Chapter 532 Happy Times for a Family of Four
Ashley called out, "Kids, dinner's ready!"
The aroma of delicious food wafted through the bamboo cottage.
The two children in the living room turned toward the sound of their mother's voice. "Wow, Mommy! That smells amazing!"
"Darlings, wash your hands and come eat."
"Come on, let Daddy take you to wash up," Ethan offered.
"Okay!"
Ethan carried a pot of food to the table, then guided the children to the bathroom to wash their hands.
This was the first time their father had personally taken them to wash up before dinner, and both children felt a tremendous sense of happiness from this simple act.
After washing, the family of four settled around the table and began enjoying their meal.
"Wow, Mommy, these steaks smell incredible!"
Ethan smiled tenderly at his family. "Andy, I know you love steak. Let me cut it for you."
"Daddy, how did you know I like steak?" Andy asked, delighted by the attention.
"I've watched you eat several times. Even though I wasn't eating much myself, I noticed the details," Ethan explained. "Andy prefers beef and broccoli, while Nate loves seafood and salad. Am I right?"
"Wow, Daddy's so observant!"
Ashley watched them with contentment, touched by Ethan's attentiveness. He had dined with the children only a few times, yet had memorized their food preferences.
"Ethan, what do you like to eat?" she asked.
Ethan gave Ashley a meaningful look and whispered in her ear, soft enough that only she could hear: "I like you."
Ashley's mind exploded like fireworks.
She nudged his foot under the table, blushing. "Stop that nonsense."
"Mommy, what did Daddy say to make you say he's talking nonsense?"
Ashley's face turned an even deeper shade of red.
The man had no shame, speaking like that in front of the children.
"Nothing."
"I was just telling your mother that..."
Before Ethan could finish, Ashley quickly grabbed a piece of beef and stuffed it into his mouth. "Hush! Can you please just eat without talking?"
Ethan flashed a mischievous smile at the children, feigning innocence. "See that? I'd tell you, but your mother won't let me."
Nate and Andy exchanged glances before dissolving into giggles.
Innocent Nate ventured a guess: "Daddy and Mommy were whispering secrets! Are you hiding some treats you don't want to share with us?"
"Nate, you're so clever! You're right," Ashley played along. "After you finish your dinner, I'll bring out the fruit platter I've been hiding. How does that sound?"
"Great!"
"Now eat up, everyone."
The four of them settled into their meal, savoring this simple, perfect moment of domestic bliss.
"Pearl, you've worked hard. Have some more meat," Ethan offered.
"Thank you."
Ashley focused on her food while Ethan started eating as well. Since being with her and eating her cooking, his food aversion had mysteriously disappeared.
Eating the meal she prepared filled him with inexplicable happiness.
They all enjoyed a satisfying dinner. Afterward, Ethan volunteered to clear the table and wash the dishes. When he finished, Nate suggested, "Daddy, can we go play outside?"
"Of course. Where would you like to go?"
"I want to try the water park!"
"I want to go fishing."
Nate and Andy had different preferences.
"How about we visit the water park first, then go fishing? Would that work?" Ethan proposed.
"That's perfect."
Ethan took both children by the hand. "Pearl, shall we go?"
"Yes, let's."
Ashley joined them as they strolled through the resort.
The entire property had been cleared for their private use. While it felt somewhat empty, it also gave them complete freedom to enjoy themselves.
At the water park, staff members activated the equipment for them. Ethan took the children to the top of a towering water slide while Ashley, too frightened of the height, watched from below.
"Andy, Nate, are you scared?" Ethan asked.
The slide was impressive—about 120 feet high with several twists and turns.
Nate peered down and his legs began trembling. "Daddy, it's so high! I'm scared."
Andy looked down confidently. "What's there to be afraid of? There are safety measures everywhere. As long as you position yourself correctly, there's no problem."
"Nate, learn from your brother. But don't worry—I'll hold you both. Come here."
"Okay, Daddy."
Ethan gathered both children in his arms. "Here we go! Ready?"
"We're..."
Before they could finish speaking, Ethan pushed off, sending them speeding down the slide. Andy, who had appeared so brave moments earlier, screamed continuously.
Nate laughed. "Andy! You called me a scaredy-cat, but you're scared too! You were just pretending to be brave!"
Andy looked embarrassed.
Ashley watched them with a smile, taking out her phone to record the precious moment.
As she held her phone, she remembered she needed to call her brother.
She dialed Liam's number, breathing nervously as she waited for him to answer.
She silently prayed, 'Come on, please pick up.'
The call connected, and a man's voice came through, "Hello? Who's this?"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
