Chapter 641:
“But he keeps getting involved with questionable women. It wouldn’t bother me if he chose not to marry, but settling down with someone reliable would be a relief. I’m genuinely concerned about his future.”
“What can we do?” His father sighed, acknowledging his worries but feeling the futility in them. They had missed out on so much of Bobby’s younger years, and now, it seemed, they were poised to miss much more.
With the departure of winter, Illerith embraced the fresh bloom of spring. Katherine was now nearly seven months pregnant.noveldrama
That winter, to shield Joelle from Illerith’s biting cold, Adrian had whisked the family away to a warmer clime, ensuring a more bearable pregnancy for her. During a video call, Shawn couldn’t help but exclaim, “Joelle, your face has gotten even rounder than Kathy’s!”
Though Joelle trailed Katherine by two months in her pregnancy, her leisurely days spent dining and resting in the mild foreign weather had allowed her to outpace Katherine in plumpness. Even Aurora, now five years old, didn’t bother her much.
Joelle, noticeably chubbier than Katherine, received reassurances from Adrian. “It’s fine. The doctor says everything is normal.”
However, after ending the call, Joelle expressed her frustration. “You keep urging me to eat more. Ask Leah to scale back these lavish meals she prepares.”
Despite her protests, Joelle invariably ended up eating the most at the table, a testament to Leah’s culinary prowess.
Adrian had quickly learned how to navigate her complaints about her weight. Each time she fretted, he reassured her with a smile. “Even if you’re a bit chubby, you’re still the most beautiful.”
As quickly as it had come, winter faded, and the Miller family returned to their home. They celebrated their homecoming by hosting a reunion with friends and family.
The two expectant mothers, now the centers of attention, sat together, their condition keeping the overly cautious at bay. Leaning over, Joelle asked Katherine in a low voice, “How’s Shawn treating you?”
“Nothing out of the ordinary,” Katherine replied with a nonchalant air.
“Oh, please. I got the scoop from Lily that after your latest prenatal visit, Shawn surprised you with a new house.”
With a mock sigh, Katherine responded, “What can I do? Your brother is excessively generous. Speaking of generosity, I heard Adrian’s organizing your postpartum care? He’s even rearranging his entire work schedule for the first half of the year to be there for the baby himself, isn’t he?”
Joelle massaged her temples—not for show, but because she truly felt overwhelmed. While this was her second baby, it was Adrian’s first brush with parenthood, and his anxiety was palpable.
He had been restless for nights on end, meticulously planning everything from the delivery to the baby’s third birthday festivities, which only added to Joelle’s own stress.
To make sure Aurora didn’t feel left out, they had started a new routine of all sleeping together every night. Aurora was also included in every aspect of the preparations, steadily embracing her upcoming role as a big sister.
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