My Best Friends Mate

Chapter Forty Nine

CRAIGS POV

I'm going to be a father. I would be the father I never had to this child  and he or she would not grow to know the hate, the pain and the loneliness that had become my constant companion all these years I thought to myself as I gave Kiara a loving look and opened the door for her.
"So, what's the big surprise?" She asked.
"Just be patient love" I reassured her.

I drove her to her cabin and when we arrived I watched her has she hesitated to go in. I could sense she wasn't afraid, it was more like she was in deep thought.
"So much has happened since I first came here" she said and her face became solemn.
In a desperate attempt to change the mood I swept her up, cradling her into my arms and carried her through the door only to gently sit her down on her bed. Her light giggle was only hushed by me kissing her.
Placing both hands on each of her thighs I made my way over to her small pantry to bring out some croissants to her.
"How do you know I like croissants?" And raised her brow.
"Because the only time I ever see you eat, it's a croissant."
"Well, aren't you more observant than what I gave you credit for?" And she winked at me.
As I left her to her flaky pastry I found my way to her closet to find some mma shorts, the black ones with white insignia on them, and a black tank top.
Tossing them beside her on the bed I said, "here, these may be more comfortable "
I could see her protruding cheek where her pastry was being stored as she turned her head to look at me, again surprised.
I could only chuckle.
"Don't look at me like that love. I've observed you more than you think."
Kiara was casual and comfortabley dressed, only getting fancy for special occasions.
I watched her swallow the last peice of bread and calmly stood up, brushing the crumbs off of her.
"OK, Emerson. Spill it" she said with her hands on her hips and looking at me.
"Get dressed. I'm taking you somewhere"

KIARAS POV

These days it seemed Craig knew me better than anyone and sometimes I wondered if it was the mate bond or because of the time and effort he put into me. As I stood at the entry way of my cabin before we entered my mind reminisced on my first time arriving here and everything in between. Seeing Ryan, finding out about Alyssas pregnancy, Michael and the hunters and finally, Craig, my mate.  So much had happened and honestly I didn't feel like I knew who I was anymore. It seemed so simple back at Silvermoon. Kiara Huddleston, sister to Dustin, daughter to Eric and Selene, elite special forces operator and assassin. Now, who was I?

I got dressed in the clothes Craig had laid out for me. I could do this myself but I know it made Craig feel helpful and these acts of service, were his love language.  It was getting dark and my mind began to wonder at what this surprise could possibly be. What more surprises could I handle today.. it was just this morning I found out I am going to be a mother.
Sliding into Craigs chevelle, I put my hands over my stomach and my heart fluttered thinking about it. It made me think of my mother and oh how I missed her. I reminded myself to call Emily when I got home. She had been my mother after mines death and we were close.  It had been so long since I've talked to her. Everything had been so chaotic.
Pregnancy must make one tired because I didn't realize I dozed off until I felt the car come to a stop. When I awoke, I saw the same beach Craig and I had always went to. The same beach where he showed me the blue algae, the countless deep conversations, the never ending hand holding, kissing and cuddling, where we would lay in the sand and listen to the waves all the while finding constellations in the blanket of stars above us.

Craig brushed my hair behind my ear. A move that both him and Ryan did and that gave me chills.
"Come on, the sun is almost set. Let's go"
It was a couple hour drive from the territory to the beach. A drive we had taken often as this was his favorite place. During our private time together we would often alternate between the beach and the forest, my favorite place.
We walked hand in hand until we came to our spot and Craig positioned himself behind me so that I could lay on him. Our hands intertwined and placed on my belly.
"What do you think we're going to have?" I asked and looked up to him.
I felt a light chuckle rumble in his chest behind me.
"As long as it's happy and healthy, that's all that matters but.. I hope it's a boy. I don't know the first thing about little girls love"