“Understood.” Ryder acknowledged, anticipating that Brianna would not react positively upon discovering the situation; however, he reasoned that it would merely involve a few photographs, and she likely would not become excessively upset.
“Hello, I heard you provided Brianna with food this morning.
Luca affirmed with a nod and rose to his feet. I was awake, and she was exiting her room. I proposed no significant matter.
“I appreciate it.”
Observed the man dismiss it, stating, “I will retrieve the cars.” You, I, Brianna, and Logan will be in one vehicle, while Nolan, Stella, Enzo, and Betsie will occupy the other.
“Betsie?”“
“It appears they require new infant furnishings for their new suite.”
“I apologise; it momentarily escaped my memory amidst the circumstances surrounding Brianna.”
Luca nodded in agreement and exited his office.
One hour later, they arrived in Helena. After Luca parked the vehicle, he exited and assisted Logan from the car, extending his hand to Brianna. She merely gazed at him before exiting independently. He made an attempt.
They all ambled leisurely along the pedestrian mall. There was no genuine urgency whatsoever. He permitted Brianna, Stella, and Betsie to pause and observe whatever captured their interest.
She refused to allow him to pay for anything, neither for herself nor for Logan. It vexed him; he desired to be capable of providing for her and their son. Certainly able to finance it.
However, he maintained complete control, merely smiling and nodding as if it did not affect him, despite the fact that it truly did. She was accustomed to paying for everything.
He was aware that she could afford it, likely with no restrictions on the platinum AMEX she was using. Similar to him, she did not even glance at the prices, fully confident in her ability to afford them.
He purchased coffees for all except Betsie, who abstained from caffeine during her pregnancy, and provided her with herbal tea, while Logan received a strawberry milkshake. He walked alongside Brianna, holding the boy’s hand; at one moment, Logan, positioned between them, appeared content.
Brianna regarded him with an arched eyebrow when he performed that action. Ryder smiled at her, resolute in his intention to hold his son’s hand and present themselves as a family. He had no plans to cease this behaviour until the boy was too mature for it, he presumed.
Two hours into shopping, Ryder was quite pleased when Logan expressed fatigue from walking, stating that ‘his feet hurt.’ Ryder simply lifted him onto his shoulders, asking, ‘Is this better?’He enquired.
“Indeed, I can observe everything from this vantage point; you are quite tall, Father.”
Ryder smiled, “I presume you will be as well, akin to Grandpa and me.”
The boy cherished using the term ‘dad’ as much as ‘mum’; when he wished to draw attention to something for either or both, he expressed it twice with the complete sentence, “Mum, Dad, look at that.”
Significantly warmed his heart. Logan was unequivocally committed to their familial bond.
“Shall we procure some lunch?”“He proposed as Betsie took a seat, appearing somewhat fatigued.”
They dined in an elegant saloon and grill establishment. He presented Brianna with a glass of wine, only to remember her assertion that she abstained from alcohol. Consequently, he proposed an alternative from the bar, which she declined, opting instead for a soda, similar to Logan’s choice.
The conversation at the table predominantly centred on Betsie and Enzo’s impending new puppy. She was merely two months pregnant but appeared to be exhibiting a slight bulge, speculating whether there might be multiples, yet chose to refrain from further contemplation, as they would disclose the s*x or the possibility of twins at their discretion.
Logan also had enquiries for his Uncle Enzo and Aunt Betsie. They were now considered family to the boy, as Enzo was Nolan’s brother. Enquiries were made regarding their other children, the number of cousins he suddenly had, and how many children they desired. He asserted that he was an only child.
Betsie giggled at him, saying, “You will undoubtedly have brothers and sisters one day.”
Witnessed Brianna nearly expel her beverage, eliciting laughter from all present. She, however, appeared to find it entirely unamusing, unwilling to pursue that path.
They were connected, and at some juncture, she must have anticipated its arrival.
Ryder merely smiled at her in response to her glare. Although he did not articulate it, her facial expression suggested she anticipated he would terminate that line of discourse. Particularly when she discovered Logan gazing at her with a questioning expression. Ryder refrained from participating in that matter, as he was entirely unaware of her opinions on the topic.
They would need to discuss it eventually, but only after she had completely embraced him. It was premature for that, however. Nevertheless, if she enquired, she would receive an unequivocal affirmative; he had not witnessed her pregnancy with Logan, had missed significant moments, and desired to share that experience with her.
When Brianna failed to respond to Logan, the boy’s gaze shifted directly to him, silently enquiring about the prospect of having siblings. It appears he appreciated the concept. Brianna discreetly kicked him under the table, prompting laughter; it was not painful and seemed intended merely as a caution to remain silent.
