Chapter 67

Nathaniel's POV.

I was lounging on the couch with Roman nestled on my chest. We were supposed to be watching a movie together, but instead, I ended up watching a cartoon about animals traveling to space while Roman passed out in my arms. There was simply nothing better than having my little boy in my arms if I was being honest.

I looked down at Roman, his chubby cheeks, his perfectly straight nose, the 'o' shape of his lips as he was passed out. I carefully ran my fingers through his hair and kissed his forehead. This was my perfect boy.

I used to mourn missing out on so much of his life, but then I realized how lucky I was to be in his life right now. Every little moment we shared was special to me, and I no longer focused on the past. I just focused on our future, and if Selene allowed me to stick around, the future would be very bright for us all.

"You know, typically when Roman’s passed out I just put him to bed so I can watch my own show," Selene said teasingly. I looked around carefully to see her walking toward me with a smirk.

"I know, but it’s not every night he cuddles with me like this," I smiled, and my eyes drifted to the sleeping boy on my chest again. Selene’s eyes followed, and a soft smile formed on her lips too.

"I suppose he does have that cute clingy koala effect," She laughed softly and shook her head. Selene began to pick up some toys off the couch and chucked them into the large toy bin of Roman. Normally, he’d clean up, but tonight was a bit different.

"I love him so much, I wasn’t aware such love even existed, Selene," I admitted. Selene froze for a second, and her eyes met mine. She studied me closely before a smile formed on her lips.

"It’s parental love, more or less. It’s so dangerous sometimes, but it’s one of the sweetest things I’ve ever got to experience," she explained with a soft voice as her eyes were focused on Roman. There seemed to be many things going through her head, and when we first met, that face bore so many worries. Now, however, it seemed like there was genuine excitement in her eyes.

"I’ll cuddle him for a few more minutes then I'll take him to his bed," I promised. It was almost as if Roman heard, and he snuggled up to me closer.

"Okay, I’ll go shower. Stick around after tucking him in, I need to discuss something with you," Selene said as she began to tie her hair up.

"Oh dear, that never ends well for me," I sighed. I could count all the times she wanted to speak to me in private, and none of them ended well for me.

"It’s nothing terrible, I swear," she laughed. The sound of her laughter was like music to one’s ear.

"Oh, does it involve a certain activity we do without clothes on?" I asked, wiggling my eyebrow.

"Nathaniel!" She whisper-yelled at me and pointed to Roman.

"What? My hunger for you will never be sated, Selene," I said truthfully and winked at her.

Selene just shook her head as she walked off, and I merely smiled. The look on her face that she gave me for leaving was all the answer I needed. I’d definitely get lucky tonight if I played my cards right.

I held onto Roman for at least 10 extra minutes before carrying him up to his room. I tucked him in nicely and made sure to arrange all his stuffed animals just how he preferred them. I’ve known him long enough now to know exactly in which order he loved his things. I understood his personality; I love the little boy I’m raising alongside Selene.

I closed the door carefully, heading back downstairs. I sat on the couch and began to scroll down my social media feed. I noticed I still had to reply to a few messages from Yaden. Shit, I opened the messages and saw Yaden’s messages. He was overly happy; he would remain having sole custody of Yasmine. Yasmine’s aunt had a huge outburst in court and made a string of threats along with Yasmine’s own mother, so that went on record and shall never be forgotten if they ever do decide to try for visitation rights or custody.

I texted him with a simple congratulations. When I looked up, the sweet scent of cherry blossoms caught my nose, and I saw Selene walking over, her fingers threading through her hair.

"Hey, you," I smiled at her as I took in the sight. Her skin was glowing, her lips free of any lipstick, her face carrying the natural blush. She looked utterly stunning, especially in that little slip she wore.

"Hey," she smiled and sat down next to me, her head coming to rest on my shoulder. "Are you still watching the cartoon?" She asked, amused.

"Hey, I wanted to see what would happen to the parrot when we went to space with his furry buddies," I admitted, and Selene laughed, hiding her face in my chest.

"Do not judge me," I began to tickle her until she surrendered.

"So, the thing I wanted to talk to you about was your parents," Selene said, and I immediately became serious and looked at her.

"Oh uhm, what about them?" I asked, feeling all the nerves fill my stomach with anticipation.

"Well, I’ve been talking to my friends, and I want to go visit them back in New York. Kai and Anya want to make this trip back to the States too, and it got me thinking," Selene explained. Of course, she started at the beginning of the story, but I was nervous enough already.

"Yes?" I continued, hoping she’d get to the point she was trying to make.

"I was thinking that since you’ve already proved yourself multiple times it’s best to introduce Roman to his grandparents. The sooner it’s done, the better since his memories will be something he carries for the rest of his life," Selene said. I’ve heard some say they could burst out of happiness, but I never thought I’d experience something like that.

"Selene, are you serious?" I asked, to be sure I heard correctly.

"Yes, I’m very much serious," she smiled.

"Oh my god, this is incredible!" I hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead.

"I’m glad you think so. I’m damn near nervous, but this is the perfect thing for our boy," she said, wrapping her arms around me. Our boy. She called him our boy again.

"Our boy," I repeated and kissed the top of her head again, "It is, thank you so much, Selene, I’ll call my parents right away."

"Or you could call them later, it’s 8 am on a Sunday back in New York City," Selene reminded me, her hand on top of mine.

"Oh right… I think you have something else planned for us at this time," I scooted closer to her. "Don’t you?" I asked, and a smirk formed on her lips.

Before we’d go back to America, I was aware I had to tell my parents about Selene and Roman. Selene had already given me the green light for a week already. It took me a damn week to prepare myself mentally for this conversation, and I still felt nervous about it.

I realize now what I fear: them rejecting Roman. What if they hate Selene? How do I handle that? I cared about everyone in this scenario—my child, Selene, and my parents. I wanted all of us to get along perfectly, but I worried that won’t happen. I know how badly my parents wanted grandbabies.

Selene stole many precious years of enjoying a baby away from us; I had made peace with it. I understand now why she did what she did and focused on the future rather than the past. I just hoped my parents could do the same, put aside their grief for what they lost, and instead be there for Roman.

I knew Roman could benefit from having grandparents; the little guy barely had any family, to be quite honest.

The phone was ringing when finally, Dad picked up.

“Nate? How are you? How’s everything?” Dad asked, and I could hear the happiness in his tone. He and Mom just came back from their vacation, still enjoying the high of it all.

“Everything’s great, Dad. How are you and Mom?” I asked, already knowing Mom was somewhere in the room, listening.

“We are splendid; the cruise was great,” Mom answered cheerfully, her voice a bit further away but still clear as day.

“Yeah? I’m glad to hear so,” I smiled.

“What’s up? How’s the lucky lady doing?” Dad asked to tease, his tone obvious.

“That’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about,” I cleared my throat. I wiped my sweaty palm against my pants, staring out the window where Selene and Roman were outside. They ran after each other, laughing and smiling the entire time.

“Oh shit, did you mess things up?” Mom asked in an annoyed tone. “Already?” she then groaned.

“No, wow, have a little faith in me, will ya?” I laughed and shook my head. I’m glad they think I’d be the problem and not Selene.

“Sorry, honey, your tone is just off,” Mom admitted, and she was right. My tone was off. I was scared of rejection on Selene’s behalf. I told her she had nothing to worry about; I hope that wouldn’t turn out to be a lie.

“Well uhm, she wants to meet you guys, and I think it’s finally time,” I announced.