**Chapter 23**

**Ethan's POV**

The week went by fast, being busy with work and Jules. I used my free time to help Jules campaign by working with her to make cookies and cake for her coworker. It was beyond rewarding to assist her, especially how I saw my help easing her worries.

It was time to babysit Mason. It's time for me to show my worth. I went to get food for Jules and me to eat before we got started for the evening.

At the restaurant to pick up the food I ordered for Jules and me, I spotted someone with brunette, lightly wavy hair. She looked so familiar. When she turned around, her striking grey eyes confirmed who she was, and I felt a rush of recognition and warmth. It was Gabriella, Sophia's older sister.

"Hey, Gabby," I said happily, my voice echoing slightly in the bustling restaurant. I hadn't seen her in years, but she looked the same.

She stopped her conversation with the guy and turned to me with a puzzled look, her brows furrowing slightly, and then her eyes widened with recognition.

"Ethan!" she exclaimed cheerfully, her voice excitedly rising. She enveloped me in a warm hug, her floral perfume mingling with the scents of the restaurant.

"How are you?" I asked, surprised to see her.

I only met her a few times when she was in town because she went to boarding school. She and Sophia were close but had a complicated relationship.

"I'm good, just visiting since I got some vacation time," she replied, her voice smooth and melodic, "This is my boyfriend Drew," she introduced.

He looked shocked, as if it was her first time introducing him like that, and smiled brightly. Drew was so different from who I expected Gabby to be with. He seemed like a regular guy with his mechanic work clothes still on with oil and dirt.

I gladly introduced myself to him. It's no use judging someone. Besides, Gabby seemed happy with glee as they held hands.

"And how are you? You look so different with your hair so long," she said, lightly running her fingers through my hair.

"I'm great, honestly," I said, thinking about how nice my life has been. I have Jules in my life and no more resentment for Sophia.

"I saw your sister," I stated, letting her know Sophia and I were on good terms.

Gabby and Sophia weren't on speaking terms when Sophia and I broke up in the past. Therefore, Gabby couldn't help me find Sophia.

"What! That's good news," Gabby said, her grey eyes widening in surprise. She held Drew's hand tighter by the way he yelped, and he gently told her to calm down.

"I knew Sophia was moving back since Alex got a job here," she said, snorting at the mention of Alex's name.

"You're the first person I've ever heard do that to Alex. He's usually quite the charmer," I remarked with amusement.

"I'd love to bad-mouth my brother-in-law with you, but that would take an eternity," she said, rolling her eyes. "So, how is that going?"

"Yeah, it's surprising, but I 'm happy about it," I replied with a smile, holding no tension in my shoulders for Sophia.

"So, you guys are speaking?" she asked, tilting her head slightly as she studied my face.

"Yeah, we are. It's kinda hard not to," I said, thinking about how intertwined our lives had become, especially since Sophia is friends with my girlfriend. "And we've moved past it. We talked about everything."

"Good to hear! So, Soph told you about AJ?" she asked, her expression shifting to one of shock.

"What about him? Yes, I met him and his siblings," I questioned, recalling the boy who seemed so different from his siblings.

"Oh, nothing! Just catching up," she quickly replied, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Hope to see you again! Drew and I have prior arrangements, " she hastily said as she turned to leave the restaurant, her hair catching the light.

She dragged Drew out with confusion in his eyes. I could tell she was rushing out, almost as if she was eager to avoid further questions.

I watched her leave, a tiny frown forming. Why the rush? At the same time, I received my food and drove to pick up Jules.

As I navigated the streets, Gabby's words echoed in my mind. What did she mean by Sophia telling me about AJ? Was it that Sophia had a kid with Alex shortly after leaving me? I pondered this for a while, my thoughts swirling with questions and uncertainty.

Or could it be? I thought as my heart raced like crazy by the imagination. No, that can't be. But as I neared Jules' home, I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the evening ahead.

Jules' happiness as she smelled the food in the car was astonishing, her eyes lighting up.

The drive to the beach felt so short as I held Jules' hand, and we sang the tunes from the radio. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the crashing waves.

I parked the car overlooking the ocean, which seemed to be everlasting, where the salty scent of the sea mingled with the tempting aroma of the food. It felt perfect. As I turned, the radio lowered and allowed the sunroof to open.

Jules leaned over, inhaling deeply. "This smells amazing, Ethan," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. She reached for the food, pulling out containers of steaming dishes and placing them on the dashboard. "Let's eat here. It's so beautiful."

I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm, at the way her eyes lit up at the simple pleasure of a beachside picnic. I joined her, setting out plates and utensils, our fingers brushing as we arranged our meal. The sound of laughter and distant seagulls filled the air, creating a serene backdrop for our evening together.

As we ate, Jules occasionally pointed out happy kids running in the distance to get into the ocean. We looked at all the beautiful sandcastles forming in the sand.

I listened closely, enjoying both the delicious food and the happiness in Jules's voice as she shared these moments with me. It was great to be in this bubble with her.

"You know," Jules began between bites, her gaze drifting out to sea, "I haven't been the best version of myself this week, stressing about the awards," She turned to me, her expression softening. "I'm glad you're sticking with me, Ethan, and helping me so much."

I met her gaze, feeling a swell of warmth in my chest. "I will always be there, Jules," I replied sincerely, reaching across to squeeze her hand gently.

The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting a romantic glow over our makeshift dinner table.

As we finished our meal, I cleared away the empty containers and took them to the garbage. While Jules held contentment as she closed her eyes in the car, her face lifted to the fading light. The waves whispered against the shore, a rhythmic lullaby echoing the peace settling between us.

It was time to head to Keilen's home to babysit. I drove away from the beautiful view with excitement for the night ahead. But grateful I have Jules with me.