I Walked Away Seven Years Too Late But Right on Time novel Chapter 253

While Eileen Harper was serving her sentence, Gavin and Sophie took PTO, bringing Sarah and Ethan back to Philadelphia, road-tripping down from Cape May to Newport before returning after the Columbus Day Weekend.

The baby's first long-distance trip went incredibly smoothly.

The moment they boarded the flight, Sophie had worried Ethan might fuss and disturb the other passengers, but he was completely cooperative, sleeping soundly after his feed until they touched down.

Waiting at the airport, Gillian and Graham Gilmore saw their grandson in Gavin's arms, his big eyes curiously taking in the bustling crowds and colorful luggage, even flashing a smile when Gillian reached for him.

Sophie and Gavin looked completely relaxed, a huge weight lifted off their shoulders.

The older couple had been worried that the baby wouldn't adapt to his first trip and that the new parents wouldn't be able to handle it.

In the car, Ethan remained perfectly well-behaved, sitting securely in his car seat, looking all around with endless curiosity for the new world.

"He didn't fuss on the plane?" Gillian asked.

"Not at all, he was an angel. Mostly thanks to Sophie—Ethan could have an unlimited, all-you-can-drink buffet whenever and wherever..."

Before Gavin could finish his sentence, Sophie pinched him hard on the waist.

Ever since becoming a father, he had gotten a little too carried away, completely losing his filter even in front of his parents.

Gavin winced in pain and immediately snapped his mouth shut.

He was telling the truth, though. They had specifically brought a nursing cover for the trip, allowing Sophie to nurse on demand; if they had to wait to mix formula at the right temperature, Ethan would have cried for ages.

This successful getaway gave Gavin the confidence that having a baby wouldn't stop their family vacations.

When Harold Harper visited on New Year's Day, Gavin and Sophie shared their upcoming plans with him.

They originally thought Harold would go to France to visit Eileen for the holidays, but surprisingly, he said he was tagging along with them.

"The house I bought is close to your place, and I haven't seen Ethan in a long time. I couldn't make it to his first birthday, so I want to spend more time with him over the holidays."

For Ethan's first birthday, Harold had claimed he had urgent business and couldn't make it, opting to mail his gift instead.

Sophie had tried video-calling him during the party so he could see Ethan on camera, but Harold hadn't answered, simply texting that he was in a meeting and it wasn't convenient.

Evening came, and Harold still hadn't returned the call.

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