Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 401

Just 'cause Ivy had a runny belly, she and Ethan were up all night. Man, being a mom was no walk in the park.

This was the second time she saw her mother-in-law in tears. The first time was a few days ago when Beasley made it back from the jaws of death. Today was the second.

Ines wiped Erica's tears and said, "Let's hear what Dad has to say first. There might be something we don't know about. Let's get the full picture before we make any decisions."

"Erica, Izzy's right. Let me explain..." Trenton had just started speaking when Erica immediately interrupted him, glaring at Trenton angrily. "Don't try to sweet-talk me with your logic. You've been doing that for decades, but not today. No matter what you say, I won't accept it. There's no way in hell I'm letting you take Beasley away. I'm dead against it."

This was the first time Ines had seen her mother-in-law so out of control. She understood her feelings though. After all, Beasley had just returned and was about to leave again. That was a tough pill to swallow for anyone.

"So what do you want then?" Trenton asked helplessly. As a father, he naturally wished that his son, who had just returned, could stay at home for a few more days, rest, and recover. But as a soldier, he had to obey orders. He couldn't just do as he pleased.

"Retire. Let my son retire. If you can't make that happen, then we're through," Erica said firmly, looking at Trenton. The determination in her eyes made it clear she wasn't joking.

This was the first time his wife had said something so heavy. Trenton felt a pang in his heart and let out a deep sigh. "Erica, we're old enough to know better. Don't be throwing around words like divorce like it's a joke. It's embarrassing in front of the younger folks. A soldier's marriage isn't something you can just walk away from."

"Trenton," Erica said, calling him out by his name. "I mean what I say. I'm not joking with you. Where there's a will, there's a way. Over these years, all of you have been so focused on pursuing your dreams, but have you ever considered my feelings? I've put up with it because it was my choice, and no matter how hard it's been, I've never complained. But now you want the same for my son? No can do. I can't just sit back and let it happen."

Ines didn't know what to say. She just held Erica's hand tightly. Maybe Erica had been holding it all in for too long. Once she let it all out, it was hard to put it back in. There was no reasoning with her now.

Seeing his parents at odds, Beasley, who'd been quietly standing on the sidelines, stepped in. He gave Erica a comforting hug. Ines knew he had something to say, so she knowingly stepped aside.

"It won't take that long." Erica's voice was a little weak. Seeing that his mother had calmed down a bit, Beasley explained carefully, "Mom, actually, going to Frostburg was my choice. I was given two options and I chose the more challenging one. The mission I was on is complete, but there are still some remnants. If they find out I was the one behind it, they'll definitely come after me. Now that the Meyer family has little Ivy and Ollie, and they're so young and adorable. I don't want them to be affected in any way. By going to Frostburg, I'm putting more distance between you guys and those people. This way, I'm keeping not just me safe, but you guys as well."

Erica stopped dead in her tracks, staring at Beasley. Her face was full of disbelief. "Are you saying you're still not completely safe?"

"True that, but I keep it on the down-low. As long as I don't just pop up in the public eye, there won't be any suspicion. Those plans you're thinking of, they won't work for me now. They will only throw me back into the danger zone."

A rush of anxiety filled Erica, "But I don't want you going to such a hard-knock place."

"Mom, chill out, I won't be in Frostburg for too long, a year tops. Once things cool down, I'll be back, and then I can spend more time with you guys. If you're worried about me not getting good grub, you can send me some when you have time. With shipping being a piece of cake these days, it's no biggie." Beasley said in a casual tone.