Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 164

Chapter 164 Hand in Hand 

Ava made her way down the stairs. “Let’s go.” 

Ethan glanced at the bag in her hand and reached out. “Let me carry that for you.” 

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Ava hesitated for a split second before letting him take it. Watching Ethan–tall, imposing, and dressed in a dark gray overcoat–clutching a miniature handbag was quite the sight. It looked so out of place that she couldn’t help but burst into a fit of giggles, though she quickly pressed her hand over her mouth. 

His brows lifted with a touch of fondness. “Is it really that funny?” 

She waved it off. “It just looks a bit off. Like a mismatch.” 

“I leave the professionalism at the office,” Ethan said. “I try not to bring my work persona into my private life.” 

As he spoke, he held out his other hand. Ava naturally placed hers in his palm. 

Ethan closed his fingers around hers, giving her a soft smile. “Let’s go.” 

Ryan watched them interact in silence. Seeing Ethan leading her away, he stepped right up and grabbed her other hand. 

Ava turned her head, surprised to find Ryan gripping her hand. When she looked at him, he met her gaze 

head–on. 

There was a stubborn set to his jaw, but as their eyes met, a flicker of vulnerability crossed his face. “I just wanted to hold your hand too,” he murmured. 

I don’t want to feel left out… 

Ava could feel the wave of insecurity rolling off him. She sighed inwardly. I guess I’m just going to have to master this balancing act. 

She gave his fingers a gentle, reassuring squeeze. “Okay. It’s not like I said no.” 

Ryan’s face lit up instantly. Like a puppy who had just been given his favorite treat, he completely forgot his earlier gloom. 

Flanked by the two men, Ava was led out the front door and toward the awaiting flyer. 

Up on the second–floor balcony, Margaret leaned against the railing, watching the three of them walk away. A look of wistful nostalgia settled on her face as she watched their retreating figures. 

“To be young again,” she whispered to the empty air. “Be happy, Ava…” 

Returning to the Brock Residence this time, Ava found herself in a completely different headspace. 

She was far more composed, her gaze drifting past the central statue to a man–made lake in the distance. “If you planted lotuses across half that lake, you could drift through the leaves in a little wooden boat when 

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Chapter 164 Hand in Hand 

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they bloomed–picking flowers and seed pods, watching fish dart beneath you. It would be the perfect place 

to relax.” 

Ethan followed her gaze. Hearing the wistful note in her voice, he turned to her. “You like lotuses?” 

Ava gave an embarrassed laugh. “I was just thinking out loud. You don’t have to take me seriously. 

“That lake was excavated by one of our ancestors centuries ago for fish farming, Ethan explained. “But it was never really put to use. It’s been sitting empty for hundreds of years with no one to look after it. Now, it’s mostly just a haven for minnows and shrimp.” 

Ryan chimed in eagerly, “If you like them, Ethan and I can fill the whole laké with lotuses for you once the weather warms up. You’ll have to come back and see them for yourself when they’re in full bloom.” 

He was already making a mental checklist. Once spring arrived, he’d get to work with Ethan on the landscaping–maybe plant some trees along the embankment. As for the boat she mentioned, that would be easy enough to find. He was already daydreaming about the day he and Ava would go rowing together. 

Ava quickly waved her hands. “No, no, really! I was just making conversation. I didn’t mean anything by it.” 

Good grief, she thought. She had just been struck by the scenery. She wasn’t putting in a landscaping request. 

She glanced at the two brothers, trying to gauge their expressions, but Ethan didn’t give anything away. Instead, he smoothly changed the subject. “We’re here.” 

Ava’s attention was immediately pulled toward the upcoming meeting with Dylan and Elena. 

Behind her back, Ryan looked at Ethan and gave him a subtle, grin–filled thumbs–up. 

Dylan and Elena had learned about Ava the previous afternoon. Ysabel had video–called Elena and bragged excitedly, leaving Elena feeling both amused and exasperated. 

She remembered all too well when she and her husband had gone over to persuade him. Theodore hadn’t flat–out refused back then, but his coldness had spoken volumes. Who would have thought that right after Ava’s coming–of–age ceremony, he would have to eat his words? 

Having received a heads–up from her sons earlier, Elena had timed their arrival perfectly. As she stepped out of the house and caught sight of the three of them walking hand in hand toward her, she couldn’t stop smiling. 

My sons certainly have a way about them, she thought. But then again, it all came down to her own good taste- she was the one who had picked out their father in the first place. 

Her sons had inherited the best of both parents. Ethan was steady and composed, while Ryan had a bit of a temper and wasn’t quite as sharp as Ethan, his luck was unbeatable. He’d managed to match with Ava–a total jackpot. 

Ava felt awkward about being seen holding hands with both of Elena’s sons at once. She tried to discreetly pull away, but Ethan’s grip remained firm. Sensing her attempt, Ryan interlaced his fingers with hers, looking perfectly at case with what he was doing. 

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