Chapter Fifty-Eight: A Friendly Disagreement

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the estate as Alister and Ethan sat down for breakfast, their plates piled high with steaming food. They chatted amicably as they ate, discussing the day ahead and the various tasks that needed to be completed.

"So, Alister, any news from the front lines?" Ethan asked, his tone light as he sipped his coffee.

Alister chuckled, shaking his head. "Nothing too exciting, I'm afraid. Just the usual political wrangling and negotiations."

Ethan nodded, though there was a mischievous glint in his eye. "Ah, yes, the joys of diplomacy. I don't envy you, my friend."

Alister laughed, though there was a hint of tension in his voice. "It's not so bad once you get used to it. Besides, it's all part of the job."

As they continued to chat, the conversation turned to lighter topics, including the upcoming arrival of Alister and Amelia's first child. Ethan couldn't contain his excitement as he speculated about whether the baby would be a boy or a girl.

"I'm telling you, it's going to be a boy," Ethan declared confidently, his eyes alight with anticipation. "I can feel it in my bones."

Alister raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "And what makes you so sure of that?"

Ethan shrugged, his confidence unwavering. "Call it a gut feeling. Besides, I need a strong brother to help me carry on the family name."

Alister chuckled, though there was a hint of uncertainty in his expression. "Perhaps. But who's to say it won't be a girl? Amelia comes from a long line of strong women."

Ethan considered this for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. "True. But a boy would be nice too, don't you think?"

Alister nodded, though he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of his stomach. "Yes, of course. But ultimately, it doesn't matter as long as the baby is healthy."

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Amelia, her presence bringing a sense of warmth and comfort to the room. She smiled as she joined them at the table, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"What are you two talking about?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Alister and Ethan exchanged a glance before Alister spoke up, a hint of hesitation in his voice. "We were just discussing the baby and whether it will be a boy or a girl."

Amelia's eyes lit up with excitement, her smile widening at the thought of their growing family. "Oh, that's wonderful! What do you think, Ethan?"

Ethan grinned, his enthusiasm infectious. "I'm convinced it's going to be a boy. We need a strong brther to take care of you mom, after all."

Amelia nodded, though there was a thoughtful expression on her face. "That's true." She giggled. "But wouldn't it be nice to have a girl as well? Someone to balance out all the testosterone in this family."

Alister and Ethan exchanged a bemused glance, both men considering this new perspective. After a moment of contemplation, Alister nodded, a smile spreading across his face.

"You know what? You're right," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "Why limit ourselves to just one? Let's hope for both."

Ethan grinned, his eyes alight with excitement. "I couldn't agree more. Here's to a healthy and happy baby, whether it's a boy or a girl. And the more the better!"

"Right." Alister readily agreed. 

"How cute it would be to have a mini mom!" Ethan added, Alister nooding in complete, utter agreement. 

Amelia beamed at them both, her heart filled with joy at the thought of their expanding family. "Yes, here's to our little bundle of joy, whoever they may be."