Chapter 281: Touring Turbulence

Chapter 281: Touring Turbulence
Elena's POV

After closing the door, Ethan approached me with a small jewelry box, his face brimming with anticipation.

"Mom, this is for you," he said proudly.

Inside were elegant earrings with tiny blue stones that caught the light.

"These are special communication earrings," Ethan explained. "The left connects to Zoe, the right to me. This way, you don't have to call us to talk!"

He revealed a small pendant under his shirt. "See? I have one too."

I slipped them on immediately. "Ethan, can you hear me?" I whispered.

His pendant lit up, my voice coming through clearly. "It works!"

I pulled him into a tight hug. "You're amazing! I'll treasure these."

"Mom, stop kissing me! I'm a big boy now," he protested, cheeks flushed.

I watched him scamper off, my heart swelling with love. "My little boy is growing up so fast," I whispered to myself.

After tucking the children into bed with their favorite bedtime story, I set my alarm early to prepare for going hiking tomorrow.

---

Early the next morning, a knock sounded as I finished my coffee. Reginald stood outside with breakfast pastries.

"Good morning," he said with that once-heart-skipping smile. "I brought breakfast."

Zoe opened the door in her pajamas, eyes widening at the food.

"Daddy! You came at the duck's head good time! My tummy's super hungry!"

"It's 'nick of time,' Zoe," Ethan corrected with a sigh.

"Nick of time? Okay, I'll remember that!"

Reginald ruffled her hair. "However you say it, princess, I'm just glad you're happy."

In the kitchen, he laid out croissants, muffins, and fruit while I went to change.

When I returned in a navy blue tracksuit, I noticed Reginald wearing the same brand in charcoal gray.

"Why are you wearing that?" I asked suspiciously.

"Pure coincidence," he claimed.

I eyed Zoe. "Funny, I recall someone asking what I planned to wear today..."

She suddenly hurried toward the door. "We should get going! It's getting late!"

Reginald offered his arm, eyes twinkling. "Shall we?"

I shook my head but smiled. Like father, like daughter.

After applying sunscreen on the children, we headed out with our backpacks and water bottles.

As we stepped outside, Donovan appeared, leaning against a sports car in hiking gear.

"Going hiking? Mind if I join you?" he asked with an easy smile.

Reginald's expression darkened. "What are you doing here?"

"Zoe invited me. Is that a problem?"

Reginald turned to Zoe, who looked innocent. "Donovan is our friend too!"

Ignoring Reginald's glare, Donovan asked me, "Shall we get going?"

I nodded, biting back a laugh. "Of course. The more the merrier."

Reginald's smile tightened as he glanced between Donovan and me. The tension between these men was becoming something of a highlight in my days.

In the parking lot, Reginald quickly ushered Ethan and Zoe into his SUV's backseat, then guided me in beside them.

"The back is more comfortable," he explained smoothly.

Donovan frowned as he took the passenger seat. "Guess I'm riding shotgun."

As we drove, Zoe looked between the two men. "Daddy, why do you look upset? And Donovan too?"

Ethan nodded. "Yeah, aren't you friends?"

My eyes gleamed. "You're mistaken, children. Your father and Donovan are actually very good friends. They adore each other. Isn't that right, gentlemen?"

Reginald forced a smile. "Of course. I'm extremely fond of Donovan."

Donovan nodded reluctantly. "Absolutely. We're the best of friends."

I smiled sweetly. "See? They both agree."

Zoe and Ethan exchanged skeptical glances but accepted the explanation.

The drive to the hiking trail was mercifully short, and within thirty minutes, we arrived at the mountain base with its well-maintained paths.

At the base of the hiking trail, we unloaded our gear and applied sunscreen. While the children explored nearby, Donovan suddenly lifted Ethan high above his head.

"Want to fly, buddy?" he asked with a grin.

Ethan's eyes lit up. "Yes!"

Donovan hoisted him onto his shoulders and spun around. "Takeoff!"

Ethan laughed wildly, arms outstretched. "Wow! I'm so high!"

"I want to fly too!" Zoe watched enviously.

Reginald immediately picked her up. "Daddy's airplane is much steadier. Here we go!"

He shot Donovan a competitive look before racing ahead with Zoe squealing on his shoulders. Donovan quickened his pace, not to be outdone.

I watched the two grown men acting like children, shaking my head. "Unbelievable." But I couldn't help feeling touched seeing how happy the children were.

Halfway up the trail, we stopped at a rest area. As we prepared to continue, Donovan turned to Reginald. "How about a race to the summit?"

Reginald's eyes lit up. "You're on."

I cleared my throat loudly. "As such 'good friends,' perhaps you two should hold hands and climb together? Show the children what true friendship looks like?"

Reginald's expression soured. "I need to stay with Zoe."

Donovan visibly shuddered. "Right. We're adults. No need for childish competitions."

I smiled sweetly. "Really? Who just suggested a race?"

Both men fell silent as we continued hiking.

Near a scenic viewpoint, Zoe spotted a butterfly and skipped ahead. Her foot slipped on loose gravel at the path's edge.

"Zoe!" I cried out, lunging forward.

But Reginald was faster. In one fluid motion, he grabbed her arm and pulled her to safety.

"I got you," he said, his voice steady despite the fear in his eyes. "You're safe now."

Zoe threw her arms around his neck and burst into tears. "Daddy, I was so scared!"

Reginald held her close. "Don't be afraid, sweetheart. No matter what happens, Daddy will always be right behind you to protect you."

"Promise? Forever and ever?"

"I promise," Reginald said firmly. "Forever and ever."

My heart constricted watching them. Despite our past, Reginald was a good father. That much I couldn't deny.

Zoe wiped her tears, then suddenly turned mischievous. "Then can I have three extra-large lollipops?"

"Well..." Reginald hesitated.

"Absolutely not," I interjected. "Do you want to ruin your teeth?"

Zoe turned to Reginald with pleading eyes. "Daddy?"

Reginald raised his hands in surrender. "I'm afraid I can't help you there. Your mom has the final say. Even Daddy has to listen to her."

Donovan chuckled. "Seems even the mighty Vanderbilt CEO has his limitations."

I felt a strange warmth spread through me at Reginald's words. There was a time when he didn't listen to anyone, least of all me. Perhaps he really had changed.