Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 209

Erica has always been a sharp cookie. She wasn't entirely sure if Ashley was spot on, but her words hit home. The young girl had been single for years, which raised some eyebrows. So, she nudged Ethan, "Ethan, I think Ashley's onto something. I didn't want to be a helicopter mom before you tied the knot, but now that you're hitched, and with Silvia being a special case, you need to think about Izzy's feelings too, don't step on her toes."

Lauren chimed in, "I second that. You can't be hanging out with Silvia like the good old days, you need to tread lightly."

Ethan acknowledged their concern with a nod and an easy smile, "Mom, Auntie, fear not, I've got this well in hand." He knew how to navigate these waters. Since Silvia's return, Lucas had been his go-to for managing her affairs. Their worry was unfounded.

Seeing them take her advice, Ashley was over the moon.

Ines was out like a light and didn't wake up until Ethan called her name way too many times. She was a bit miffed, turned over, and hit the hay again, completely ignoring Ethan.

Watching her cute face, Ethan whispered, "Izzy, time to grub, you've been sawing logs for too long, you'll be counting sheep tonight."

Ines begrudgingly opened her eyes and complained to Ethan, "I don't feel so hot, quit bugging me."

Hearing this, Ethan couldn't help but knit his brows, "What's wrong?"

Ines clammed up.

"Izzy, you gotta tell me what's wrong, or it might affect our little bun in the oven."

Ines immediately said, "Just a bit of chest tightness." Hearing this, Ethan let out a sigh of relief, "You can tell me these things straight up. It's no biggie, I've read about this, it's totally normal."

Ines looked at Ethan in surprise, "How do you know so much?" Just a few days ago, he was as clueless as her, how did he learn so much in such a short time?

Ethan pinched her face and hummed, "It's those boring things you were talking about before, I've been hitting the books recently."

Ines wrapped her arms around his neck and laughed, "Then keep cracking the books, with you around, I can rest easy."

Ethan slipped his hand under Ines's pajamas and placed it on her stomach, he gave a small smile and whispered, "Did you hear that, girl? Your mom's a lazybones, she's not up to snuff, your dad's the one who's got your back, you should get chummy with dad once you're born."

Ines didn't want to argue with Ethan's strong desire for a daughter, "Ethan, you're so annoying."

Ethan didn't pay any mind and continued, "See, your mom doesn't want to deal with dad anymore, you should get close to dad ASAP, so dad will protect you in the future."