Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 390

Beasley glanced around, didn't see the kids, and asked, "Where are Ivy and Ollie?" He never really considered himself a kid person, but ever since his grandpa mentioned these two, he couldn’t stop wondering what they looked like.

Ines smiled. "They're upstairs sleeping. Hang on, I'll bring them down."

"Izzy, let me help. You might struggle with both of them," Erica offered, walking with her.

Turned out the kids were already awake, and Ines and Erica soon had them downstairs. Ines handed Olivia to Beasley first. Like most men holding a baby for the first time, he was as rigid as a board, terrified of hurting the child.

Erica watched Beasley, feeling a mix of emotions. At his age, many guys were already dads, yet he didn't even have a girlfriend. "Beasley, relax. She's a month old now, not as fragile as a newborn. Don't be so nervous."

All he knew was that the little girl in his arms was incredibly delicate and he was scared stiff of hurting her. After hearing Erica's words, he slowly relaxed and told little Ivy, "Hey, I'm your uncle, your dad's brother. My name is Beasley."

The baby girl, her clear eyes wide open, gave a crisp laugh, her small mouth curling up at the corners.

Beasley was stunned, making Erica comment, "Ivy sure knows how to pick her favorites. We've been trying to make her laugh all afternoon, and you just say one thing, and she's giggling."

With a gentle touch to her little face, Ivy laughed again, drawing a rare smile from Beasley.

After Beasley held Ivy for a while, she fell into a deep sleep, and he had to put her in the stroller. Then he held Ollie, who was recently becoming calmer. He wasn't as picky or enthusiastic around people, but he too soon fell asleep.

Seeing the two kids together softened Beasley's usually stiff heart. This was the warmth of family, a feeling only home could provide.

He'd only learned of their existence a few days ago. He'd planned to buy gifts yesterday but was delayed by some unexpected business. He vowed to make it up in the next couple of days, true to his new role.

"Alright, Beasley, you must be hungry. Let's eat. We'll have plenty of time together from now on." Phillip, the family elder, declared.

Erica chuckled, wrapping her arm around her son's. "Come sit next to me, Beasley."

Beasley smiled and sat down next to Erica. With only family present and full trust in Ines, Erica didn't hold back any questions. "Beasley, how come you're here safe and sound when I saw you lifeless in bed?"

"I was seriously injured in the car accident, but I was on the brink of life and death, so I didn't die. I fell into a coma and lay in bed for nearly half a year before regaining consciousness. It took another half a year to fully recover."

Erica's eyes filled with sadness. "I'm sorry, Beasley, for not being there when you needed me the most."

Beasley put down his cutlery and gently patted Erica's back. "Mom, it wasn't your fault. I'm a soldier. It's my duty to bear these things. There's no right or wrong."