Chapter 245 Mr. Yates Burned the Meat
Ethan grabbed the ingredients and tossed 'em on the grill. Ashley mixed up some seasoning and handed it over, saying, "Babe, try my special mix."
Ethan gave a nod and sprinkled it on. The smell hit the air, making the whole Weiss house smell amazing, even folks outside were peeking in.
The aroma was straight-up mouthwatering.
Ethan blurted out, "Did you whip up this seasoning?"
Ashley nodded. "Yeah, didn't I just say that?"
Ethan chuckled, "I'm just blown away. I knew your cooking was good, but this seasoning is next level. You're always full of surprises."
"Think I'm awesome?" Ashley grinned and wrapped her arms around Ethan's waist, playing coy.
"You're the best, babe. Come here, give me a kiss." Ethan pulled her in for a kiss.
Out of the corner of her eye, Ashley noticed Nora watching them with wide eyes.
Ashley blushed, "Cut it out, the kids are watching."
They were all lovey-dovey, and Nathan and Sienna exchanged a knowing smile, feeling a bit envious.
"Ashley," Sienna said, "We need more food. Let's whip up some more dishes."
"Alright." Ashley turned to Ethan, "I'll head inside and help Sienna."
Ethan reminded her, "Your hand's still healing, don't overdo it."
"Got it." Ashley followed Sienna into the kitchen to prep more stuff.
Lily and Nora, tired from playing, ran over to Nathan. Lily grabbed two desserts, handing one to Nora, "Here, this one's for you."
"Thanks, Lily." Nora beamed.
The two little girls found a spot and happily munched on their treats.
Seeing Lily all sweaty, Nathan gently wiped her forehead, "Why are you sweating so much? Drink some water."
"Thanks, Daddy." Lily smiled sweetly, taking the water and sipping it.
Nora watched, a bit envious.
Kids are an open book. Nathan noticed Nora and thought she looked familiar.
"Why are you staring at me?" Nora asked.
Nathan smiled, "You look familiar. What's your mom's name?"
Nora's eyes twinkled, "My mommy's name is Mommy."
Nathan chuckled.
Ethan's voice called from a distance, "Nathan, need a hand here!"
"On my way." Nathan replied.
He patted the girls' heads. "Stay put, don't run off."
"Okay, Daddy." Lily said.
Nathan joined Ethan. The meat on the grill had burned.
"Did it burn?" Nathan asked.
Ethan shrugged. "Looked away for a sec, and it burned. Almost caught fire."
Nathan laughed, "The CEO of Yates Group couldn't even roast meat properly."
Ethan looked a bit frustrated.
Nathan grinned, "Let's handle this together."
The two guys worked the grill.
Nathan said, "Ethan, you went to Aivalia University, right?"
"Yeah, why?" Ethan looked puzzled.
"I was there too, same year, different department. Saw you around campus. You were a big deal back then. Wanted to chat but never got the chance. Funny how we ended up as buddies."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, "Small world, huh? We're alumni."
"Yeah..." Nathan smirked, "Heard the school's sweetheart was after you. She confessed in front of everyone. Remember that?"
Ethan shrugged, "Had people confessing all the time. No clue who you're talking about."
"Those girls were like plain bread to me, totally boring." He added.
Ethan was a total brainiac back in school, all about the books, ignoring the gossip and confessions.
Nathan laughed, "Good-looking folks always get the spotlight!"
Ethan said, "Let's drop it. If Ashley hears, she'll get jealous."
Nathan nodded. "Got it."
"The grilling's almost done. I'll check on Ashley in the kitchen."
Ethan headed to the kitchen. Just as he was about to enter, he overheard the women talking.
"Ashley, your first wedding anniversary is coming up. Got any surprises for Ethan?" Sienna asked.
First wedding anniversary?
Ethan suddenly remembered they'd been married a year!
He'd been so swamped lately, he almost forgot, if not for Sienna's reminder!