Chapter 887 Engagement

Chapter 887 Engagement

"Ashley, what are you up to?" Adina asked, entering the kitchen. "Need any help?"

Ashley smiled warmly. "William seems to have caught a chill, so I'm making him some soup."

"Let me know if you need anything," Adina offered before leaving.

After preparing the soup, Ashley assembled some fruit platters. She first brought one to John and Mia.

She called out, "Mom, Dad, have some fruit—it's good for digestion after a meal."

John and Mia beamed at her thoughtfulness.

Outside, Landon and Liam were on their phones, their expressions tender and affectionate—clearly speaking with their wives.

Ashley smiled knowingly, then carried the hot soup to William, who appeared to be dozing in his chair.

"William, why are you falling asleep sitting up like that?"

William stirred at her voice and eyed the soup. "What kind is it?"

"I used..." Ashley listed several medicinal herbs, and William nodded approvingly before taking a few sips.

"You look exhausted. Let me help you to your room to rest properly."

"Thank you," William replied, his face notably pale.

Assuming he was simply tired from his cold, Ashley helped him to his guest room and tucked him into bed.

"Get some sleep, William. Call if you need anything."

"I will," he murmured, turning over and quickly falling into a steady rhythm of breathing.

When Ashley returned to the living room, Landon and Liam had finished their calls and were chatting with John and Mia. Liam waved her over. "Ashley, join us for fruit and conversation."

She sat beside Liam. With Atticus and Adina also present, the family gathering radiated simple, heartwarming contentment.

"Landon, Liam, why didn't Samantha and Yara come?" Ashley inquired.

At the mention of their wives, both men's expressions softened noticeably, their smiles turning shy.

Ashley couldn't help but giggle. "Mom, Dad, look at these grown men blushing like teenagers!"

John and Mia exchanged amused glances.

"That's rich coming from you, Hayes," John teased. "Don't you get exactly the same way whenever Ethan is mentioned?"

Landon jumped in. "Exactly! You and Ethan are constantly all lovey-dovey. I just saw you two at the door..." He made a suggestive gesture with his thumbs that sent everyone into fits of laughter.

"You two are so sweet together, I bet you'll be pregnant with your next child right after this one arrives!"

"Speaking of which," Liam asked, "you're about three months along now, aren't you? Can you tell if it's a boy or girl yet?"

Ashley's cheeks flushed at their teasing, but she answered Liam's question with gentle firmness. "Liam, whether it's a boy or girl, this child is Ethan's and mine, and we'll love them equally."

Quickly changing the subject, she pressed, "But you still haven't answered my question—why couldn't Samantha and Yara come?"

"Samantha's swamped with work at her company," Landon explained. "But she'll fly in on her private jet the night before your wedding."

Ashley nodded, knowing that despite the time difference between Gold Valley District and Aivalia, she and Samantha had maintained their close friendship. Samantha had become a powerful media mogul, representing some of the industry's brightest stars.

"That's wonderful. What about Yara?"

Liam's face reddened slightly. "She... isn't in a condition for long-distance travel right now."

Ashley looked questioningly at John and Mia, who exchanged knowing smiles. Landon patted Liam on the shoulder as Liam's face lit up with happiness.

Ashley raised an eyebrow. "Liam, is Yara pregnant? Why didn't you tell me something so important?"

Liam sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. "I knew you and Ethan were busy here in Gold Valley District, so I didn't mention it. Actually, she was already pregnant when you last visited Aivalia, but we didn't know it then."

"So she must be close to her due date!" Ashley exclaimed.

"Not quite—she still has another month to go," Liam replied. "She couldn't make it this time, but she sent gifts for you. Let me get them from my room."

He returned shortly with two beautifully wrapped boxes.

"This one's from Yara to you, Ashley. And Atticus, my wife wanted you to have this as well—she hopes you'll like it."

Atticus looked surprised. "There's one for me too?"

Ashley and Atticus exchanged smiles before opening their gifts simultaneously. Inside each box was a collection of handmade baby clothes, shoes, and hats—thoughtful rather than expensive presents.

Atticus's set was blue, while Ashley's was pink.

Adina's eyes lit up as she looked at Atticus's gift. "These baby clothes are beautiful! But they're all blue—what if our baby is a girl?"

Atticus chuckled. "Who says girls can't wear blue? Liam, please thank Yara for us—Adina and I love the gift."

"No need for formalities between family," Liam replied warmly.

Ashley's face glowed with happiness. This peaceful, joyful family gathering represented exactly the life she had always dreamed of.

"Atticus," she suggested playfully, "if Adina has a girl and I have a boy, we could swap these outfits!"

Adina laughed. "What if we both have girls?"

"Well..." Ashley pondered, "then they'll share everything and grow up together!"

"Just imagining it makes me think how lucky our children will be," Adina said, linking her arm affectionately with Ashley's. The two had become close friends.

"Ashley," Adina proposed with a mischievous smile, "if I have a boy and you have a girl, we should arrange their marriage right now. What do you think?"