“Aren’t we going home?” I asked.
“No.” Ashton elaborated with a neutral expression, “Let Summer and Audrey shop for new clothes. Children enjoy the process of selecting clothes in malls.”
Finding his words reasonable, I didn’t object and went to the mall with them.
Audrey was the happiest one. As soon as we entered a high-end clothing store, she tugged John along with her and expertly maneuvered her way to the princess section, wanting to try on every dress there.
Ashton followed behind silently and explained in a justified manner, “I just don’t trust John’s fashion sense.”
He’s obviously jealous.
No one exposed him despite it being clear as day. With knowing smiles on our faces, we watched the three of them walk further in.
Come to think of it, I was quite rusty in selecting clothes. Being brought her so abruptly and without Ashton by my side, I lost my confidence. The last time I picked clothes for Summer was six years ago, and a lot could change in that amount of time. Would my taste still suit hers?
While I was doubting myself, someone linked arms with me. Turning around, I saw that it was Summer. As she leaned against me affectionately, she set her sights on the women’s clothing section a distance away. “Mommy, let’s go over there. I saw something I like.”
I breathed a sigh of relief and walked over arm in arm.
Meanwhile, Jared and Joseph watched us from afar. At first glance, one would think that they were mannequins. Hence, the two of them drew quite a lot of attention.
Summer had good taste. The two outfits she casually threw on accentuated the vibrancy of a girl her age.
While waiting for her to try more clothes, I tried choosing a modest one for her.
Right then, I noticed that Gregory was in low spirits.
I speculated that he was probably upset because he felt left out, so I asked gently, “Gregory, boys must be more tolerant when it comes to girls. Once your sister is done, I’ll accompany you to buy some clothes, okay?”
Gregory’s face showed no emotion when he raised his gaze to me and shook his head. “It’s okay, Mommy. My clothes are custom-made and will be regularly delivered to our house. My wardrobe is already full of clothes. I don’t need new ones.”
Although his tone was neutral, I still sensed the subtle change in him.
Arching my lips into a smile, I caressed his hair and said, “I need to use the washroom. Accompany your sister here and don’t go anywhere. Can you do that?”
“Yes!” Gregory affirmed and he subconsciously straightened his body and snapped his feet together, looking like a miniature soldier.
Ashton was probably the one who trained him to do this.
This boy had been with him for six years and developed well in all aspects except emotionally. Just like his father, he kept everything in his heart.
Feeling reassured by the confident gleam in his eyes, I got up and left.
When I passed by the girl’s clothing area, I discovered Ashton and John in a stand-off with each other.
“…Listen to me, Audrey. This princess dress suits you the best. You’ll become the prettiest princess after putting it on,” John persuaded.
“There’s nothing special about it, but this one is different. It’s low profile and modest, which highlights a little girl’s innocence. Are you sure you don’t want to take Daddy’s advice, Audrey?”
Goodness gracious. Two grown men coming together to make life difficult for a six-year-old child?
I was about to go in and rescue Audrey, but in the next second, I realized that I was worrying over nothing.
“You should just focus on taking care of your son. What do you know about what little girl like?”
“If I’m not mistaken, you only have a son. Do you think you have more experience than someone who has a daughter?”
“Stop!” Audrey’s shrill voice halted their verbal war. She stepped forward to grab the dress in John’s hand, then turned around to grab the attire Ashton selected for her. With a disapproving yet cute frown on her face, she chided, “Stop fighting. I like both Uncle John and Daddy, so the two of you must behave. Aunt Emma said that we’re not supposed to speak loudly in public!”
Ashton and John exchanged glances and instantly clamped their mouths shut.
Audrey looked at the two of them and nodded with satisfaction. “That’s better. I’m going to try these on now. Wait here for me, okay?” she drew out her question as though she was the adult and they were the children.
“Okay,” they answered in unison.
