Merry Christmas, Everyone!
Barbara nodded without suspicion. "Of course. Let’s watch the rest." She didn't realize that Frank and Kara were secretly smiling. After Louis played the video, she placed the tablet on the edge of the table so they could watch it together. "Oh, Louis? You were actually peeking at us from the bushes?" Barbara sighed as she saw Louis appear with leaves on his head in the animation. That was the moment after Melanie criticized Philip. "Yeah, I was playing spy at the time." Louis shrugged his shoulders with an innocent look. Shaking her head in disbelief, Barbara kept watching. She liked to review their fun at the beach. She was sad when she saw the image of her mother blaming everyone for her decision to follow Paul. And, she was touched to know how upset everyone was when she was gone. After various emotions passed through her chest, Barbara finally fell into confusion. "Wait. When was the last time you edited this animation?” She paused the video. Louis and Emily did their best
"I want to carry out my duties first. Bring your family together with Diana Johnson. After that," Philip looked at Barbara warmly, "let's get married." "Does it mean it's still a few months away?" Louis said with drooping shoulders. Emily on her side was also sluggish. "I think we'll be partying soon." Frank cupped the twins' cheeks and gave them a gentle rub. "Don't worry. We can still have a party. Let's celebrate Philip's success and also the success of our mission." Emily's eyes widened again. “That's a great idea, Daddy.” "Yes, I agree too," Louis gave thumbs up. Kara smiled seeing her children's happiness rising again. "Well than," she commanded attention, "shall we start breakfast? There's a special menu for all of us." Seeing Kara turn around to take two big plates, the twins craned their necks. "Is it sandwich?" "Chicken salad?" Kara shook her head. While placing the plates on the table, she answered, "Philip's favorite menu." "Oh, fried chicken, hash browns, and s
Frank shook his head. "No, I won't do anything wrong. Just sit. Look at the beautiful view." He glanced inside for a moment, before looking back at Kara, "Talking." "Are you sure that's enough?" Kara laughed faintly. Her voice tickled Frank's heart. "Please don't provoke me, Queen Bee. Right now, this is enough, as long as you don't make any moves." Kara narrowed her eyes. "It wasn't me. You're the one who always makes dangerous moves, like this." She caught Frank's naughty fingers. "You said no provoking, Frank." Her eyes widened in warning. Frank's laughter got louder. "I just want to fix the collar of your blouse. Isn't that allowed?" "Remember the border, Frank. The twins are in the next room." "Take it easy, Kara. If I wanted to cross the line, I would have asked you to hide. Where this time? Behind that big jar?" Kara sighed in resignation, shaking her head at her husband's sense of humor. "That's not a good idea, Frank. I'd rather be under the table." Frank's laughter g
The twins were amazed to see the horses running on the snow. Their eyes didn't blink at all, fixed at the scenery passing by the window. "Daddy, is that Grandma Diana's horse farm?" Emily pressed the tip of her finger to the glass. "Yes, Princess." The twins' mouths spontaneously opened wide. The twinkle in their eyes grew brighter. "Cool! I thought we’re going to the orphanage first. Turns out we’re not!" Louis was getting more and more excited. "Remember, Louis. We have to meet Grandma Diana first. Only after that we can play with the horses," Emily said with pursed lips. Louis pouted, pretending to be sad. The others laughed at his behavior. Upon arrival at the farm, the twins disembarked with excitement. They looked cute with their yellow coats. Moreover, the hoods covered their heads, making their faces even rounder. "Uuuh, it’s so cold." Emily shuddered, leaning closer to Louis. Giggling, she imitated their mother, rubbing her gloved hands together. "Oh, this place is g
"Ouch!" Emily groaned as she fell. A boy spontaneously lowered the camera from in front of his face. He turned out to be very handsome and adorable. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I forgot to turn off the flash." After letting the camera hang around his neck, he reached out to Emily. "Come on, stand up quickly! Your pants will get wet." Emily instead put her hand away and shook her head. "Mommy said I shouldn't talk to strangers." "I'm not a stranger. I am Cayden Evans, your future friend. And I'm a good kid, not a bad guy." Emily's brow furrowed in doubt. "If you're not a bad guy, why did you take my picture?" "Because you are so beautiful. You and your yellow coat stand out against Casper and the snow. It's a perfect sight." "Casper?" Emily tilted her head. "That white horse. He's unique. He likes playing in the snow and pretending to sleep." "So, he's not sick?" The handsome boy chuckled. "No. Some horses are strange. Like Grandpa Hunt's horse, Hasty, he's so nau
Puffing out his cheeks, Louis put his arm around Emily's shoulders. "Show me where the foal is. I want to see it too," he said in a fierce tone. Cayden nodded. Casually, he led the way. "This foal is only a few weeks old and he is very thin. Abigail is afraid he will get cold. So he is rarely allowed out of the stable." Emily stopped slurping the hot chocolate. "Oh, what a pity." "He's already wearing a thick blanket, Emily. He'll be fine," Louis said, not wanting to be outdone. "Actually, the blanket is thin. Horses have skin that can protect them well from the cold. The current temperature is not yet extreme. If the blanket is too thick, it won't be good." Louis furrowed his brows. His lips pursed, embarrassed because he was acting like he knew it. Emily giggled realizing that. "It's okay, Louis. Cayden is one year older than us and he's been here several times. It's natural that he knows better." "Emily mentioned earlier that you were in the apartment business. Is that true?
Kara gasped as Frank pushed her back into the bathroom. When her husband closed the door, she whispered, "What's wrong, Frank?" "Since the kids are not here, we can do one session." While the man tickled her neck, Kara sighed in disbelief. "Please don't be crazy, Frank. We're waiting for your grandmother." Kara patted the shoulder in front of her, signaling him to return the distance. However, her husband instead brought his lips to her ear, biting her affectionately. "We still have time. My grandmother is old. Her legs must be weak and slow." Kara shook her head, laughing amusedly. "Abigail said your grandmother was on a tractor. She could be here in five minutes or less. The orphanage is not far from here." The corner of Frank's lips lifted slightly. "Well then," his fingers slipped under his wife's sweater, "let's just play." Kara gasped. Her body trembled by a small electric shock. "You said you were just playing. That was a fatal attack just now." Kara's voice mixed with s
"Well," Frank sighed faintly, "we don't really know each other. We've never met, let alone talked." Diana turned away, as if she couldn't bear to look at Frank any longer. Frank's heart became increasingly burdened. "But judging from the look in your eyes just now, you clearly know that I am Rowan Harper's grandson—your grandson." Diana turned her head further. Her tears thickened. "I don't know that name. Please stop claiming to be my grandson. I never had a grandchild." Frank swallowed bitterly. He was mistreated by his father and grandfather, then he was abandoned by his mother. Now he was disowned by his grandmother? Before he realized how cruel the reality of his life was, Kara froze his sadness. "Frank," he turned, "I think you'd better not discuss it now. Give Mrs. Johnson some time, hmm?" Diana glanced at Kara with furrowed eyebrows. "I don't need time. I will never acknowledge anyone who isn't my grandson. So, stop bothering me!" "Grandma Diana!" A toddler's voice su
Philip rushed in and grabbed Barbara's hand. Before he could say anything, Barbara was pushing again. After Briony came out, Barbara breathed a sigh of relief. “Philip .... Our child has been born.”Even though his head was nodding, Philip blinked in confusion. His mouth was agape, not knowing how to respond. "Yes ...," he sighed after a few moments. Briony's cries helped him regain his senses. "Wow," Philip blinked. He bent down, stroking his wife's hair with mixed feelings. "You're so great, Babe. You can give birth that fast." Barbara smiled proudly. "Our efforts weren't in vain, Phil. I was actually scared earlier. Briony's urge was very strong. But Louis and Emily forbade me to push. I tried to hold it in until finally, I gave in." Philip sighed in amazement and disbelief. Still looking stiff, he kissed Barbara's temple. "You're amazing, Babe. I'm glad you didn't encounter any major difficulties." Philip wiped the tears from her face. "I'm happy too. But where were you? I to
"Louis, Auntie is about to give birth!" Emily rose with a high arch of her eyebrows. "You’re right! We have to take her to the hospital!" Wasting no time, Louis grabbed Barbara's hand, pulling her to turn around. "Come on, Auntie. Let's go back to the car." However, Barbara shook her head. Her face was pale, her body tense. Her feet seemed to be glued to the earth. "What's wrong, Auntie?" "Call Philip," she muttered softly. "What?" "Call Philip!" The twins flinched. After one nod, they ran towards Philip. "Uncle Philip! Uncle Philip!" "Hey, where are you guys going?" Barbara exclaimed again. The twins braked. When they looked back, Barbara was waving. "Why did you leave me here alone?" Her voice was shrill. "You told us to call Uncle Philip!" Louis shook his head, not understanding. "Yeah, but don't leave me here." While limping, she inched closer to Louis and Emily. "One person calls him. One more person, hold me!" The twins blinked. Not because they didn't understand, b
"Hello, Orion," Emily whispered as the tiny baby in the box opened his eyes. Her hand reached out, trying to reach his chubby cheek. From the other side of the box, Louis also looked inside. "Hello, Oscar." "Louis?" Emily scolded with round eyes. "Why do you call him Oscar? This is our first meeting with him. Don't make a bad impression." Louis pursed his lips. "Okay, sorry. I'm used to it. Let me repeat." After clearing his throat, he looked down again. "Hello, Orion. It's me, Louis. I'm your cousin." Emily smiled slightly and nodded. "That's just right." After giving Louis thumbs up, she waved her hand downwards. "And I'm Emily. Nice to meet you, Orion." For a few moments, the two toddlers were busy observing Orion. Philip and Barbara were amused by their comments. "It turns out that Uncle Philip was right. Orion looks like both of his parents. His eyes are like Auntie's, while his nose and mouth are like Uncle's." "His chin also looks like Uncle’s, but his hair looks like
A nurse tried to calm Ava. However, the woman still shook her head, rejecting all the words directed at her. She was very weak. The pain seemed to knock out all the bones in her body. Her brain could no longer function normally. "No. I have no strength anymore. I can't continue." After taking a heavy breath, Jeremy bowed. The nurse had shifted. Jeremy had more freedom to stroke Ava's hair which was wet with sweat and her face which was flooded with tears. "Ava, can you hear me? Ava?" Their gazes finally met. Jeremy could see the desperation in those brown eyes. "I can't take it anymore, Jeremy. I can't. Let the doctor take it out. I can't take it anymore." Jeremy's chest felt like it had been torn apart. He almost choked with pain. Stroking Ava's shoulder, he shook his head. "No, I know you. You're not someone who never gives up, Ava. You can do it." "But I don't have the energy anymore, Jeremy." "There is. There definitely is." Jeremy grabbed Ava's shaking fingers. "This is f
"Look at this, Brandon." Louis placed a stack of photo paper on the table. Then, he showed them one by one to his friend. "This is a picture of Russell crying. This is a picture of him laughing. And this is a picture of Russell being angry." "Can babies get angry? Isn't he still too young to understand anything?" Brandon shook his head faintly. Louis shrugged. "I don't know about that. But when Russell sees something he doesn't like, his hands keep flapping and his mouth makes sounds ...." Louis imitated a baby's moan which made the librarian glance. "Russell also has sharp eyes, Brandon. If he feels annoyed by us, he will glare while furrowing his eyebrows." Emily touched the base of her eyebrows, checking to see if they were the same shape as Russell's eyebrows in the picture. Brandon smiled at Emily's expression. "I think he must be really cute when he's angry." "Yes!" Emily nodded quickly. "He's always cute, all the time. Louis, show him a picture of Russell in the shower."
"Oh, look at Russell, Louis. Isn't he very handsome? He's clean and smells good." Emily put her nose closer to Russell's face. When she managed to kiss that very soft cheek, she giggled holding back her laughter. She didn't want to disturb Kara who was sleeping in Frank's arms. "Yes, he is very handsome. He looks like me. Isn't that right, Grandma?" Louis raised his gaze towards the woman holding Russell. Susan smiled amusedly. "Yes, he looks like you. Only his nose is a little sharper." Louis' lips immediately pursed. His forefinger pointed at his own nose. "How sharp do you want Russell's nose to be? My nose is already very sharp." Susan chuckled at Louis' answer. "I’m just joking, Louis. It doesn't matter whose nose is sharper. What's important is that you're both healthy." Louis nodded in agreement. His hands then rose to touch the baby's feet. "Grandma, is Russell heavy?" Susan raised her eyebrows. "Do you want to carry him?" Louis glanced at Emily. "How about you try fir
"Hello, Good Boy," Kara held Russell carefully, as if the little creature was a very fragile pearl. Tears could not stop running down her face. After kissing the baby who was covered in a towel, Kara whispered again, "This is Mommy, Russell. I'm happy that I can finally hug you like this." While biting his lips, Frank also bowed. He stroked the tiny back then kissed his head. "And this is Daddy, Russell. Daddy is also happy that you are finally here." Still with a wide smile and red eyes, Frank looked at Kara gently. Before the pool of emotion dripped again, he quickly kissed her forehead. Kara closed her eyes accepting the warmth. "Thank you for giving birth to our son, Queen Bee," Frank whispered hoarsely. Kara smiled wider and nodded faintly. "Thank you for accompanying me here." "That's what I should have done a long time ago." Frank stroked her cheek before kissing her again. "Daddy, we want to see Russell too! Can we come closer?" Emily asked, jumping a little on the chai
Kara was sitting on the bed. Her head rested on the broad shoulder next to her. Closing her eyes, she tried to catch her breath."Is there any news from the Twins?" she asked quietly. Frank shook his head. His hands kept to massage Kara's fingers. "You don't need to worry about them, Queen Bee. They are independent and intelligent children. They will understand that you have to give birth soon. Let's celebrate their birthday after Russell is born, hmm?" After a short nod, Kara turned her head further. "Are you crying?" Frank's eyebrows pulled together. Moving his head away so that it would be easier to see her, he shook his head. "Why do you think I'm crying?" "Your voice is shaky, Frank." Pursing his lips, Frank took a deep breath. "I'm not crying." "Then why are your eyes red and watery?" Frank blinked firmly. "I'm not crying," he repeated with more emphasis. Still out of breath, Kara let out a laugh. Her head tilted slightly, waiting for his tears to fall. "Are you sure?"
"Hello, Brandon. Welcome to our event," Louis shook his classmate's hand. "Hello, Louis. Happy birthday. I hope you live a long and healthy life," the blonde boy said, occasionally glancing at Emily. "Thank you, Brandon. Did you come alone?" Brandon nodded. "Yes, my parents had to attend another event. So, only the driver took me here." After one blink, Brandon offered his hand to Emily. "Happy birthday too, Emily. You're so beautiful tonight." Emily shook Brandon's hand with a sweet smile. "Thanks, Brandon. You also look cool tonight. The jacket suits you." Brandon blushed. His lips twitched to suppress the excitement in his chest. "Thank you, Emily. I deliberately asked my mother to look for the best outfit. I want to look cool at this event." "Your mom has a good sense of fashion," Emily nodded before glancing to the side. "Louis, I think you should try a regular tie like Brandon. You're five years old. It's time for you to leave that bow tie behind. You should try somethin