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
Soon after the wedding, Mr. Fowler proposed for Stan to work at his company to get used to the work over there.He was worried as he did not have much time left, and it would not do if he was gone before the proper arrangements were made.Still, Stan returned to Franconia with Isaac and his family, sorting out things at work and finishing every task he had on hand.While Isaac used to have a lot of free time with Stan around, he was just slightly busier after Stan left. After all, no company should operate in a way that losing a single person would stall all their operations.And after a week, Stan sorted out all the remaining tasks he had in Franconia and returned to Zidonia to start work at the Fowlers' family business.While Stan had property in Zidonia too, he moved into the Fowlers' mansion, but not as a live-in son-in-law. He was simply aware of Mr. Fowler's illness, and Rea wanted to spend more time with her parents.And as the son-in-law, he was obliged to do that much.
Despite feeling wistful, Mr. Fowler eventually passed Rea's hand to Stan. "I hope you will both cherish each other from now on."Rea told him, "We will."Thereafter, it was the usual proceedings of a wedding, with exchange of rings and vows, the wedding speech, and the luncheon!Though everything went smoothly, Mrs. Fowler could not help shedding tears.She was pleased that her daughter was finally getting married, especially since she was looking forward to this.But now that Rea really did marry, she was worried that her life might get difficult and unhappy.Such was the worrisome nature of mothers.-Later, Stan led Rea to Isaac's table.They were all acquainted, but Stan introduced everyone once again to reacquaint them with Rea.After all, she was no longer Zachary's friend's cousin now, but Stan's wife.Erin was grinning from ear to ear. "Congratulations.""Thank you." Rea smiled in return."Congrats," Baby said, imitating the adults.Rea reached out to stroke his c
Zachary said, "I heard you sealed the deal with Rea Fowler, and her family is preparing for your wedding."Stan smiled. "I'm the look of success—getting a girl couldn't be simpler. See? I'm getting married already.""Well, I guess we're all taken now," Erin said.Tommy poked his head up just then. "Congratulations, Uncle Stan.""Thank you." Stan chuckled, patting his head."Also, I heard that you're marrying into the Fowler family?" Zachary asked.Everyone turned to stare at Stan in shock, but it was understandable.Stan was not that modest that he would have to go that far—he had money and was successful enough to afford a wife.Still, Zachary—who knew the Fowlers—suggested, "To be fair, they do need someone to take care of the family business…"-Either way, it meant that Irene's family would be delaying their return trip to Franconia.After all, none of them had expected to attend Stan's wedding so soon after Zachary's.Stan himself did not expect that either, as he had
"What's the problem? We've already slept together," Rea said as she put her clothes on.She frowned as Stan was still on the bed and not moving. "What, are you going to stay in my bed forever?""What am I supposed to wear?" Stan shrugged. "You haven't brought my clothes here.""I'll get it for you."Rea remembered his suitcase then and hurried downstairs to bring it up."Wear whatever you like. I'll be waiting downstairs," she said and hurried away.Stan got out of bed and put on a suit—it was only right to dress formally when it came to discussing marriage.After cleaning up and heading downstairs, he found Rea sandwiched by her parents.Stan had no idea if she had already mentioned it, but both Mr. and Mrs. Fowler were both staring at him, leaving him further tense.Clearing his throat, Stan began, "Excuse me, but—""Yes, we agree to you marrying our daughter.""You mean marrying into our family," Rea corrected them.Everyone else was staring at her before asking all at o
If Rea asked her parents now, they would only get sad, and life would become difficult for everyoneWhat should she do to make them happy?Right, she could get married! Her parents would definitely be pleased. As for the choice of bridegroom, did she not have one readily available here?If Stan could pretend to be her boyfriend, he could definitely be her husband too.They could fake their marriage if they had to!Putting the medical file back where she found it, she wobbled up to her feet and left the room.Stan had yet to step out of the bathroom when she returned, so she sat on the bed and waited.After a while, Stan stepped out with a towel around his waist and paused when he saw Rea sitting there. "Where are my clothes?" He asked, presuming that Rea had forgotten since there was nothing on the bed or the table. "My suitcase is still in your car trunk."Rea turned toward him. "Let's get married."Stan was left speechless for a moment and soon chuckled, "Did you forge
Mrs. Fowler smacked her daughter, but while Rea thought she was angry, she said instead, "Just do your best."Rea's mind was blown—were her parents bewitched? They were completely different from before! A long time ago, her parents had used to tell her that she did not have to marry as long as she was happy.But later on, they had persistently sent her on blind dates… and now, they were telling her to seduce a man?Touching her mother's forehead, Rea asked, "Are you sick?"Mrs. Fowler slapped her hand off. "Your dad and I are leaving now.""Yeah." Mr. Fowler nodded. "The chauffeur is waiting."Rea walked them to the door and watched as their car left before returning inside.She did not go upstairs since Stan was asleep, and she would be bored—she was the type who just could not sit still.However, it was inappropriate if she left since that would leave nobody home.In her boredom, she thought of pranking Stan. She headed upstairs to find him asleep, and soundly at that.Ca
Unable to argue against her parents, Rea said, "Fine, fine. Whatever you say."Mrs. Fowler smiled. "Then help Stan upstairs to get some rest.""Which room?" Rea asked.Mrs. Fowler realized with a start and quickly said, "Oh, there's no bedding in the guest room… So let him stay in your room."Rea was left staring at her in shock. "When did you get so open-minded? Letting a man stay in your daughter's room?"Mrs. Fowler shrugged. "What can he do when he's drunk?""Haven't you heard of drunken fumbles?" Rea asked.Both Mr. and Mrs. Fowler shook their heads at the same time. "Nope."Rea was left totally speechless—this was just outrageous!She would think that Stan was actually their son, if it was not for the fact that they were not acquainted before.They were not like this before either—even if they were urging her to get married, they were not throwing her at a man like this!Mr. Fowler then said, "If anything happens, we'll demand that he takes responsibility and marries y
"I get it," Stan replied quietly. "I wouldn't have been upset even if you didn't explain yourself. But since you did, I forgive you."Rea's brow creased as she pursed her lips. "See? I knew it. We really shouldn't be too nice to you."While Stan was speechless, Mrs. Fowler was enthusiastically putting food on Stan's plate. "This is our family's favorite dish. Try it."Stan nodded after a bite. "It's good."Mrs. Fowler smiled, while Mr. Fowler poured him a glass of wine. "Can you hold your liquor?"Stan smiled. "More or less.""You're being humble now." Mr. Fowler smiled at him. "You're definitely a good drinker.""A little."Rea had enough right then. "Dad, Stan has work to do, and he has to return to Franconia tomorrow. You're going to make things difficult for him."Mr. Fowler smiled awkwardly. "Right…" "You think?" Rea huffed, snatching his wine away. "Everyone only gets to have one glass."Mr. Fowler glared at Rea. "Party pooper."Rea shrugged. "I'm doing this for your
Rea turned her head aside. "Then what's your hobby?"Stan did a double take and remembered his life… which was work and more work.It had been years since he took leave, and he would not get to goof off the last few days if it had not been for Zachary's wedding.Hobby? He certainly did not have anything like that.Now that he thought about it, his life was boring and monotonous, and he did not have anyone very close.That was why he wanted a kind, understanding wife to care and offer him company while he took care of her needs.When he looked up at Rea, he clearly felt that she was not for him—he needed someone to take care of him, but with her, he would be busy taking care of her instead."You're looking at me weirdly," Rea suddenly said."How so?" Stan asked.Rea moved closer, looking him in the eyes and asking solemnly, "Don't tell me—you've fallen for me?""You don't just suffer from a flawed personality—you're narcissistic too."Stan pursed his lips and checked the tim