In the study, Ethan sat alone, the low sound of Axiel's baby monitor heavy in the quiet room. Clara's voice drifted faintly through the speaker, mixed with Axiel's excited chatter. And Ethan didn't know what to feel about their conversation.
A slow breath left him as he heard Axiel repeat Susan's comment from years ago, her pushing him to marry and have children, suggesting he marry Joan. Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose. Great, just great.
His son had the remarkable talent of remembering every single thing he wasn't supposed to. And Clara, she was already guarded and annoyed with him, the last thing she needed was to hear anything that tied him to another woman, even harmless and innocent comments from their eight year old son.
But Ethan kept listening, and then Axiel's voice softened, innocent, and sure, said
