Charlotte was confused. Everything was fine earlier, and Henry even agreed to stay for dinner. Why is he suddenly angry?
“Don’t bother. Let’s eat now.” Zachary made her sit at the dining table before he went to send Henry off.
“Where is great-grandpa?” asked the kids after they came out of the washroom.
Charlotte was unwilling to lie to them, so she answered frankly, “Your great-grandpa has just left.”
“I thought he is going to stay for dinner? Why did he leave?” With his brows knotted, Jamie asked worriedly, “Did he leave because I went to chase after Fifi when I was performing martial arts?”
“Great-grandpa’s car is still outside!” Ellie ran out of the house.
Jamie and Fifi followed suit.
Robbie, on the other hand, remained seated while calmly drinking water.
“All of them have gone after your great-grandpa. Why didn’t you join them?” Charlotte asked curiously.
“If great-grandpa wanted to leave, he must have his own reason.” Robbie handed a small bunch of grapes to his mother. “Mommy, the grapes are sweet and juicy. Have some.”
“Thank you, Robbie.” Charlotte took the grapes. After some hesitation, she asked, “Robbie, did you say something to your great-grandpa?”
Robbie was composed. “We have a few words. I just wanted to protect mommy.”
Hearing that, Charlotte’s heart tightened. She knew her son well. Robbie was more mature and cleverer than his peers. Thus, most probably, he knew all that was going on between her and Henry.
If that was so, it was not surprising that he would do something out of the ordinary.
Charlotte suddenly thought of Timothy, the boy who suffered a great deal because of the toxic relationship between his parents. The enmity between the two families had eventually caused the three-year-old boy to go to the extremes when he stabbed Helena with a pair of scissors.
She wouldn’t want to see Robbie become the next Timothy.
Holding Robbie’s hands in hers, she said, “Robbie, this is between the adults, and it has nothing to do with you. Don’t think too much, alright?”
“I didn’t, and I won’t meddle in it. Don’t worry, Mommy,” Robbie comforted his mother, “I know what I’m doing.”
Charlotte was at a loss for words.
Right then, Jamie and Ellie were back. The two were still sulking over their great-grandpa, who suddenly left.
“Hmph! Great-grandpa didn’t keep his promise!”
“We’re not sharing hot cross bunnies with him next time.”
“Yeah! We’re not sharing with him!”
“That’s it! Let’s eat!” Zachary picked the kids up and put them in their junior chair. Then, he asked Mrs. Rawlston to serve dinner.
“Daddy, mommy, Mrs. Berry, let’s dig in!”
The presence of the kids in the house would always liven up the atmosphere. Including Fifi, there seemed to be four children in the house.
The dining hall was filled with the kids’ laughter and jovial chatter. Charlotte soon cast her worries away. The heartfelt smile never left her face as she enjoyed dinner with them.
As for Mrs. Berry, she hadn’t seen the kids for a long time. Throughout the dinner, she was busy filling the kids’ plates with food.
The whole family had wonderful dinnertime together.
After dinner, Zachary and Charlotte took a walk in the garden with the kids.
As the cool evening breeze blew, Zachary wrapped his coat around Charlotte and his arm around her shoulder. Sitting on the bench, the two watched the kids as they played. The contentment and blissfulness brought about by the lovely family moment brought smiles to their faces.
“If only we can live a simple yet happy life like this forever,” Charlotte said, “with the whole family staying together, and we will accompany the kids as they grow up.”
“Yes, we will.” Zachary was optimistic about the future. “Don’t worry. Grandpa will eventually give his blessing.”
“How are you so optimistic?” Charlotte plastered a bitter smile on her face. “He was angry when he left just now. I don’t think he will agree to us marrying.”
“Oh, Charlotte, you’re such a pessimist!” The man ran his fingers through her hair. “Trust me, grandpa will agree for the sake of the kids.”
