CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY ONE - Christmas Chaos

Ella Montgomery adjusted her scarf as she watched her three-year-old daughter, Sophia, toddle across the grass of the private park. The crisp autumn air nipped at her cheeks, but she couldn't help but smile as Lucas chased after their giggling child. "Careful, sweetpea!" Lucas called out, his long strides easily keeping pace with Sophia's excited runs. "Don't want you tripping over those pretty new shoes of yours." Ella laughed, shaking her head. "You're the one who insisted on buying her those sparkly monstrosities." Lucas scooped Sophia up into his arms, eliciting a squeal of delight from the little girl. He made his way back to Ella, a mischievous glint in his eye. "What can I say? I'm a sucker for anything that makes my girls happy." As they settled onto a nearby bench, Sophia nestled between them, Lucas turned to Ella with a more serious expression. "Speaking of making people happy, I've been meaning to talk to you about something." Ella raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Should I be wo