?Chapter 3120:


    But the more she soothed, the louder his cries grew—today he was especially unsettled.


    “Uwaaah…” His tiny mouth formed a perfect O, his cries echoing through the room.


    Ernest stepped forward, brows knitting. “Let me try.”


    Elissa looked at him uncertainly. Could he actually calm the baby?


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    Ernest gave a small, reassuring nod, and Elissa reluctantly handed Ethan over.


    Ernest’s strength showed instantly—he supported Ethan with one steady hand, the baby fitting easily into the crook of his arm. The tiny boyy soft and warm against Ernest’s forearm, his cheek nestled sweetly against the bend of his elbow.


    Ernest gently rocked him, his arm swaying like a cradle. Slowly, Ethan’s cries faded, and within minutes, he went quiet—and then sound asleep as Ernest drew him closer to his chest.


    Elissa blinked in amazement.


    Was he really that good at calming the crying baby?


    Ernest let out a low chuckle. “When Locke fusses, I’m the one who settles him. Ethan’s still tiny—he’s even easier.”


    Ethan rested weightlessly on his arm, not the slightest burden.


    “Oh…” Elissa nodded, though worry lingered. “Is it okay for him to sleep on his stomach like that?”


    “It’s fine.” Ernest nodded gently. “I researched it and even checked with the doctor. This position actually helps his respiratory development.”


    Really? When had he done the research? Last night? Had he spent the night reading and consulting doctors instead of resting?


    Her gaze softened as she smiled at his handsome face.


    “It’s true, Miss Brown,” the nurse chimed in. “We often try to ce him like this on the bed, though he usually prefers being held when he sleeps on his stomach.”


    Ernest immediately replied, “Then I’ll hold him.”


    “Won’t it…” Elissa frowned, hesitant. “Won’t it be tiring for you?”


    “No,” Ernest said with a calm shake of his head. “How tiring can holding a baby be?” Especially when the baby was his own. He looked up at her with a tender smile. “I’m strong enough. It doesn’t tire me one bit.”


    Ontmond’s winters were long and biting cold. For Ethan’s sake, taking him back to Srixby soon would be best. But convincing Savannah… that was the real challenge.


    On the other side of the ajar door lingered Neville and Savannah, watching the small family framed warmly inside the room.


    Savannah stayed silent. She had to admit it—Elissa truly glowed with Ernest. A happiness Savannah felt she could never give her child. Her poor girl.


    Neville nced at her. “Elissa is the way she is now, and her future rests in your hands.”


    When she frowned again, he softened his voice. “Don’t rush your decision. Let’s just observe for now.” This was no matter to decide in haste, after all.


    “What if…” Savannah whispered, turning to Neville. “What if one day she gets better?”


    Neville paused, exhaled, and then asked gently, “And what if she never does?” At this point, they both knew that was the more likely truth.


    That night, far away in Srixby, N took her evening dose and settled against her pillows with a book.


    Her phone rang before she could finish reading a page—Ernest’s name lit up the screen.


    “Hello, Ernest,” she said warmly, expecting one of his usual check-ins.


    “Grandma,” Ernest began—and this time, there was weight in his voice. “I’m gonna tell you something, and I need you to listen very carefully.”


    When the call ended, N slowly set the phone down, still absorbing every word. Then she picked it up once more and dialed another number.


    “Hadley… it’s me.”


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