Chapter 219
Afternoon light spilled across one’s living room as Wesley hovered in the doorway, gift hozes in hand. His clothes booked fresh, but his face told a different story–thed eyes with dark circles that spoke of sleepless nights.
‘There he is! Joseph’s face lit up, though worry flickered in his smile Come in already.”
Wesley stepped inside like he wasn’t sure he belonged. He knelt before the triplets, who studied him with wide–eyed curiosity.
“Wasn’t sure what you’d like,” he said quietly. Hope these are okay.
The children tore into the packages, revealing beautifully carved book sculptures showing scenes from mythology. Every tiny detail brought the stories to life.
Alex traced the edges with his finger. “Did you make these yourself?
Wesley nodded. “Each one’s different.”
“So co! The kids beamed, instantly in love with their new treasures.
They huddled on the sofa, heads close together. Lucas ran off and came back with their mythology book.
“Look, it matches perfectly!” he gasped, pointing between the book and sculpture.
Wesley watched them, looking almost surprised by how happy they were.
Soft music played in the background as Joseph led his grandson to a seat. Wesley sat stiffly, barely sipping the tea in his hands.
“Your mom tells me the studio project’s going well,” Joseph said.
“It’s fine,” Wesley replied, his eyes never settling on anyone for more than a second.
“Been two years since I’ve seen you,” Joseph continued.
Irene moved around quietly refilling cups. Her doctor’s eye caught the slight shake in Wesley’s hands and how he shifted away from bright light. She noticed the way he occasionally pressed his fingertips against his temples when he thought no one was looking.
The slight wince when loud laughter erupted from the triplets didn’t escape her either. Whatever was wrong went deeper than just missing sleep–something neurological, perhaps. The kind of pain that medication might mask but not cure.
Golden evening light filtered through the windows as hours slipped by. Wesley stood up abruptly, as though suddenly remembering where he was. “Should get going now.”
“No way.” Joseph’s tone left no room for argument. “You’re staying for dinner. Family eats together.”
“Don’t want to be in the way-”
‘Family is never in the way,” Joseph said firmly.
At dinner, the triplets pecame Wesley’s personal food committee.
“Have some chicken!” Lily pushed a plate toward him.
“You’re too skinny,” Lucas announced with brutal honesty. “And you’re already handsome, so no dieting needed.”
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Chapter 219
“Try this, Alex insisted. “Mont’s crispy stuff is the best.
“We can’t waste food, Lily added with big eyes. “Mom says so!”
Wesley ate automatically, clearly overwhelmed by all the attention. He looked like someone who’d forgotten the steps to a dance he
once knew,
Irene caught Brandon’s eye, both trying not to laugh at Wesley’s deer caught–in–headlights look.
As James cleared away dessert plates, exhaustion crept over Wesley’s face. He pushed back his chair.
“Thanks for dinner,” he said, voice fading. “Getting late. qhould go.”
“When will you come back?” The triplets looked up with hopeful faces.
Wesley blinked, clearly surprised. “I… when I can.”
Joseph gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze.
At the door, Lily rushed forward and wrapped her arms around Wesley’s waist. He froze completely, arms hanging in the air, face a perfect picture of confusion.
Later that night, Brandon balanced on his crutch while helping with dishes, his usual carefree grin nowhere to be seen. “Never thought Wesley would actually show up. He skips pretty much everything family–related.”
“Nobody says no to Joseph,” Irene replied, stacking plates.
Brandon’s expression turned serious, a rare sight on the family daredevil’s face. “Seriously though–is it just bad sleep? He looks terrible.”
“I’m not a mind reader,” Irene said, shaking water from her hands. “C
