CHAPTER 55: CHAPTER 55 GIRLS’ DAY OUT

Caroline’s POV

"Morning,sunshine!" Eleanor bounced into the kitchen in her pajamas.

She went straight to Liam,who was busy eating his breakfast. "How’s my favorite little wolf today?" she asked,kissing his forehead.

"I got up early,Auntie Elle!" Liam said excitedly,milk running down his chin.

"Morning,Elle. You’re this happy because Nate’s coming today,aren’t you?" I laughed as I watched her dance around the kitchen.

"Oh Carrie,I can’t wait to see him!" Elle put her hands over her heart,batting her eyelashes like a lovesick teenager. Elle and Nate had known each other since they were kids. He was the son of the neighboring pack’s Alpha,and their marriage would bring the packs closer. But I knew Elle would have chosen him even if he wasn’t an Alpha’s son.

"Come on then,let’s eat breakfast and go get His Highness’s apartment ready," I teased,happy to see my friend so excited.

After breakfast,we walked to Nate’s new place,just a few blocks from ours. Elle had spent all week organizing furniture delivery and getting appliances set up. Today we just needed to arrange everything and clean up before he arrived.

Mabel stayed with Liam at our place. He was just getting over a cold,and I didn’t want him around all the dust. Plus,this way Elle and I could focus on making everything perfect for Nate’s arrival.

"Carrie,I was thinking about surprising Nate with a romantic evening. Well,except for dinner,since we’re all supposed to have dinner together..." Elle started,her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Absolutely not!" I interrupted,placing a decorative pillow on the new sofa. "You’re going to prepare a full romantic evening for you two,and that definitely includes dinner. We can all have lunch together with Clara tomorrow."

"But Carrie," Eleanor whined,"you know Nate misses you all and is dying to see his little buddy."

"He can see us tomorrow," I insisted firmly. "Let’s finish up here,and I’ll help you prepare the most romantic evening ever. How about greeting him wearing some killer lingerie,with good wine ready,and a delicious dinner waiting..."

"I love it!" she squealed,her eyes lighting up with mischief. "Since he’ll stop by the apartment first to drop off his things,I can pounce on him right away."

The gleam in her eyes made me laugh.

"Then let’s finish quickly because we need to hit the mall for some shopping," I said,feeling my own excitement build. Helping my friend plan her romantic reunion was exactly the distraction I needed.

It felt good keeping busy with organizing Nate’s apartment. After everything Nate and Eleanor had done for me,this was the least I could do.Nate was even starting a business here just to be close to Eleanor while helping pack’s economy. Eleanor told me how he was expanding his family’s business into Harbor Bay,creating jobs for pack members and strengthening ties between our communities.

Once we finished arranging the furniture and stocking the kitchen,Elle and I headed to the mall for our shopping expedition.

We went straight to a gorgeous high-end lingerie boutique.Eleanor chose a stunning crimson corset set with matching negligee that would perfectly complement her warm skin tone.

After watching her try on several options,I decided to treat myself to a white corset set adorned with light blue ribbon details and exquisite lace. I’d always loved beautiful lingerie,even when there was no one to appreciate it but me and my wolf.

When we approached the checkout counter,I placed my hand on Elle’s arm.

"Elle,you’ve been amazing to me through everything,so no arguing.This lingerie is going to be my gift to you and Nate."

"You’re insane,Caroline,absolutely not," Eleanor protested,shaking her head firmly. "This is ridiculously expensive. I can’t accept it."

"You can and you will," I countered,leaving no room for argument.Rory rumbled approvingly in my mind,agreeing that our pack sister deserved this token of appreciation. "Or are you going to offend me and my wolf?" I added with a smile.

Eleanor’s eyes softened. "Oh,bestie,alright. Thank you! Nate won’t know what hit him when he sees me in this,will he?"

"You’re a knockout no matter what,girl," I assured her,squeezing her shoulder affectionately. "Your mate won’t stand a chance."

We left the lingerie store and continued shopping for the other items Eleanor would need for her romantic evening. We walked through the mall,picking up candles,wine,and even some small gifts for Liam. As we headed toward the exit,laden with shopping bags,I heard a familiar voice calling out.

"Miss Bennett? Caroline Bennett?"

I turned around,immediately recognizing Ava,the saleswoman from the dress boutique.