Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 511

Lauren disagreed with her husband, chiming in, “Don’t control our daughter so much. She’ll get married eventually. Right now, young people love the thrill of dating. They can be in a relationship for several years before they decide to tie the knot. Ashley won’t be getting married anytime soon. I think we should let her be a bridesmaid at Ethan’s wedding. It’s a great opportunity for her to shine and maybe even catch the eye of a handsome bachelor. If we wait too long, all the good men will be taken. Then we’ll have a hard time finding her a suitable match.”

The phrase “handsome bachelor” made Ashley lower her head in embarrassment. Her mom’s dream was lovely, but soon they would realize the harsh reality. Ashley remembered a post she’d read once. The United Nations defined youth as seventeen to twenty-four years old while some native standards ranged from eleven to thirty-four years old. But by any of these definitions, Aaron didn’t fit in anymore. He had just celebrated his 34th birthday last month, officially stepping into middle age.

Also, she didn’t plan on having a long courtship. She planned to get married right after graduation.

Ines eyed Ashley’s changing expressions, struggling to hold back her laughter. Luckily, Ethan squeezed her hand just in time, preventing her from laughing out loud.

After their family reunion, they all hit the hay early. Poor Ethan, with his injured back, had to sleep on his side.

Their two little babies engaged in a new game they’d learned. One was climbing onto Ethan’s waist, and the other was pressing against his legs. Ethan laughed, “I’ve been away for only a couple of weeks, but my little ones have learned a new game. What are you trying to do?”

The little ones couldn’t articulate their thoughts yet, so they just gestured wildly with their hands. Ethan laughed, “I get it now. You’re trying to keep daddy from moving, right?”

The kids giggled. Ivy started bouncing up and down, as if she was riding a horse. Ethan quickly understood their intention.

Every time Olivine bounced, Ethan would make a horse sound. His cooperation made the kids even more excited. The room was filled with their laughter and joy.

Ines came out of the bathroom to this heartwarming scene and cautioned Ethan, “Be careful, Ethan. Ivy bumped her head this morning doing this. It’s still a bit red.”

Ivy had inherited her mother’s delicate skin, so even minor injuries would leave a mark. Ethan scooped Ivy up and flipped her over to lie on top of him, and then kissed her cheek. He noticed her forehead was still slightly swollen. “So our little princess grew a horn because she was being naughty this morning. You can ride daddy, but not mommy, okay?”

Ivy ducked her head to hide, and Ines suddenly noticed Ethan was lying flat on his back. She gasped, “Ethan, you forgot about your injury. You can’t lie on your back.”

Ethan hadn’t realized it until Ines mentioned it. Now he felt a burning sensation on his back. He grunted in pain, and Ines quickly scooped Ivy away from him, allowing him to turn onto his side. She checked his wound and saw that one of the cuts seemed to have reopened. There was blood seeping through the bandage.

Ines felt a mix of concern and frustration. She fetched some bandages to redress the wound. “Ethan, don’t indulge the kids too much for now. Once you’re fully healed, you can play with them all you want. But now your wound can’t take this constant strain.”