Whats She Overheard in Her Own Marriage novel Chapter 72

Chapter 72

Finnian shot a complicated look at Miles’s car before turning to Noelle. “Do you want to ride with me

“Sure!” Noelle instantly ducked into the backseat, telling Julian, “Scoot over, Julian.”

Julian flashed a mocking grin. “Call me your big brother, and I’ll make room.”

“In your dreams.” Noelle settled into the middle seat just as Finnian got in.

Her smile grew lighter. She glanced at Julian. “I only have one brother, and that’s Finnian.”

Finnian looked at her with a soft expression. “Stop messing around. I don’t want to be your brother.”

Noelle let out a giggle. “Then what do you want to be?”

“He’s your boss,” Julian immediately interjected.

“Boss. How boring,” Noelle said, laughing again.

In the SUV behind them sat two men and a woman. The woman was Noelle’s best friend, Heather

Shaw.

Bather stared at the second SUV, a flicker of annoyance passing through her eyes.

Stufe set off, flanked front and back by six security vehicles.

was at Shaw Maintain Resort, owned by Heather’s family. The highest peak featured a e, developed clearing le preserving half of the original forest–an ideal spot for camping.

ven in the morning.

The convoy arrived around

Today, Kaia wore a sim beige windbreaker and dark hiking pants, her hair pulled back into a ponytail. Her face war

ompletely bare of makeup, looking fresh and natural.

Noelle wore a chic, high–end outdoor outfit in bright magenta. It was eye–catching. With her hair braided in a side plait, she looked effortlessly energetic and relaxed.

Once on the mountain peak, the group naturally fell into a rhythm of setting up tents, starting a fire, and preg for lunch.

Noell d clearly come prepared. She, Julian, and the rest took charge of most of the food prep. She moved with practiced ease, laughing and chatting, completely owning the role of hostess.

She had even meticulously packed adorable children’s tableware and healthy snacks just for Brynlee.

wasn’t particularly close with Finnian’s friends, keeping things to polite acquaintanceship. She

most of her time with Brynlee. The little girl had brought her own mini–tent. After Finnian #ped set it up, Brynlee grabbed Kaia’s hand. “Mommy, I want to go find pinecones! Let’s go explore

woods!”

was here for her daughter, so whatever Brynlee wanted, Kaia agreed.

Mother and daughter walked toward the adjacent pine forest. The wind rustled the trees, the sky tretched wide and clear, and the distant, overlapping mountains looked magnificent.

Brynlee, look what I found!” Miles’s voice suddenly called out from behind them.

09:12

Bryntes happily ran over and saw Miles holding a wild mushroom

is that the kind of mushroom the little rabbits eat? I want to find some too! Where did you find

“Right over here. Let’s look together Miles patiently guided Brynlee through the underbrush

Kata stood a short distance away, watching the scene.

A few minutes later, Finnian walked over holding a thermos. Kaia was leaning against a tree trunk. while Miles and Brynlee scoured for mushrooms and safe berries nearby.

“Miles is great with kids, Finnian directed the comment at Kala.

Kaia replied flatly, “Yeah.”

“He really needs to hurry up and find someone to marry so he can have his own, Finnian added

Kaia gave him a look. Without missing a beat, Finnian handed her the thermos. “Make sure Brynlee drinks some water soon so she doesn’t get dehydrated.”

Kaia took it and walked straight toward her daughter.

Finnian watched them silently for a few seconds before heading back to the grill and sitting down.

“Finnian, I remember those lamb chops you used to make. They were amazing. You grill, I want to ea yours.”

Noelle looked at Finnian with a beaming smile, exactly like the teenage girl whose every whim Finnia used to indulge.

“Alright.” Finnían walked over, took the fresh lamb skewers, and started grilling.

Nearby, Heather and Julian exchanged a knowing look and smiled.

The other two men were Quentin, who was currently separated from his wife, and Chad, the youngest and most outgoing of the group.

“Remember when we used to come up here all the time? Feels like a lifetime ago,” Quentin remarked nostalgically.

Julian snapped his fingers, holding his drink. “Oh, right! Remember that time capsule we buried eight years ago? Who remembers exactly where we put it?”

Noelle’s eyes flickered. “Oh, yeah! But I have no idea where it is now.”

Lunch passed with everyone laughing and joking. In the afternoon, a few of them set up a card game.

“Kaia, do you want to play? I’ll give you my seat. I’ll take Brynlee for a walk.” Finnian turned and asked Kaia. He knew she liked playing cards and was incredibly good at it–her ability to count cards was

unmatched.

Noelle instantly threw her hands up in mock surrender, laughing in exaggerated panic. “If Kaia sits down, I’m out! The way she wins is downright terrifying.”

Julian looked skeptical. “Is it really that scary? I’m pretty good myself. Come on, Dr. Chavez, play a few rounds with us.”

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