**Chapter 27**

**Ethan's POV**

I respected Keilen's warning, but somehow, I had an invisible factor pulling me towards the entrance. Keilen doesn't understand the stress, forming to know the truth.

My heart raced at the thought of seeing AJ again. I had to figure this out as I spotted Julia returning. I bit my tongue to keep from saying anything.

I could sense Julia wanted to receive my full undivided attention. She was speaking to me, and her hand kept finding a way to touch me. I tried my hardest to focus on the conversation Jules was having. My mind just kept staring at the entrance for the missing family.

I reluctantly glanced at Jules to pick up some of her conversation, "I am beyond nervous tomorrow," Jules shyly stated as her eyes darted away. She gently bit her lips.

Knowing her worries were trivial compared to mine, I realized I couldn't help ease her anxiety while grappling with my own.

Without breaking her surprise, "You should be good," I indifferently replied, returning my gaze to the entrance.

"Are you even paying attention?" Julia asked, annoyance dripping from her voice.

I could feel her eyes on me, but she didn't faze me. Before I answered the question,  I spotted the family I eagerly waited for. It distracted me from replying to Julia as I sought to go to them.

"Let's go hail, Soph and Alex," I stated, interrupting Jules from speaking with a light-hearted smile.

I partially dragged her over there with me. It would be better to interact with them with Julia to get my answers.

Sophia held baby Nate in her arms, with Charlie clutching her hand. Alex managed the other three kids, with Vivi and AJ vying for his attention while Chris talked to Charlie. They were pointing at things.

Once I approached them, I could hear Chris and Charlie's voices ringing out loudly, each speaking as they eagerly voiced their desires and plans for the festivities.

Amidst the joyful chaos, I felt Jules's eyes fixed on me, scrutinizing, searching for something, her gaze almost piercing with a hint of concern. Meanwhile, my stomach twisted with anticipation and nerves at seeing AJ again.

Once Charlie spotted me, her eyes widened and filled with glee. " Dr Ethan, you're here," Charlie happily yelled with a smile as she hugged me.

Alex held happiness in his eyes at my interaction. While Sophia held Nate tighter, her eyes were weary as she glanced at me and AJ but quietly greeted us. Vivi and AJ were whining as they held onto Alex to resume his attention.

I could tell at that moment. Alex was the clear favorite for Vivi and AJ. While Chris, Nate, and Charlie didn't hold a preference.

"Hey, little guys, are you ready for the party?" I asked cheerfully, trying to engage them in conversation. My eyes lingered on AJ, waiting for him to turn around so I could see his eyes.

I worked to try to gain their attention. I could feel Jules squeezing my hand, letting me know she wanted to leave, but I  smiled sweetly. We had to stay! I needed to see AJ's eyes for my mind to be at rest.

Alex told AJ and Vivi how rude they were by ignoring me. An threatened to put them down, and they protested with tears falling. They eagerly apologize to their Dad and tell him not to put them down yet.

"AJ, he's mean," Vivi loudly whispered.

AJ finally turned around, and I saw it. He didn't have the famous ocean-blue eyes his siblings inherited from Alex. Nor did he hold Sophia's grey eyes. His was a slightly lighter reflection of the same chocolate eyes I saw from myself every day. I felt stunned, my muscles not moving.

My suspicion was grown. AJ had an annoyed pout filled with glares directed at me for interrupting his conversation with his Dad. He reminded me so much of myself. It made me almost want to cry, but I couldn't say for certainty.

AJ and Vivi gave me a small wave. They told their Dad they did it. My mouth dropped in my stomach.

"Glad you guys can make it," Emily happily stated, coming over and speaking to them. She gave me a pointed look with a glare. I knew she wanted me to leave.

Sophia eyes remained narrowly focused on me observing her son. But she didn't intervene.

"Come on, Ethan, let's go. Wish Mason a final happy birthday before I leave, "Jules suggested as she tried to push me away, but I couldn't. I needed to speak to AJ.

"In a minute, I want to play with some of my other favorite kids," I exclaimed with fake enthusiasm. Although my voice was getting stuck in my throat as my heart raced.

I decided to make AJ feel more at ease; I needed to show how much his siblings liked me. I lifted Charlie and Chris, who were eagerly excited, playing plane and laughing.

"Hey, Alex, is it okay if I lift him," I questioned, trying to prevent my voice from cracking as my heart stopped beating for an answer to get to hold AJ.

"Yeah, it is okay! Buddy, Ethan is cool! He saved your sister's teeth, can you believe that,"  Alex eagerly suggested with enthusiasm as AJ stared at me wearily but allowed.

While Charlie discussed how much she thought I was awesome. Sophia tried to stop but observed me.

He felt so great in my hand as his hair still held the short length. Even though it was only for a split second, my heart bounced. Sophia gave Nate to Charlie to hold his hand. She quickly swooped AJ from me.

"Come to Mama," Sophia brightly said to him as he slowly smiled at her.

"Mama, rest me down. I am a big boy," he protested, kicking. His voice sounded so mature.

"How old is everyone?" Julia nervously asked, reminding me of her presence.

Charlie happily listed their age to Jules once she said, "AJ's six years old," Jules gripped me tighter as she gasped. It seemed like she understood the weight of my troubles.

"Yes, AJ, one of my best gifts after Valentine's born on February 19," Alex happily expressed as he ruffled AJ's hair.

The math finished quickly in my head. He was nine months after I had been with her. Give or take only a few days.

"Young pirates, come on! Let's get you to wish Mason happy birthday," Emily stated as she encouraged them to move.

I was on my way to follow them. Or
at least speak to Sophia. Before I could walk, Julia stopped me.

"Goodbye, Ethan. I have to go home to make sure I get some rest," Julia sadly said, looking down, almost as if she had more to say, "Don't forget to pick me up tomorrow for the nomination ball," she softly whispered. She placed a gentle kiss on my cheek. A small tear dropped from her eyes. She was hurting about something that might be the nomination.