Ethan sat beside Olivia on the porch of Aunt Linda's house as the sun set, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink. He gently took her hand in his, the weight of his next words heavy on his mind.
"Liv," Ethan started carefully, "I've been thinking… it might be a good idea for you to stay here with Aunt Linda for a while. At least until I can get more answers about Martha."
Olivia's brow furrowed as she instinctively pulled back. "Stay here? Without you?"
Ethan squeezed her hand. "Just for a little while. It's safer for you and the baby. And Linda... she's your mother, Liv. You both have a lot to catch up on."
Olivia's heart wavered. She wasn't used to being away from Ethan, especially now with everything unfolding. But as she glanced over at Aunt Linda, sitting inside with a beaming smile, her resistance began to fade. Linda had been given back the daughter she thought she had lost forever. They truly did have a lifetime to catch up on.
"I don't know, Ethan…" Olivia hesitated. "I've always fought my battles with you by my side. I'm not sure how I feel about being apart from you now."
Ethan pulled her closer, his forehead resting gently against hers. "I know it's hard. But you and our daughter need to be in a place where you're surrounded by love and safety, without the constant worry of what Martha might do next."
Olivia looked into his eyes, seeing the concern and love written all over his face. She knew he was right. But that didn't make it any easier.
"I'll only be gone long enough to find what I need to about Martha's past. Alex and I are already onto something, but I need time to follow through without worrying about you."
Olivia finally let out a sigh, glancing back at Aunt Linda, who was chatting happily with Emma inside. "Alright," she agreed softly, "I'll stay here."
A smile spread across Ethan's face, though she could still see the weight of responsibility in his eyes. He was relieved she'd agreed, but his mind was clearly racing, already strategizing his next steps.
"I'll come back as soon as I can," Ethan promised. "And you can always call or video chat me. I'll never be too far."
Olivia nodded, her chest tightening at the thought of him leaving. But she knew this was bigger than both of them now. This was about their future—about their family.
The next morning came quickly, and the house was filled with the bittersweet energy of goodbye. Aunt Linda was practically glowing with excitement, eager to spend time with Olivia, while Olivia struggled with her nerves about being apart from Ethan.
As they stood in front of the car, ready for Ethan, Alex, and Emma to head back, Olivia hugged Ethan tightly. "Be safe," she whispered into his ear.
"You too," Ethan whispered back, pulling her closer. "I love you, Liv."
"I love you more, honeybun," Olivia teased, making them both smile.
Alex and Emma said their goodbyes as well. Alex gave Olivia a comforting squeeze on the shoulder, while Emma promised to stay in touch constantly with updates from Carter Couture.
"You two take care of each other," Emma added, glancing between Olivia and Linda with a warm smile.
"We will," Linda assured them. "Don't worry about her. I've got everything under control."
As Ethan got into the car, he shot one last look at Olivia, a mixture of love and determination in his eyes. "I'll fix this, Liv. I promise."
With that, the car rolled down the driveway, leaving Olivia standing next to her mother, watching the man she loved disappear from view.
Aunt Linda put her arm around Olivia's shoulders. "Come on, sweetheart. Let's make the most of this time together."
Olivia nodded, though her heart was heavy. She could only hope Ethan would find the answers they needed—and soon.