Chapter 148: Nate

The morning sun streams through the large windows of the gym, casting a warm glow over the equipment and the mats. It’s quiet today, not too many people around, which makes it the perfect time to be here with Ethan. I carry him in my arms, his tiny fingers wrapped around the collar of my shirt, and I can’t help but smile at the way his bright blue eyes take in everything around us. He’s fascinated by the sights and sounds, his gaze darting from the weights to the mirrors to the punching bags hanging in the corner.

“Alright, little man,” I say softly, shifting him so he’s resting comfortably against my chest. “What do you think? Daddy’s gym, huh?”

Ethan looks up at me, his eyes wide, and he lets out a soft coo, his lips curling into a smile. My heart swells, and I press a gentle kiss to his forehead, my love for this little boy nearly overwhelming. It’s moments like this that make everything worth it—all the fights, the sleepless nights, the constant worry. It’s all worth it because of him.

I walk over to one of the mats, laying out a soft blanket before gently setting Ethan down on his back. He kicks his legs, his tiny feet wiggling in his socks, and he looks up at me with that same bright smile that never fails to melt my heart. I kneel beside him, my hand resting on his stomach as I smile down at him.

“You know, when I was younger, I used to dream about having a family,” I tell him, my voice soft, almost like I’m sharing a secret. “I didn’t think it would ever happen, though. Not with the life I had. But then your mom came along, and everything changed. She gave me you. She gave me a reason to be better.”

Ethan reaches up, his tiny fingers brushing against my hand, and I feel a lump form in my throat. It’s incredible, the way someone so small can make me feel so much. I never knew I could love like this—so completely, so fiercely. He’s my little boy, my whole world, and I’d do anything to protect him.

I lay down beside him on the mat, propping myself up on my elbow so I can watch him as he kicks and wiggles, his laughter filling the empty gym. I reach out, gently tickling his stomach, and he lets out another happy squeal, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiles up at me.

“You like it here, buddy?” I ask, my voice filled with warmth. “One day, when you’re a little older, I’ll teach you how to use all this stuff. We’ll train together, you and me. And I’ll show you how strong you really are.”

Ethan babbles, his tiny hand reaching for my face, and I lean down, letting him grab my nose. He giggles, his laughter echoing in the empty gym, and I can’t help but laugh too. It’s such a simple moment, but it’s everything. It’s love, it’s family, it’s all the things I never thought I’d have but now can’t imagine living without.

I hear the door to the gym open, and I glance up to see Riley walking in, a grin spreading across his face as he spots us. “Hey, there’s my favorite little guy,” he says, making his way over to us. He kneels down beside Ethan, ruffling his hair gently. “You having fun with Dad, huh?”

Ethan’s eyes widen, and he lets out another excited coo, his little arms flailing as he reaches for Riley. Riley chuckles, leaning down to press a kiss to Ethan’s forehead. “I think he likes it here,” I say, my voice filled with pride. “He’s gonna grow up to be strong, just like his mom.”

Riley nods, his gaze softening as he looks at Ethan. “Yeah, he will. And he’s got all of us to help him get there.” He looks at me, his eyes filled with emotion. “You’re a good dad, Nate. He’s lucky to have you.”

I feel my throat tighten, and I look down at Ethan, my heart swelling with love for this tiny boy who’s changed everything. “I’m the lucky one,” I whisper, my voice thick. “He’s everything to me.”

Riley reaches out, resting a hand on my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “We’ve got a good thing here, you know? All of us. A family. And we’re gonna make sure Ethan knows just how loved he is. Every single day.”

I nod, my eyes meeting Riley’s, and I know he means every word. We’ve fought for this—fought for each other, for Sofia, for Ethan—and we’re not gonna let anything take it away from us. Not now, not ever.

I turn back to Ethan, leaning down to press another kiss to his soft cheek. “You hear that, buddy?” I say, my voice gentle. “You’ve got all of us. We’re always gonna be here for you. No matter what.”

Ethan coos in response, his tiny fingers wrapping around mine, and I feel my heart swell with love, with hope. This is what it’s all about—this little boy, this family we’ve built. It’s more than I ever could have dreamed of, and I’m gonna spend the rest of my life making sure he knows just how much he’s loved.

I look up at Riley, a smile tugging at my lips. “Wanna help me show him some stretches? Start him young?” I say, my voice teasing.

Riley laughs, nodding. “Yeah, let’s do it.”

And as we lay there on the mat, showing Ethan how to move his little arms and legs, his laughter filling the gym, I know that no matter what comes next, we’re gonna be okay. We’ve got each other, we’ve got Sofia, and we’ve got this little boy who’s brought so much light into our lives. And that’s all we need.

After a while, Riley sits cross-legged beside Ethan, who’s now lying on his back, his eyes wide with curiosity as he looks up at the ceiling. Riley takes Ethan’s tiny hands and moves them gently in a rhythm, pretending to make him punch. “Look at that, already learning how to throw a jab,” Riley says, grinning down at Ethan. “You’re gonna be a tough one, huh?”

I laugh, lying down beside them, resting my head on my arm. “He’s got his uncle Riley to teach him all the moves,” I say, my voice filled with affection. “But I bet he’s gonna have Sofia’s determination. That’s where the real strength comes from.”

Riley’s smile softens, and he nods. “She’s incredible,” he says, his voice almost reverent. “And this little guy... he’s gonna have the best of all of us.” He looks at me, his eyes filled with a kind of determination I’ve seen before—when we were fighting for Sofia, when we were making plans to protect her and Ethan. “We’re gonna give him everything we never had. A safe place. A real family.”

I reach over, resting my hand on Ethan’s chest, feeling the gentle rise and fall of his breathing. “Yeah,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “That’s the plan.”

For a while, we just sit there, watching Ethan as he kicks his legs, his little toes curling in excitement. He’s so full of life, so innocent, and I know that I’ll do anything to keep it that way. To keep him safe from the darkness we’ve all faced. I want him to have a childhood filled with laughter, with love, with moments like this—moments that make everything else fade away.

Riley shifts, lying down beside Ethan, so that the little guy is sandwiched between us. “Think he’s ready for some tummy time?” Riley asks, raising an eyebrow at me.

I smile, nodding. “Yeah, let’s give it a shot.”

We gently roll Ethan onto his stomach, and he lets out a little grunt, his head lifting slightly as he tries to push himself up. His face scrunches in concentration, and I can’t help but laugh, the pride I feel for him bubbling up inside me. “Look at you, buddy,” I say, my voice filled with encouragement. “You’re so strong.”

Riley claps softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Go, Ethan! You’ve got this, little man!”

Ethan wobbles a bit, his tiny arms struggling to hold himself up, but he doesn’t give up. He keeps trying, his determination clear even at this young age. I exchange a glance with Riley, and I know we’re both thinking the same thing—he’s got Sofia’s spirit. Her strength. And that’s something that can’t be taught.

After a few minutes, Ethan lets out a frustrated little whine, and I reach over, gently rolling him back onto his back. “Alright, alright,” I say, chuckling. “That’s enough for now, champ. You did great.”

Ethan’s eyes meet mine, and he gives me a tired but happy smile, his little hands reaching for me. I scoop him up, holding him close, and press a kiss to his forehead. “I’m so proud of you,” I whisper, my heart swelling with love.

Riley sits up, ruffling Ethan’s hair gently. “You did awesome, buddy,” he says, his voice soft. “You’re gonna grow up to be one amazing kid. I can already tell.”

I cradle Ethan against my chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his breathing, and I close my eyes for a moment, letting the love I feel for him wash over me. It’s moments like this that remind me of what’s truly important—of why we keep fighting, why we keep pushing forward. It’s all for him. For Sofia. For this family we’ve built together.

Riley stands up, stretching his arms over his head. “Alright, I think it’s time for a snack break. What do you say, Nate? Want me to grab us something from the café next door?”

I nod, smiling. “Yeah, that sounds great. Thanks, man.”

As Riley heads out, I sit back down on the mat, holding Ethan close, his tiny body warm against mine. I rock him gently, humming a soft tune, and he starts to relax, his eyelids growing heavy. I watch as he slowly drifts off, his breaths evening out, and I feel that familiar sense of peace settle over me.

The gym is quiet, the only sound the distant hum of the air conditioning and the soft rustle of Ethan’s breathing. I look down at him, my heart so full it almost hurts. “I promise you, little man,” I whisper, my voice barely audible. “I’m always gonna be here. No matter what. You’re never gonna face anything alone.”

And as I sit there, holding my son, I know that no matter what comes next, we’ll be ready. Because we have each other. And that’s all we need.