’s why I tried the mind-link, and it worked!”

She nods strongly, her eyes shining.

“Yes, I heard you during my fight. And after that.”

“Exactly. You did great, by the way!” I say with a smile.

She immediately blushes. I didn’t imagine she was this shy and modest, from her attitude last time! But she’s obviously younger than me, and still a bit unsure of her actions. Seems like her inner wolf brings out her strong side, but on the inside, she’s still a teenage girl. My gosh, I find her so adorable!

“Thanks,” she says, “but I still have no clue as to how we are related... I just learned that my father was from the Gold Moon clan, but I have no idea who my mother is. All I know is that I didn’t inherit my father’s last name. When we searched for it, Nathaniel said the name Bluemoon doesn’t appear anywhere.”

Moon Goddess, it’s thin, but it may confirm Danny’s theory. I didn’t know about her links to the Gold Moon clan, but if she has no idea where her last name and her mother are from, then…

“Because that is not a last name, Nora! Didn’t you notice that it sounded a lot like a clan’s name...?”

She stays speechless for a while, thinking about that information. I know, it’s a lot to take in. I exchange a look with Boyan.

“Shit, Elena, that’s big.”

“I know. I just want to see if it might be real, both for me and Nora.”

He sighs, and I focus on Nora again, who is still shocked.

“You mean, like a Blue Moon clan?” she mutters.

I nod, but Nora is still very confused. Behind her, Boyan frowns too.

“There is no Blue Moon clan in Silver City.”

“To be exact, there is no Blue Moon clan at all,” I explain. “Not anymore. But from what I’ve discovered, there used to be one, far up in the north. I don’t know why or how, but they were all… killed. The entire pack, about eighteen years ago.”

Nora stays silent again for a few seconds, making me even more nervous. She seems so surprised, yet I know a part of her sort of believes me…

“Killed? An entire pack? But... how?” she asks.

I shake my head. I wish I knew!

“I still don’t know yet. But you and I are proof that some people from this clan survived.”

She suddenly turns to me.

“Wait, you are… I mean, you think you are from this Blue Moon clan too? Did you grow up in this clan then?”

“No, no, someone saved me when I was an infant, and brought me to a childless couple of the Opal Moon clan here, in Silver City.”

She looks at me a bit more intensely, like she’s scanning me. Is she looking for something that would link us together? A resemblance or something? Or is she doubting me? I keep talking, telling her all I know.

Moon Goddess, I hope she believes me.

“The woman who saved me said that a Royal family had been killed and that she had found me alone in the middle of the... slaughter.”

Nora is completely shocked when I mention the Royals. I know, it’s big. Royals are more of a legend than a real thing, but…

“Royals? Are you sure?” asks Bobo.

“For now, I am not sure of anything! I have no memories of surviving a massacre either. I just got pieces of information from the woman who saved me... But I’ve seen Nora’s wolf, and you did too.”

Bobo nods slowly, and turns to Nora, thinking deeply. I know he’s having doubts too, but Nora’s wolf form is legendary! A white wolf with blue eyes, I didn’t even think that was possible! Between us, Nora seems confused by my words.

“What do you mean?”

“You are a pure wolf, Nora. Dark blue eyes and perfectly white fur. Do you have any idea how rare that combination is amongst werewolves? It’s almost legendary! And you even have a clan’s name as your last name!”

She looks at me, speechless again, before shaking her head vigorously. I know it’s hard to conceive, being a Royal, but I’m really starting to believe in that theory strongly as well. And if Nora really is such a werewolf, then…

“No, no, you said yourself, it is probably only the clan’s name,” she says, still shaking her head. “Even if I am from this Blue Moon clan, it could just be—”

“Royal families do take their clan’s names as a symbol of power, Nora,” says Boyan. “They carry it for generations until there are no more descendants, and usually a new Alpha from a dominant but non-Royal family takes over. Any clan’s name can be old or newly made up, but only the Royals are entitled to carry it. And your father knew who your mother was. Why would he have told you this was your last name otherwise?”

Wow, since when did Boyan know so much about Royals? Is it because he’s close to the King?

“One does not simply give a clan’s name to their child!” I add.

Nora looks at us, completely stunned. Seems like she has a hard time believing any of this, and truthfully, I can’t blame her. She just went from being an orphan to a potential Royal!

“Then why wouldn’t that make you a Royal’s child too? Aren’t we related?” she suddenly asks me.

Wow, no way. I may be stronger than the usual wolf, but I’m far from being a potential Royal… though Nora’s question is something I hadn’t thought of. Could I be related to the Royals? I don’t look like Nora, but if we were from the same pack originally, there’s a chance that we are related. Remotely related, I’d say.

“We are related indeed, but I don’t believe I am the child of a Royal. Not directly, at least. I have golden eyes, and my fur isn’t completely white like yours. One of my parents probably wasn’t a pure werewolf.”

Nora frowns and shakes her head. I guess she wished I knew more than that, but I’m guessing here too.

“So, you think my birth mother was…”

“A Royal, yes,” I tell her.

If she knows for certain that her father was from the Gold Moon, then that’s the only logical explanation. Nora said it herself: her mother is a mystery, and she doesn’t have her father’s last name, so the Blue Moon wolf, and potentially Royal, has to be her mom!

Boyan seems worried seeing her so confused, and gently pats her shoulder, his beta instincts in action. I can tell she trusts him a lot from the way they interact. He’s not like a bodyguard, more like… a big brother. A huge one.

“You’re probably mixed, Nora. He might not have been an Alpha, but your father’s blood was most likely pure enough for you to keep some of the characteristics.”

“Not all of them. I can’t heal properly, and my shape-shifting isn’t ideal either.”

Moon Goddess, what did she just say?

“Wait a minute… You can’t heal fast?” I ask.

“No…” says Nora, shaking her head with a cute frown. “I still heal faster than a human, but my healing ability is not as good as regular werewolves.”

Only then do I notice all the thin, white scars she has. Is it from before? A werewolf shouldn’t have so many scars, unless she’s just like me, unable to heal correctly!

“Nora, I have the same issue! As long as I can remember, I’ve never healed properly!”

“Really?”

“Yes! So far, I thought it was just me being weaker than other werewolves, but now…”

I keep looking at her scars, searching for an explanation. What kind of pack has werewolves that don’t heal fast? Why would we be like that? We are stronger than other werewolves, is that a compensation of some sort?

“Have you experienced anything else that’s different?” Nora asks.

The only thing I can think of is…

“Mind-linking. I’m much better at that than anyone I know, including my own Alpha. No matter the distance, I have no problem communicating with my pack members. I can even communicate with other packs’ Alphas.”

Nora tilts her head, a bit surprised.

“Wait, aren’t you an Alpha?”

Ugh, I hate to say it.

“No, I’m not. And I don’t want to be.”

Nora seems confused, but my answer isn’t going to change. I don’t want to be considered an Alpha, even if it’s in my DNA. I just… I want to be a normal wolf. I hate the struggles for the Alpha positions, be it in the White Moon or Opal Moon. I’m not interested in battling my cousins for Xavier’s position, I have enough to deal with as it is.

“What about you?” I ask Nora, trying to change the subject.

“I can’t, for now,” she says. “I don’t belong to any clan at the moment, so …”

I’m pretty sure it’s not about belonging to a clan. Nora is definitely strong and very much like me, so I bet if she just tried, she could mind-link any alpha as well. She just needs to build up her self-confidence and break out of her shell.

“ You should try it. With your Alpha mate, ” I suggest, using my mind-link, forcing my power a bit.

“ I don’t really get how it works yet... ”

“ Nora, you’re mind-linking. Like, right now.”

She’s so surprised, I can’t help but chuckle. She exchanges a look with Boyan, who probably understands what’s going on already.

“ Don’t use it too much on others though. If you’re like me, people might... not really like it. ”

“ Why do you mean? ”

“ You’ll see. ”

People don’t like when you force the mind-linking on them. Especially if you’re not from their packs, they perceive it as an intrusion. But then again, Nora will probably experience it for herself soon too.

“You should go, Elena. Our pack will have noticed your presence by now,” says Boyan.

“ Nate is coming, Elena, ” he adds through our mind-link.

“What? Wait! We are not done talking!” says Nora.

Does she realize she’s using her Alpha Aura anytime she’s unhappy? Damn, her potential is a bit scary. I grab my cap to put back on and turn to her.

“Sorry, Nora, Bobo is right. I really wish I could, but I already stayed longer than I had planned to. But don’t worry, I will keep searching for more information about the Blue Moon clan.”

“When can we meet again?”

“I will find you, don’t worry. For now, don’t tell anyone about what we discussed today, okay? No one but Bobo must know, Nora, it is crucial.”

She frowns, and I can tell right away who she’s thinking about.

“ Not even your mate, Nora. ”

“ But… ”

“ If it makes you feel better, you are not the only one with secrets. I wouldn’t trust Damian Black so easily if I were you. ”

“ What do you mean? ”

“ You’ll see. ”

She’s with the King, she can’t really expect the guy to be completely clean, right? He’s a known killer, and I can barely stand being in the same room as him. How does she do it? Damn, I really wish I could stay, but I gotta go. If Nate is on his way…

I walk to exit the salon, but right when I get to the entrance, Nathaniel walks in. Fuck.

“Elena... What are you doing here?”

Breathe, Elena. This is his territory, not yours. It’s normal for him to ask.

“I came to see Bobo.”

“Bobo?”

He turns to Boyan and Nora, looking for confirmation. Meanwhile, I’m still looking at him. My wolf is going crazy. It’s only been a few weeks; did he change a lot? He looks perfectly normal, in his usual black suit, his hair a bit disheveled. Has he thought about me at all? Are we really over?

When he finally turns to me, he puts on an angry front.

“You’re not supposed to be here.”

“Are you going to kill me then?”

That doesn’t work on me, Nate. I can tell when you’re angry for real, and you’re not. I don’t even feel his aura, or his wolf growling. More importantly, I’m not scared of him at all. He’s not Diego, Nate would never, ever touch me or hurt me.

“ What are you really doing here, Elena? ”

“ I told you, I just came to talk to Boyan. ”

“ I don’t buy it. ”

I sigh internally. Damn, I forgot how stubborn he can be.

“ Elena, we need to talk. ”

“ Do you really want to talk in front of your brother’s mate? And Boyan? … See you later, Nate. ”

He’s still speechless, and I use that opportunity to leave. A bit too fast, but I just want to walk out of here before he realizes how nervous I am.

I don’t even know how I can stand before him without exploding. I’m potentially pregnant with his child. Nate’s baby. And he has no fucking idea, Moon Goddess. I feel like I could drop the bomb on him at any given moment, like it’s struggling to get past my lips. When I saw him, I freaked out. I didn’t plan to see him, and I had no idea what to do. He’s still the same man, but Moon Goddess, so much has happened in the meantime.

I try to walk back fast, leaving the area as quickly as possible. I can still feel their people following me from a distance. If only I can get to the border before I get myself into serious trouble.

“ Daniel? ”

“ Waiting for ya, babe. ”

“ I ran into Nate. ”

“ What? No shit! You told him? ”

“ Of course not, you idiot! I’m not even sure I’m pregnant yet, and even if I do, I… I’m not sure I’m ready, Daniel. ”

“ Okay, okay, you’re right, it’s a bit too soon. Just come here and we’ll go to the clinic, to clear up everything. Mom’s waiting for us. ”

“ Yeah, I… ”

“Elena!”

Oh, fuck.

I didn’t expect Nathaniel would come after me once I left the salon. I hesitate, but I can’t just keep walking while he’s running after me and calling my name. I sigh, and turn around to face him.

Looks like he really did run to catch up, his suit is a mess. I resist the urge to arrange it for him, crossing my arms against my chest.

Facing him is making me more nervous than I thought. I purposely wore baggy clothes to cover myself today, and I don’t think anything is showing, but having Nathaniel right in front of me is making me feel pregnant as hell. My wolf, too, is taking a defensive stance. She’s constantly worried for her pup, and an alpha male doesn’t calm her down, even if he’s the father.

“We need to talk,” he says, out of breath. “I have not had sex with Narcissa since I met you. I swear.”

My gosh, did he have to remind me of that bitch?

“Even if you didn’t, Nate, and I’m not saying I believe you or not, it doesn’t change things. We can’t be together, and you know that.”

“If it’s only about our packs, I don’t care, Elena. I can talk to my brother. Damian will–”

“What about my pack, Nate?” I shout back, exasperated. “I’m supposed to leave everything behind for you? Did you ever consider my position in your plans? I’m the Alpha’s niece! And the White Moon Alpha’s goddaughter, too! Imagine if they found out I’m going out with the King’s brother!”

Let alone having his child. I would be banished from both the Opal Moon and White Moon clans, cut off from my family. I wouldn’t even be able to see my dad in the hospital, or talk to any of my friends again, and it’s not something I can afford right now!

“You could live with me, Elena, in the Blood Moon pack.”

Oh, Moon Goddess, he can’t be fucking serious right now.

He’s tempting me, and I don’t want that. I’m already too torn between him and my pack, and now I have his child to take into account, too. I have no idea how Nate would react to the news, and that terrifies me.

“ Elena, hurry up, girl. ”

“ Nate’s here, Danny. Talking to me right now. ”

“ Oh, shit. Elena, you have to get out of there, seriously. Sylviana said no stress. ”

“ I know. ”

“Elena, I’m dead serious. I know we’ve had our ups and downs, but I want to sit down and discuss things seriously with you. I’m not over you, I’m nowhere near that. I want you back, I want the relationship we had back.”

I shake my head.

“I’m not going back to being your fuck buddy, Nate. I believe you had plenty of candidates for that,” I say, still bitter about last time.

“I meant as my lover, Elena, my girlfriend.”

Fuck. Why did he have to say that now? He has never said that damn word, and I wasn’t ready to hear it. I just can’t! I have way too much going on right now! I’m close to uncovering the secret behind my birth, I just found Nora, my uncle is seriously after me, and Diego, too. And I’m fucking pregnant with his child!

“Elena?”

He comes close, worried about my sudden tears, but I step back. I feel like I’ll explode if he touches me. I’m such a mess right now. I try to wipe them away clumsily. Damn, if only I could control my emotions a little!

“Elena, talk to me.”

“Nate, I can’t. Not here, not now, okay? I don’t… I don’t feel like talking. It’s really not a good time right now.”

He frowns, and his eyes go down on my oversized denim jacket.

“Is it because of him? Daniel’s brother?”

Shit, he smelled it was Levi’s. Damn, I only borrowed it to cover up my tummy! I didn’t think that would lead to another jealousy crisis with Nathaniel! I shake my head, annoyed. This is not what I came for, and I don’t want to fight him again!

“Leave Levi alone, Nate, seriously. He’s got nothing to do with you.”

“Are you going out with him now? For real?” he asks, his breathing becoming more intense.

“Moon Goddess, Nate, I told you a hundred times, no! I only borrowed his jacket, okay? Enough with this! I’m fed up with your jealousy!”

“Then why did you block me? It’s been weeks, Elena! I couldn’t call or text you. I couldn’t reach you at all!”

“I needed time alone, Nate! Okay? Things have been hard lately, and I have had enough to deal with already! I’ll unblock you if it makes you happy, but I don’t have the luxury to stay right now, okay?”

I turn away and start walking, trying to stop my tears. Fuck, I really wish I hadn’t cried in front of him…

“Elena!”

I keep walking, trying to ignore him, but he suddenly grabs my wrist and, before I can even react, kisses me.

Moon Goddess. I feel my whole body going numb under his lips. How long has it been? I just can’t move. I don’t push him away, I don’t answer his kiss, I can’t do anything. Nate’s kiss is driving me crazy. I want to scream and cry again, I can’t take it. Why is he doing this now?

He separates from me, putting his hands on my shoulders, while I’m still standing there like an idiot, confused as hell.

“Elena, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I lied to you. I’ll say it now. I love you, Elena. I really love you.”

Holy shit.

He really said it. I am shivering with something I can’t identify right now. My heart’s bursting with happiness, but my head is freaking out. Why now, of all times? This is so brutal; I have no idea how to respond to that. I stand there, speechless, lost.

Moon Goddess, is this even real? And why the hell does he have to confess when I’m already a hormonal mess!

I try to calm down. Think about the baby, think about the baby, Elena, Sylviana said no stress. My gosh, he’s so not helping!

“Nate, I… I can’t…”

“You can’t what, Elena?”

I take a deep breath in. I can’t handle the bomb he just dropped on me! I shake my head, trying to find the right words. I wish I could tell him how I feel, too, but I’m just so confused right now, I feel like crying, screaming, and literally exploding.

Deep breaths, think of something to say. Something that will not make me look totally nuts.

“I can’t answer you right now. I have things to sort out, and–”

“Elena, why is it never the time with you?” he suddenly bursts, angry. “I’m opening my heart to you, putting my feelings out in the open, and it’s not the right time? Are you kidding me? I just need a yes or no, Elena!”

“You can’t just ask me that, Nate! You think it’s easy! I have a million things to consider, and you just think I would let it all go for you! Put yourself in my shoes, for once! I’m not powerful like you, I’m not the King’s brother! I can’t just decide to throw my whole life away on a whim!”

“Seriously, what’s holding you back? Can’t you just admit that you’re too scared of your feelings for me? I know you love me too, Elena!”

“It’s not that easy! My father is in the hospital. My uncle and godfather are freaking Alphas, Nate! I can’t just throw away the pack I grew up in, do you realize they adopted me? I wasn’t even born there, and yet they gave me a home, a place, and responsibilities! I can’t just leave them like that, Nate! You don’t know what it’s like!”

How can I still be angry with him? This whole damn conversation is exhausting, why are we yelling and screaming every time we see each other! He sighs, shaking his head, visibly annoyed. I know he’s serious, but I’m not as free as he is!

“I have to go,” I say, retreating a bit.

“So you’re going to leave me without an answer? Again?”

“Not now, Nate, seriously.”

Moon Goddess, I have to go to the clinic so I can confirm I’m pregnant with his baby, why do I have to deal with this first? He frowns, looking at me. I need to go back to the border, so I take my courage and turn around, wrapping my arms around me. I walk fast, and I know he’s following me. I know it’s his territory, his right, but…

“Elena!”

As promised, Daniel is waiting for me at the border, along with… shit, Levi. Nathaniel clicks his tongue.

“Of course.”

“He’s only here to accompany me, Nate.”

“Yeah, I bet.”

I turn to him, angry.

“Nathaniel, enough. Levi’s helping me where you can’t. If you don’t like it, I don’t care. We’ll talk later.”

He stays silent, but his glare towards Levi speaks volumes. Seriously. I turn around and finally get in the car, unable to hold it anymore. Levi’s driving, and I purposely sat in the back with Danny. My best friend looks at me, worried.

“You okay, babe? Your eyes are red.”

“Levi, just start the car, please.”

“Yeah.”

I try to ignore Nate’s stare I can feel from the other side of the road. Moon Goddess, I’m so tired already.

“Elena?”

“I’m not feeling well,” I admit.

“Hang on, babe, we’re going to the clinic, getting you all checked up.”

I doze off on Daniel’s shoulder until we get there. I’m trying to forget my dispute with Nate. This all came at such a bad time. Why is the timing always so off? I have to say, I’m feeling weaker than usual. It’s a relief when Levi finally parks in front of the clinic.

The Lewis brothers help me out, and Iris comes to meet me in the parking lot, looking worried.

“Are you okay, Elena? You look very pale. Come, Mrs. Lewis has the room ready for you.”

My cousin guides us through the hospital and as promised, I’m taken into an isolated room. I don’t know why, but the sight of the medical equipment makes it all a bit too real. Daniel holds my hand even when I sit on the weird seat for observation. Levi holds my jacket for me and leaves the room quietly. I’m a bit grateful. I’m nervous enough without an audience.

I don’t know if they told their mom beforehand, but Abigail is very nice to me.

“Okay, sweetheart, we are going to take an ultrasound too to confirm. The gel will be a bit cold.”

She puts some sort of gel on my tummy, and Daniel helps me keep my shirt up. I take a deep breath in, trying to relax. It feels good to be laying down, but I can’t keep my eyes off the screen. Abigail’s strange probe is going around my tummy, until she stops.

“There it is.”

“What? Where?” I ask, squinting at the screen.

She smiles and points her finger at a little shape on the screen, and zooms in a bit.

“Moon Goddess,” whispers Daniel.

Holy shit, he means! I can see my baby. I didn’t expect it to be so obvious. Its shape, I can even see his– her head! And she’s freaking moving, too! I start crying again, shocked. Moon Goddess, how can she already be this big! And I had no freaking idea!!

“There he is. About 1.5 inches, Elena. Danny’s friend was right, you’re in your eleventh week.”

“It’s a she, Mom,” says Danny.

Moon Goddess, it’s my baby right there! I keep crying, shocked beyond words. Danny gives me a hug.

“Congrats, babe, you’re going to be a mom!” he whispers.

“Danny, I can’t believe it, it’s… it’s really…”

“Yup. Your little baby daughter, live broadcasting from your belly!”

I chuckle. My gosh, only Daniel can make me laugh in such a situation… I’m both crying and laughing. I can’t believe it. There’s really a baby in there, my baby. Nate’s baby. Our daughter!