When he saw her standing still and hesitant, Alexander gently placed the clothesline pole down, turned around, and carried her back to the bed.
Sophia felt a tinge of embarrassment as she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
Alexander’s skin felt cold to the touch as he had been standing on the balcony for quite some time.
Realizing this, he gently released Sophia after placing her back on the bed. He then tucked the covers around her and chided, “It’s cold out there, so you’ll catch a cold if you spend too long standing outside.”
Sophia countered, “You’ve closed the floor-to-ceiling window. The wind won’t be able to reach me. Hence, it’s not considered outside.”
Alexander caressed her head tenderly in response. Removing his jacket, he threw it onto the swing chair. He then carefully lifted her, still wrapped in the blanket, and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. “It’s still cold.”
With that, he pulled Sophia into his loving embrace.
Amused by his overprotective nature, Sophia cried out, “We have a heater in the room, you know!”
Alexander remained silent as he gave her a knowing look. He then reached into the pile of clothes she had placed by the bed and retrieved a sweater. “It’s still cold.”
The room was dimly lit, with only a nightlight emitting a soft glow.
After putting on the sweater, Sophia looked up and observed Alexander as he put on the overcoat for her. Affectionately, she rubbed her head against his chest. “The baby says it misses its daddy.”
“And what about its mommy?”
“She misses its daddy too.”
Ever since she fell pregnant, she had become especially affectionate and attached to Alexander. His heart warmed as Sophia hugged him tightly.
He placed the overcoat by the side and returned the embrace, savoring the tender moment. “What would you like for dinner?” he asked.
After some thought, Sophia answered, “Something hot and comforting.”
“Hotpot?” Alexander suggested, wondering why she insisted on beating around the bush instead of directly stating her preference.
Sophia smiled in acknowledgment. “Sure. It’s been a while since I had hotpot.”
Alexander supported Sophia’s dietary preferences and allowed her to eat whatever she wanted. Sophia was also mindful of her diet, preferring simple and healthy foods even before her pregnancy. During her pregnancy, she continued to make nutritious choices and rarely craved indulgent treats like hotpot, barbecue, or ice cream.
Sophia’s craving for hotpot prompted Alexander to call Felix and have the food delivered right away.
He knew that regardless of where they ate it, hotpot was still hotpot, and having it at home would allow him to ensure they had clear soup.
Ever since she fell pregnant, Sophia had been avoiding spicy foods to prevent any discomfort, opting for bland and plain options instead. As hotpot was a rare treat for her, Alexander thoughtfully prepared two soup bases for that day’s meal, mushroom broth and chicken broth.
Sophia had never been fond of spicy foods, and she rarely indulged in them, except for the occasional times when she shared a meal with Katherine in the past.
However, now that she was pregnant and dealing with a sensitive stomach, she avoided anything spicy altogether.
A few days after their return from the capital, Sophia reached her twentieth week of pregnancy. Alexander accompanied her for the third prenatal checkup, and they received reassuring news.
The results were ideal. Sophia had always maintained a good physique, and aside from her weak stomach during pregnancy, everything else was in excellent condition.
Shortly after the hospital visit, Jadeborough experienced its second snowfall of the year.
As the final week of the year approached, they began preparations for the upcoming New Year celebrations.
On the special occasion of New Year’s Eve, Sophia baked a delightful beef pie; while Alexander prepared four other dishes to complement the festive dinner.
As the night drew near, the faint sound of firecrackers filled the air, heralding the arrival of the New Year.
Despite the strict rules prohibiting firecrackers in recent years, the enthusiasm of the kids remained undiminished.
Sophia watched the distant fireworks from the floor-to-ceiling window, though they were far and few as private individuals were cautious not to violate the law with excessive displays.
Alexander emerged from the bathroom with his still-damp hair and hugged Sophia from behind.
His cool hair sent a shiver down her spine, causing her to fidget as she turned to face him. “The year passed by so fast.”
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