Chapter 72

From her balcony, Ivy watched Aaron and Grandpa working in the garden. She gently rested a hand on her belly and whispered with a faint pout, “Did you hear your dad? He said he won’t let me do anything. Is that fair?” She paused, then added with a playful sigh, “Your dad is such a bully.” Just as she finished, a voice came from behind. “What are you saying, Ivy?” Startled, she turned around. Her eyes widened. “Mom?” Her heart skipped. Did she hear everything? Ivy scrambled to speak. “I–I was just—” “Hmm?” Her mother raised an eyebrow. “Were you talking about your dad or something? What’s going on?” Relief washed over Ivy when she realized her mother hadn’t heard the whole thing. She quickly nodded. “Yeah, I was talking about Dad. Come here, Mom. Look at Uncle and Grandpa—see what they’re doing.” Her mother stepped beside her and looked down at the garden. A soft smile touched her lips. “Your grandpa’s still strong for his age.” Ivy smiled, watching them. Her hand brushed her belly agai