Chapter 253

• "Zack, tomorrow's a big day. Lucas is hitting nine months," Ivy said, her voice soft as she gently ran her hands over Zack's. "Can you believe it? Nine months already?"
• She tried hard to grin, but what came out was a pathetic smile. "I... started him on complementary foods, you know. He seems to really like mashed sweet potatoes with a little cinnamon. He makes the funniest face when he tastes something new, but sweet potatoes are definitely his favorite."
• Ivy chuckled, despite knowing that Zack couldn't hear her. The sound was more for her own benefit, a way to release some of the tension and sadness that had been building up inside.