Erin turned toward where Tommy pointed and smiled. "You are your daddy's son. You just might be taller than him."It was exactly what Tommy hoped for, and he could not help smiling.Erin then went up to James. "You can wait until dinner to chat. They need a break after their long flight."Alright then. See you guys later," she said and clapped Zachary on the shoulder. "Congratulations on getting a daughter.""You too," Zachary replied. "On getting hitched and becoming cousins with Isaac."James was left speechless, while Isaac shot Zachary a look before turning and heading into the house.Zachary shrugged. "I'm not wrong."James snorted. "No, but you're indulging your relationship."It was as if Zachary was saying that he was marrying Erin to get connected to Isaac, when their relationship was so pure, and they only cared about how they felt toward each other! Isaac was not even involved.Zachary certainly was not thinking when he said that, and it was a little inappropriate w
Before James could speak further, Mick added, "Erin's my daughter. Everything that is mine is hers, and it's not like I can take these to my grave anyway. Don't turn me down now—if you feel like you owe me, just treasure Erin. I won't play around if you ever bully her."James did not get uncomfortable because of Mick's words. Instead, he said somberly, "Don't worry."Mick patted him on the shoulder. "You have to take care of yourself too."He certainly did not want James' injuries to get permanent, or Erin would have to live with a disabled person for the rest of her life.His fatherly affection left Erin's tears welling in her eyes, and she leaned against his arm. "Dad, you should come with us to Franconia!"She really could not bear leaving Mick to live alone—he was going to be very lonely with Yvaine Lynd gone. And the older one got, the more afraid one would be of loneliness. However, Mick was used to life here and would not be accustomed to life anywhere else. He used t
Isaac appeared aloof and expressionless, but he said, "For your wedding."With that, he got into his car.James took it happily and watched them leave before heading home with Erin.Glancing at the briefcase on the backseat, she asked, "What's in there?""I don't know," James admitted.That made Erin more curious. "You don't?'"Of course. I haven't opened it yet." James said, and reminded her, "Eyes on the road."Erin pouted at him. "Fine."Although they were staying with Mick, he left in another car after leaving the restaurant. They were staying together so that Erin could better care for James. It was a huge place so it would not be crowded even if James moved in, and she would rather Mick not be alone either in fear that he would get lonely. Mick was not back yet after they drove home, while Erin excitedly took the briefcase out of the car while complaining, "It's our wedding… So why did he give you a present, but not me?"James stared at her in turn. "Giving you is no
James was peeking because he was worried that the gift might be something that could hurt Erin's self-esteem, and he would rather spare her from having to feel that she was less than Isaac. Having worked for Isaac for so long, he knew that Isacc spared no expense when it comes to his own people. In fact, they were more brothers than merely superior and subordinate.It was exactly the case for when James was captured—Isaac was suffering from temporary blindness, but he carried on, calling favors and spending all the money he had to save James. Bosses did not usually do that. In other words, Isaac was loyal to a fault, but he never liked to express it.Even so, those who were with him knew very well that it was respect and a sense of security they would not get anywhere else. On the other hand, Erin was even more expectant when she realized it was not money, and she was starting to fumble a little.James simply reclined on the couch with the fresh juice, taking a sip and then sa
They were led to the VIP room where Irene and Tommy sat on the couch, waiting while Erin got changed in the dressing room.There were plenty of sweets and beverages prepared on the table, and Tommy started to snack on the chocolate. Irene had to take out a tissue to wipe the chocolate that smudged over his mouth. "Take it slow."Tommy held it out to her mouth. "This is good. Try it, Mommy."Irene opened her mouth and ate it. There was a lemony flavor to the strong chocolate taste, and there was a minty freshness to the sugar sweetness.The texture was rich and good as Tommy described it.She quietly watched as Tommy went through everything else, while Erin soon came out of the changing room in her wedding gown.It fused modern fashion with traditional Zidonian styles.Despite Erin's usually lively demeanor, she appeared more prim and mature with the gown. After all, getting too risque at a wedding ruined the solemnity, especially if children or elderly were attending.It wa
Irene's baby was being difficult. He was refusing to be carried, but he was also so small that anyone not noticing would knock into him if he walked. That was why someone must always be on hand to watch him.Tommy was older and would stay put and stick with Irene when told so."It's such a grand wedding," Mrs. Watson exclaimed in awe, impressed by the wedding hall when they arrived.The place was as grand as it was dreamlike—Mick certainly was not going to be stingy since Erin was his only child, and he had many friends in Minerva.James had also been making a fortune over the years he worked for Isaac and could naturally afford such a wedding too. However, Mick was the one who actually paid, saying that it was his duty as a father.Mrs. Watson leaned in to whisper into Irene's ear, "I think Mr. Jefferson should do one for you too."Irene smiled. "Now? Both our children are walking already…""Exactly. This is a once in a lifetime occasion for women," Mrs. Watson said.Irene saw
"Come on, it's just a suit," Zachary said, putting his elbow on James's shoulder. "And what's more important, me or the suit?"James replied, "The suit, of course."Speechless, Zachary started to turn and leave.James promptly caught him. "I'm just kidding. Why so serious?"Zachary snorted. "It's understandable if you told me that your bride's more important, but your clothes too?! It's over. We're done."James chuckled. "Why are you being so petty?""You're petty." Zachary shot James a look.The pair continued their banter, but they were self-aware enough to quickly stop talking once they arrived at the crowded hall and even flashed a genial smile.Their ability to change their expressions was certainly instantaneous.And being the protagonist of the day, James did draw considerable attention.Mick had made plenty of friends at Minerva over the years. Many of them were attending James and Erin's wedding, and Mick was eagerly introducing James to everyone.Though the ceremon
Even as Erin and James held each other's gaze, their lips curled into faint smiles.It was a good day, especially for them, and it was only right that they would be happy.No matter what happened before, they were happy at that very moment.After the exchange of rings, the priest announced with perfect timing, "You may now kiss the bride."Zachary hyped things up from the pews. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"James had been feeling a little awkward at first, and Zachary's goading only made him even more embarrassed.He looked down at Zachary, stopping himself from snapping at the man because there were many others around. Zachary even started whistling at James. "Kiss the bride! Or are you getting shy, bridegroom?"While James was speechless, Erin giggled from Zachary's antics, and she was also close enough to see that James's ears were red. She was actually surprised that he could get embarrassed."Come on, James! Get down here if you can't. I'll sub in!" Zachary's banter escalated fu