Tabitha's POV
While I was lost in thoughts, Dad's words snapped me back to reality. "What's wrong, Tabitha? If something's bothering you, spill it. Don't keep it to yourself."
"Dad, this is just a temporary spot for us. I'm thinking about where we'll live once the babies are born."
Honestly, I didn't want anything to do with Derek anymore, but how was I supposed to escape with my twins in tow?
And where could I even run to?
My wolf paced restlessly in my heart. "The future is so uncertain. I really don't know what to do."
Dad sighed, "I heard from Derek that he bought back the assets of the Silver Moon Pack. Why don't we just head back there?"
"I'll think about it. No rush. It's still early."
I picked up the carpentry tools and said, "Dad, teach me. I wanna make something for my kids too."
"Sure. let's get started," he beamed before patiently guiding me in carving.
I tried to concentrate and followed his steps while my mind was still swirling with worries about what lay ahead.
But for the sake of the twins, I had to stay strong and work hard to create a bright future for them.
Derek's POV
When Joanna sent me a photo of Tabitha and John engaging in carving, I was selecting a wedding dress with Daphne at the bridal shop.
I couldn't stop myself from staring at it right after I received it.
In the photo, Tabitha held a knife in her left hand while securing a small piece of wood between her thighs.
Although she could only use one hand, she was seriously focused on carving the wood.
I enlarged the photo to the maximum, so clear that I could even see her eyelashes.
It took me back to when Tabitha first got pregnant. Back then, her eyes were sparkling, and she chattered like a little sparrow every single day.
"Do you think we're having a boy or girl? What kind of nursery should we set up? Should I buy dresses or suits? Oh my, even picking toys is such a hassle!"
She'd complain about how annoying it all was but kept on picking stuff out patiently. Even though I was very indifferent to her at that time, it couldn't dampen her excitement at all.
Gradually, she also noticed my coldness and stopped coming to me for opinions.
Actually, I knew everything.
She went to the home furnishings market and the baby care stores all by herself, handpicking every item she thought was the best.
She had dreams and hopes for the future, looking forward to the arrival of our firstborn. But here I was, treating her like she was a stranger to me. I bet she must feel both love and fear for the twins in her belly now.
She was like an injured caterpillar, longing to transform into a butterfly, yet afraid of how dangerous the outside world could be.
I lifted my other hand, gently touching the cold screen of my phone.
It was the only way I could get close to Tabitha now.
"Derek! Do you think this wedding dress looks good on me?
"Derek, what are you doing?"
Daphne called out several times before I finally turned toward her, the smile dying on my lips.
"It's nice," I replied flatly, lacking the tenderness I had just shown when looking at my phone.
She wasn't clueless about the fact that I had no feelings for her, but still, she wanted to be my Luna.
Perhaps she thought once she did, Tabitha and I would part ways for good.
Anyway, she ignored my indifference and wore a gentle smile on her face. "Your suit's ready too. Why don't you go and try it on?"
I uncrossed my legs, replying icily, "No need. They've measured me several times already. Nothing can go wrong."
My tone dripped with business-like seriousness—not exactly how a groom who was dreaming about his wedding day should sound.
"Since you're already here, just try it on. It won't take long," she gently persuaded.
Annoyed, I got up and said, "Fine."
As I strode toward the men's fitting room, something caught my eye—a floor-length fishtail wedding dress displayed in the shop window.
I paused briefly before turning around and pressing my palm against the glass.
The image of Tabitha's face flashed through my mind. "Derek, you still owe me a wedding," she once said to me.
Leo whispered inside me, "Can you still give her that wedding?"