Chapter 698
[ 512 words ]
Chapter 698:
Jeremy had already gotten the charcoal grill going by the time we reached the outdoor campsite. Fat dripped onto the glowing coals with a steady hiss, and the mouthwatering aroma of grilled meat drifted through the air.
The spot he had picked was wide and level, with an endless view of the horizon stretching out in the distance and a lush green lawn nearby. It was the perfect place for Ruby and Silas to run around and play.
Tracy’s eyes sparkled as she fixed her gaze on the skewers sizzling over the fire and the barrel of cold beer sitting beside the grill.
“You can’t drink,” I said, sitting down beside her and reminding her gently. “You’re pregnant now, so you have to be careful with what you eat and drink. You’re not just taking care of yourself anymore.”
𝘙𝗲a𝘥 𝘧𝗿𝘦𝘦 𝗇o𝘷𝘦𝗅𝗌 𝗼𝘯 𝗴𝖺𝘭𝗻ovе𝗹𝘴.𝗰o𝘮
“Seriously, Lianne, you’re sounding more and more like my mom.” Tracy puffed out her cheeks, then grinned mischievously. “When you were pregnant with those two, didn’t you secretly drink plenty of Moonwine yourself?”
The smile on my lips froze for a brief moment, and I lowered my eyes in embarrassment.
There had been far too much happening back then. My father’s death, Ethan leaving, the crushing responsibility of holding the family together. Everything had piled onto my shoulders until drinking became the only way I knew to escape.
“That was Moonwine,” I insisted. “It’s good for the body, and it doesn’t harm the babies at all.”
Realizing she had touched a sensitive subject, Tracy wisely dropped it. She gave me a cheeky salute. “Yes, ma’am! I’ll follow your orders!”
Although she promised to stay away from alcohol, Tracy was still her usual energetic, fearless self. She acted as though she had forgotten she was pregnant. One moment she was chasing the children around to tease them, and the next she was reaching for the barbecue tongs in Jeremy’s hands.
I couldn’t take my eyes off her, worried she might fall.
“Ethan, look at Lianne. She’s been staring at me this whole time. Don’t tell me you’re jealous?” Tracy ducked behind me and stuck her tongue out at Ethan while he sliced the meat.
I had expected him to ignore her with his usual detached attitude. Instead, he paused what he was doing. A genuine smile tugged at his lips as he looked directly at me. “Of course I’m jealous. So could you give me a little more of your attention, Lianne?”
His direct answer caught even Tracy off guard, completely ruining her attempt to tease him.
Sensing the perfect moment to make an exit, Jeremy immediately dragged Tracy away, mumbling under his breath, “Come on. Just leave them alone. Can’t you tell they’re acting like newlyweds?”
Once they left, only Ethan and I remained beside the grill.
A cool breeze rolled in from the sea, carrying away some of the lingering warmth of the afternoon.
His unwavering gaze made heat creep into my face. Feeling shy, I lowered my head and got busy turning the vegetables on the grill.
Ethan suddenly set the carving knife aside, walked around the table, and stopped in front of me.
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