Chapter 484 Preparations Before the Return
Rachel hung up with Esme, clasped her hands behind her back, and strolled over to Nicholas. "Nicholas."
Nicholas looked up, a smile in his eyes. "Finished your call?"
"Yeah, my mom's thrilled I'm bringing someone home," Rachel said softly, her cheeks a bit pink.
Nicholas reached out and gently pinched her cheek, grinning. "Don't worry, I'll make a good impression."
They decided to go back together and booked their tickets right away.
Rachel's lease was due after the holidays, and her landlord planned to sell the place. She wanted to find a new spot and move in before the holidays.
When Nicholas found out about her plan, he wanted her to move in with him but worried it might freak her out. So, he helped her look for a place near his place.
Madison suggested Rachel move into Springside Villa, which was vacant and wouldn't be used much in the future. With a new baby on the way, their family would have five members, and Quentin and Hannah were growing up. It wasn't ideal for a boy and girl to share a room for too long, so they'd likely move back to the villa after staying at Nelson Mansion for a while.
Rachel offered to pay rent, but Madison refused, making Rachel feel awkward about moving in long-term, and she didn't move in at last.
Knowing Rachel's strong-willed nature, Madison handed her the keys anyway, leaving the decision to her.
A week passed, and Rachel still hadn't found a place she liked. Nicholas mentioned his downstairs neighbor was moving abroad and selling their apartment. He offered to cover the down payment for her.
Rachel had never thought about buying a place before, not because she couldn't afford it, but because she always thought she'd return to Frostpine to be with Esme. If she were to buy one, it should be in Frostpine.
But things had changed since meeting Nicholas. Now she was open to the idea but wanted to discuss it with Esme first. If she decided to settle in Horizon City, she hoped Esme would join her. As for the down payment, she couldn't let Nicholas cover it; she had saved enough over the years.
In the end, she didn't buy the place. She packed her things and moved to Springside Villa for now, giving her time to find a place after the holidays. She would decide whether to buy or rent after talking with Esme.
In the following days, Nicholas worked overtime to free up the week before the holidays.
Rachel took some time to visit Madison and her two godchildren.
Madison was thrilled to hear Rachel was bringing Nicholas home and handed her the New Year's gifts for Esme: a neck massager, some dried seafood, and a bracelet she thought would suit Esme.
Rachel looked at the gifts and smiled. "Madison, you're more thoughtful than I am. But the bracelet is too expensive; my mom won't accept it. I shouldn't take it."
"It's not. Just tell Esme it's cheap and to wear it if she likes it," Madison insisted, pushing the bracelet into Rachel's hands.
"Thank you, Madison," Rachel finally accepted.
"You're welcome," Madison said, playfully glaring at her. "Make sure to show Esme how to use the neck massager. I have one, and it's really helpful. Esme often complains about neck pain, so this should help."
"Okay, I'll set it up for her," Rachel said, grinning. "Madison, is your due date soon? You won't have the baby during the New Year holidays, will you?"
"Don't worry, you'll be back in time. The due date is still over a month away," Madison reassured her.
Despite her large belly, she moved easily, though she had trouble sleeping at night. The doctor advised her to sleep on her left side, but staying in one position was uncomfortable, and turning over was difficult, even with Matthew's help.
Seeing Madison's large belly, Rachel couldn't help but ask, "Madison, your belly is so big. Are you having twins again?"
"No, it's just one this time. The baby is just absorbing well, and the doctor says it's overweight. I need to control my diet to avoid complications during delivery," Madison said, standing up and walking to the living room with Rachel.
Since Rachel's visit was unannounced, Quentin and Hannah were out fishing with William and Tristan, so they didn't meet. Only Matthew and Valerie were home. Matthew, working from home, was busy and went to his study after greeting Rachel.
Listening to Madison's pregnancy stories, Rachel marveled at the hardships of pregnancy and childbirth. Being a woman was truly remarkable. The restrictions on diet, the regular check-ups, and the constant worry until the baby was born, followed by the long process of raising the child, seemed daunting. She wasn't ready to be a mom yet.
After chatting for a while, Madison invited Rachel to stay for dinner, but Rachel declined, wanting to cook for Nicholas, who had been working late.
Madison, seeing their strong relationship, felt reassured and let her go.
Rachel, carrying several bags, first went to Nicholas's apartment to drop them off, then went to the market to buy seafood and vegetables.
She planned to cook a nice dinner, as they had been having quick meals all week. Today, she had time to prepare it.
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