Chapter 107 Nate’s Response
Mia’s POV
Nate’s response was simple and polite.
*Bernard Leblanc is still there, and would definitely meet with you When are you going? I can set something up.
The knot of anxiety in my chest loosened slightly.
*Around the 15th, for two weeks. Still finalizing details. Would really appreciate the introduction.*
Three dots appeared, disappeared, then reappeared.
Absolutely. I’ll email him today. How are you feeling these days?
We all silently agreed not to mention what happened last time.
*I am okay. How are your dogs?*
*Missing their friend Gas. Marie keeps checking his usual spots when we go to the park.*
So did Gas. I smiled.
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*He misses them too. Actually, I was wondering if you might be able to help with something else. If I go to Paris, I’ll need Someone to check on Gas during the day. Mom will be with him at night, but she’s still not up for walks. Would you be interested? He loves your dogs, and they already have a routine.*
The three dots appeared almost immediately.
*Of course. Happy to help. Gas is always welcome with us.*
*Thank you! I really appreciate it.*
*No problem at all. Let me know when you finalize your travel plans, and I’ll email Bernard tonight.*
*Will do. Thanks again, Nate.*
I arrived home soon. When I stood near the door, I called Gas. Gas came immediately. I crouched awkwardly to pet him.
“Hey buddy,” I murmured as he pressed against my legs. “Guess what? You might get some playdates with your friends while I’m gone.”
His tail wagged harder. I knew he understood.
Mom appeared in the hallway, her reading glasses perched on top of her head. “Good day?”
“Productive,” I confirmed, straightening up with effort. “The sensory garden installation is almost complete. Should be finished by next week.”
“Wonderful. And did you talk to Nate?”
I narrowed my eyes at her innocent tone. “Yes, as a matter of fact. He’s going to introduce me to Bernard Leblanc, and he’s happy to help with Gas while I’m gone.”
“I had no doubt,” she said, turning back toward the living room. “Dinner in twenty minutes. I made that pasta you’ve been craving.”
My mouth watered at the mention of her mushroom pasta. Pregnancy cravings were real, and lately, I couldn’t get enough of certain foods. “You’re the best.”
“I know,” she called over her shoulder.
I finished hanging my coat. I headed to my room to change into something more comfortable. My work clothes, even the
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Chapter 107 Nate’s Response
maternity versions, felt increasingly restrictive by day’s end.
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My phone buzzed with an email notification as I was pulling on sweatpants. Nate, already following through on his promise. He was amazingly efficient.
*Mia, I’ve spoken with Bernard. He’s excited to meet you and offered to give you a tour of their main office and the children’s hospital project. I’ve attached his contact information. Just let him know your dates when they’re confirmed.
On a personal note, I hope we can catch up before your trip. Maybe coffee sometime next week? Let me know if you’re free. Nate*
I read the email twice. The politeness in Nate’s tone made me feel a little embarrassed. But I should have expressed my thanks to him face to face. He did me a favour.
I typed a quick response:
*Thank you, Nate. This is perfect. I’ll contact Bernard once my travel dates are confirmed.
Coffee next week sounds great. How about Wednesday afternoon? There’s a place near the children’s center that makes decent decaf.
Mia*
I hit send.
Gas’s nails clicked on the hardwood as he trotted into my room, his favorite rope toy held hopefully in his mouth.
“Playtime, huh?” I laughed, taking the toy and giving it a gentle toss across the room. He bounded after it, his earlier concerns about my absence apparently forgotten in the joy of the present moment.
Dogs had the right idea, I decided, watching him return triumphantly with his prize. Live in the moment. Enjoy simple pleasures. Don’t overthink everything.
I rubbed my belly as one of the twins executed what felt like a perfect backflip. “You two could learn something from Gas,” I murmured. “Like maybe sleeping through the night occasionally?”
My phone buzzed again. Scarlett, this time:
*Emergency!!!! What do you think of these for Paris?? [Image attached]*
The photo showed three pairs of obscenely expensive designer shoes–none of which looked remotely suitable for my current
state.
* Scar, I can barely wear ballet flats right now. Those would literally kill me.*
*They’re not for you, silly! They’re for me! But they need to coordinate with your outfits!*
I laughed out loud, drawing a curious look from Gas.
*The blue ones,* I replied, choosing at random.
*Hmm, you think? The red ones have better arch support
*Then get the red ones! Or all three! You know you want to.*
*This is why we’re friends! And this is why I need you in Paris. Morton just doesn’t understand these thir
I was still smiling when Mom called me for dinner. The pasta was perfect, rich and satisfying exactly the way I’d been craving. We ate in comfortable silence for a while.
“I talked to your doctor today,” Mom mentioned casually, twirling pasta around her fork. “About your Paris trip.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You called Dr. Matthews?”
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“She called me, actually. About the results of your last bined work At my alarmed expression, she quickly added, “Everything’s fine. Just some minor vitamin deficiencies she’s already addressedwith your supplements.”
And you happened to mention Paris?”
“It came up naturally in conversation,” Mom said, looking slightplefensive. “Anyway, she thinks it’s a fine idea as long as you
take breaks and don’t overdo it.”
“I’m sure that’s exactly how she phrased it,” I said dryly.
“The gist was the same,” Mom waved dismissively. “The point is, you have medical clearance. No more excuses”
I could hear the unspoken meaning of what my mother was trying to tell me. She hoped that I could enjoy a trip happily.
“Okay,” I said.
“Now eat your pasta before it gets cold. Those twins need their strength for all that gymnastics they’re doing
Later that evening, I found myself back on my tablet, researching Paris architecture and Leblanc & Associates‘ recent projects. Their work really was extraordinary, innovative but compassionate, technically sophisticated while remaining deeply hurnan- centered. Exactly the kind of spaces I wanted to create.
My phone buzzed with a new email notification. Nate again:
*Great, Wednesday works for me. How about West End Cafe at 3pm? It’s close to the children’s center and they have those lemon scones you like. Looking forward to catching up. -Nate*
Lemon scones are good. Nothing complicated about that.
I typed back quickly:
*Perfect. See you Wednesday at 3. -Mia*
Setting the phone aside, I shifted on the bed, trying to find a comfortable position for my increasingly awkward body. Gas, already half–asleep at my feet, cracked one eye open to check on me before settling back into his dreams.
París, I thought again, the word becoming more concrete with each passing hour. Not an escape, exactly, but a chance to see myself differently. To explore possibilities without the weight of the past pressing down on every decision.
My hand rested on my stomach, feeling the gentle movements of the twins. “What do you think?” I whispered. “Ready for your first international adventure?”
