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
Erin smiled in anticipation. "What is it?""You'll know when you get there," Irene replied.Tommy tugged on the hem of her shirt, curious as well. "Mommy, what is it?"Irene tapped his little nose and said, "You're just a kid. You don't need to know—come on, let's eat something tasty."The wedding reception must have started, and she turned toward Erin and asked, "Are you hungry? I can get you something to fill your stomach for the time being.""I'm not hungry," Erin replied."Okay." Irene smiled. "We will be going now."Erin nodded. "See you later."-Irene did not see Isaac at their family's table, and Mrs. Watson told her that Mick had taken Isaac away.She took Baby off Mrs. Watson's hands, who flailed while babbling, "Mama, mama…"Irene took his little hand and kissed it. "Be good.""He really refuses to settle down these days. Just leave him to me—you should eat." Mrs. Watson held out her hands.Irene waved Mrs. Watson off. "You can eat with Tommy. I'll take Baby out
The bridal suite was decorated in lively fashion with rose petals, ribbons and balloons.James, however, was frowning as Erin rummaged through everything. "What are you doing?"It was almost as if she had forgotten that she was a bride that day.In fact, she did not even turn around to look at her bridegroom as she smiled. "Irene told me that she left a gift here. I want to see what she prepared for me.""Alright, you keep searching," James said. "I'll take a shower."Erin waved him off, still facing away from him. "Let's go."James was speechless—was the gift more important than him? It was as if she did not care about him already.Walking up to her, he asked, "What, am I less precious than a gift?"Erin looked up, staring at him for almost a minute in shock, leaving James a little embarrassed."W-What are you looking at?" James asked, touching his cheek. "What, is there dirt on my face?"Erin shook her head seriously. "No, but there's something else.""What?" James asked.
The dress unfurled, and Erin could tell immediately that it was an alluring sleeping gown—she had to let it loose to see what it was.She had never dressed in anything so risque and was at once thrilled and delighted.She wondered how James would react when he saw her put it on, and the very prospect excited her.Still, she wanted to surprise him, so she left it outside, while James returned after his shower. "Did you find it?""Yeah," Erin replied evenly."What was it?" James asked, somewhat curious.Still, he presumed it to be jewelry, since women loved their necklaces, bracelets, and the like."It's nothing," Erin replied."It's nothing? What is it?" James pressed. "I need a shower," Erin said and headed straight to the bathroom.James chuckled. "Is everything alright here? We just got married and we're already splitting our wealth? What's so valuable that you can't show me?""It's a priceless treasure. I'm not giving it to you just like that." Erin flashed a mysterious
James froze when he saw Erin, unable to believe his eyes!"What…"Erin held a hand on her own chest. "What's wrong?"James simply lowered his head and chuckled—he never expected Erin to put so much effort into making herself so alluring for their wedding night, just as he was surprised that she carried such charm."No good?" she asked, and peeked at herself in the mirror.It was actually good, or so she believed.James quickly shook his head. "No. It's good."Though bewitching was even more appropriate, panting her with a different shade of charm!As a man, he would be abnormal if he stayed unmoved!He scooped her up in his arms, prompting her to yelp in surprise, "Let me down!"James refused. "You're my bride."Still, Erin exclaimed, "Your leg isn't better—"James leaned in to kiss her lips before she could finish, leaving the words stuck in her throat.And the rest was history!-When it was all over, Erin was resting her head on James's arm and nestled in his chest.
It was rare for the whole family to travel together, after all.Irene tousled Tommy's hair and said, "You're that happy, huh?"Tommy nodded and hugged her, asking, "Where are we going?"Irene had no idea, so she asked the man who was driving, "Where are we going?"She needed to take care of Baby and Tommy, so she had to stay in the backseat, while only Isaac sat in the front row."I'll decide for the day. How about that?" he said."Okay." Irene smiled—there were plenty of places worth visiting, but Isaac was used to most and was therefore not interested.Moreover, the children might not be interested as well, so he had gone out of his way to find some that would suit the children.They drove for a way, passing multiple neighborhoods with plenty of detached housing. It was sparsely populated and a lot less congested than Zidonia, making for a good living environment—other factors notwithstanding. It was not surprising Mick Gooding would get to this place and refuse to move aft