Wrong Turn, Right Path

Epilogue

Nick's POV

Finally the heat of summer had started to wane and fall was beginning to be felt on the morning and evening breezes. Soon these trees will be awash in glorious colors then blanketed in white.

When I woke up this morning the bed was empty. There was a note that stated that Jemma had gone with my Mom to gather the first of the chestnuts that were just now coming into season. Nate and I had started trading turns for training Maddie in the mornings and it was his turn. She was a quick study and will be a formidable warrior in her own right in no time.

I decided to go for a walk in the morning air. When I stepped outside the world seemed brighter. The day felt important although I can't think of anything going on that would make it so. I shake my head, I'm turning into a damn philosopher. I walk along a path around the pack house towards the front where I know Jemma will be coming from. When I make it there and across the drive towards the treeline something catches my attention. I'm not sure if it was a sound or a flash of light but I turn back towards the pack-house and am in awe of the sight. The dew is sparkling in the morning sun that is rising behind our home.

Jemma's POV

Right before Val and I got to the the tree line we see Nick with his back to us. She winked at me and took the small basket of nuts from my hand before walking back down the trail towards her cabin. I wave a silent goodbye then turn back to Nick. I usually can't sneak up on him but he seems distracted enough by the beauty in front of him I think I might be able to succeed this time.

Careful not to step on any twigs or slide my foot on pebbles I make my way behind him and he still doesn't acknowledge my presence. I wrap my arms around his waist from behind and kiss him between the shoulder blades. At first I felt his body stiffen slightly then he completely relaxed into my arms. He reached around and pulled me in front of him and tilted my chin up, pulled my tight against him and gently kissed me on my lips.

He should know better, these little pups hate being squished. Just as I had that thought they squirmed and kicked trying to get a bit more room in their already crowded space. Nate's face was as comical as ever as he leaned back and looked at my baby bump where you could just make out the movement under my shirt.

Nate's POV

Maddie and I had just finished her training for the morning. We aren't going super hard on her but she has been begging to train and we have a really hard time telling her no, much to Jemma's dismay.

Despite having her run, do push-ups, and sit ups and self defense drills she was still a ball of energy. She was skipping beside me while holding my hand chattering away about how excited she is that Seth was coming for the Harvest Moon Party. Until she darted away towards Jemma's flower garden where she picked a pretty daisy.

"Papa, I want to give this to Mommy. Do you know where she is?"she said when she ran back to my side once again grabbing my hand.

"How about we find her and Daddy together." I look up and see Nick with his arms wrapped around our mate her arms around his neck as they were obviously kissing. "There she is Princess. See I told you we would find them." I said as I approached Jemma from behind

Maddie dropped the flower and jumped into Nick's arms. "Daddy can we go on a run later? I want to ride on your back and Mommy can ride on Papa's back." her voice was so excited it was contagious.

"What do you think Pixie? Should we go on a family run later?" Nick asks Jemma.

She turned around and wrapped her arms around me. She is so gorgeous she still takes my breath away! Her strawberry blonde hair flowing over her shoulders her bright green eyes sparkling in the morning sunshine and her rounded belly that's full of our pups is making her positively glow. "What do you think Love? Would you like me to ride you later?" her words were dripping with an offer other than a run.

Both Nick and I purred at her innuendo. I pulled her close and whispered in her ear "You're welcome to ride me any time, anywhere, and for any reason... you... want...." My voice trails off as I lick her ear than the strongest feeling of deja vu struck me. I met her eyes and I see she feels the same way.

Maddie squeals and starts jumping around and cheering. "This is just like that dream. I dreamed about this. Am I a psycho?"

Jemma's laugh rang through the morning air, "No Maddie, you're not a psycho. But I think you meant to say psychic and you aren't one of those either."

"Can we still go on a run?" She asks

"Yes, Princess, We'll still go on a run." Nick says as he scoops her up and plops her on his shoulders.

"What does it mean that our dream actually came true?" Jemma asked as she wrapped her arm around my waist and I draped mine over her shoulder.

"Well Angel, I take it to mean that we're exactly where we're meant to be. No matter how many wrong turns we took to get here we still ended up on the path we were meant to be on." I kissed her with all the love that I felt. Yup, this is exactly where we are meant to be.

~~~~~~~~~~~

AN: Thank you so much for reading my story. If you enjoyed it please give it some stars and comment on your favorite parts. I love hearing from y'all. :)

Make good choices and spread kindness wherever you go!