“Okay, thank you Uncle Zack.” Jamie nodded gratefully.
“Uncle Zack, there’s a boy at school who said he likes me and wants to be friends. He gave me this today.”
She produced a little red flower from her bag. It was a paper-craft made by that kid, with the name “Elisa” written on it.
Apparently, a lot of effort went into it.
“Would you like to be friends with him?” Zachary asked gently.
“I don’t know him very well as we’re not from the same class,” Ellie replied. She tilted her head and seemed to be thinking very hard. “He’s kind of cute though.”
“If you don’t know someone that well, then you shouldn’t accept his present,” Zachary said. “You should return the gift to him. Tell him that since all of you are schoolmates, you could all play together.”
“Alright, got it.” Ellie nodded obediently. She then carefully placed the little red flower back inside her bag.
“How about you? Do you have anything interesting to share?” Zachary asked as he turned his attention to Robbie.
“I think that the stuff that is being taught is too elementary.” The boy shrugged. “Every day, I just look forward to coming home and attending online lessons, even though their content’s pretty straightforward too. I have since had a chat with the teacher, who has started to share new stuff with me.”
Zachary’s brows raised in surprise when he heard that. “I’ll attend the online lesson with you and assess your progress so that I may adjust your learning scope accordingly.”
“Okay.” Robbie was excited and anticipatory. “Thank you, Uncle Zack!”
“Don’t forget about me.” Jamie raised his hand and waved to draw attention to himself. “You promised to teach me martial arts.”
“And me too.” Ellie squeezed herself in front with her hand held up high as well. “You told me you were going to teach me how to sing, dance and draw.”
“Sure, sure. I’ll definitely do everything I can to fulfill my promises.” He then took a quick glance at his wrist. “We’ll start at seven-thirty!”
“Yay!” The three children cheered in unison as they looked forward to their night lessons.
“Gather round everyone. Dinner’s ready.”
By this time, Mrs. Berry laid out the sumptuous spread of dinner with the assistance of the butler, Mrs. Rawlston and a few helpers.
Mrs. Rawlston was concerned that Mrs. Berry might be tiring herself out. “You’ve already done the cooking. Do wash up and prepare to have dinner yourself. You can leave the rest to me.”
“In that case, thank you.” Mrs. Berry then loosened her apron. “Come along now, children. I’ll take you to the sink.”
“Okay.” Robbie and Ellie sprinted over with Jamie playing catch-up in his wheelchair behind. “Hey, wait for me.”
Three nurses immediately approached to help.
Charlotte felt all warm and fuzzy inside seeing how lively the house was. This was the kind of family life she coveted, simple but cozy.
“A penny for your thoughts?” Zachary asked as he pinched her cheek lightly.
“I feel so blessed.” Charlotte leaned in and hugged him tightly. “Thank you…”
“Silly you,” Zachary responded by kissing her on top of her head. “Which reminds me. We should hold a family meeting after dinner.”
“A family meeting?” Charlotte was mystified.
“It’s about time the kids knew who I am. We can’t have them calling me “Uncle” anymore,” he said solemnly. “And you should stop calling me Gigolo as well. It’s a bad influence on them.”
“Then what should I call you instead?”
“Hubby, for starters,” Zachary commanded.
“Pfft——” A flush crept across Charlotte’s cheeks as she buried her face in her hands. “I’m so embarrassed.”
“We’ll take it slow, with a bit of practice.” Zachary cupped her face and instructed in earnest. “Take my lead, Hub…!”
“Hub…!” went Charlotte compliantly.
“…By!”
“….By!”
“Hubby!”
“Hubby!”
“Yes!”
Zachary affirmed it positively.
Charlotte chuckled. She was left red to the ear, and could only lean her forehead into his chest to hide her embarrassment.
“Good girl!”
