The Before [Prequel- Part 2]

Past and Future

~~~Catherine's pov~~~

I slept soundly for a few hours before being awoken by the smell of something absolutely delicious.

Well, that and minor stomach pain, but that part was probably nothing to worry about.

I had been feeling some small Braxton Hicks contractions for the last twelve hours or so, but they weren't anything serious, which is why I didn't bother Loki about it.

My doctor told me early on that I was going to experience pretty frequent faux-contractions during the last month before delivery, so none of it came as a surprise and I just ignored it.

I couldn't ignore two other things, however.

One, the delicious freaking smell coming from downstairs that made me so hungry I could barely stand it, and two, the fact that the door to the nursery was open and the light was on.

Curious, I took a few more steps towards the door, and when I looked inside I was met with the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

The entire nursery was set up.

Loki had not only painted and furnished the room, but he also set up the crib, the changing table, and even the rocking chair he had gotten me as an early anniversary gift for our actual wedding anniversary in September.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I walked further into the room, taking note of all the small details he had obviously put so much thought into.

Like how all of the furniture's sharp corners had been covered, and how the baby's clothes had already been folded neatly and stored away in a small dresser.

It was perfect.

"Your dad really loves you, you know that?" I spoke softly as I rubbed my baby bump.

I felt a small kick in response, so I think it was safe to assume she heard me.

After exiting the room, I cautiously made my way down the stairs, gripping the railing tightly as I descended, and went to find Loki. And also the source of that amazing smell.

Judge all you want, but pregnancy cravings are no joke. And whatever food was making that smell had effectively triggered every single craving I've ever had.

Funnily enough, I found both of the things I was looking for in the kitchen, where Loki was evidently cooking something.

His back was turned away from me as he stirred a pot on the stove, so I took the opportunity to sneak into the room and stand a few feet behind him, right in front of the window.

"You're amazing, you know that, right?" I let out a small laugh when I just couldn't take it anymore.

I literally just took a nap and in that time, Loki managed to paint and set up a whole nursery, and still make a whole meal.

Well, I mean, he is a god. And he does have magic. That probably sped things along.

"Amazing is a strong word. It's the right one, still, strong." He smirked as he turned around to face me and set down one of the wooden spoons he had been using to cook.

Seriously, what could he have possibly made that would smell that good?!

"Did you get any rest?" He asked, walking over to me and pulling out a chair for me to sit.