Chapter 364
Laughter filled Irene’s dining room as silverware clinked against plates. The special dinner she’d prepared to celebrate Adam taking his first steps had turned into a full–blown family party. Warm light Bathed the scene as everyone gathered around the table, faces glowing with happiness.
“Since none of us can drink,” Irene announced, bringing in a pitcher Gilled with colorful liquid, ‘I made special fruit punch instead.
She poured the vibrant drink into everyone’s glasses, the fruity arom filling the air. The triplets couldn’t take their eyes off Adam, buzzing with excitement about his achievement.
Alex leaned forward, glasses sliding down his nose slightly, eyes bright with curiosity. “Uncle Adam, what did it feel like to walk again? Was it like learning to walk when you were little?”
Adam reached over, gently ruffling the boy’s hair. “Much more magical than that,” he said softly. “Like suddenly finding a part of myself I’d lost.”
“When’s your next training session?” Lily chimed in, practically bouncing in her seat. “I can help! I’m really good at helping!”
Adam’s face softened as he looked at her eager expression. “You’ll definitely be my little assistant. Couldn’t do it without you.”
Brandon watched the interaction from across the table, his gaze dropping to his own legs. Something wistful crossed his face as he absently rubbed his thigh.
“Wish I could walk again too,” he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. Then, perking up with sudden enthusiasm, “Maybe I could try some training tomorrow?”
Joseph’s fork clattered against his plate. “Don’t even think about it,” he said sharply, fixing Brandon with a stern look. “Not until Irene says you’re ready. You want to make things worse?”
Brandon opened his mouth to argue, but Joseph cut him off.
“And when your leg finally heals, no more racing. You’ll work at Sterling Group like you’re supposed to.” The old man’s voice left no room for debate.
Joseph’s eyes softened slightly, revealing the concern behind his gruffness. “You need to take better care of yourself, Brandon. You’re not getting any younger. It’s time you found someone and settled down.”
Brandon dramatically covered his ears. “Racing is my true love, Grandfather! You can’t separate us!”
Everyone at the table shot him looks that ranged from amusement to exasperation.
Alex shook his head, his expression suddenly serious beyond his years. Uncle, racing might be every boy’s dream, but a race car
can’t be our aunt.”
“Yeah!” Lily nodded vigorously. “Race cars don’t make dinner or tell bedtime stories.”
Lucas jumped in, “We need a real aunt–someone who cooks and cares about us.”
Adam caught Irene’s eye across the table, a soft laugh escaping him as their hands found each other under the tablecloth. The warm pressure of his fingers against hers sent a flutter through her chest.
Looking around at their mismatched family, Irene felt a warmth bloom inside her. From Joseph’s grumpy wisdom to the kids‘ earnest observations, and Adam’s steady presence beside her–it all felt right in a way she couldn’t quite put into words.
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Chapter 364
After dinner, the triplets sefiled in front of the TV while Joseph claired his favorite armchair with the evening paper. Adam followed Irene into the kitchen, grabbing a dish towel as she turned on the faucet.
They worked in comfortable silence for a few minutes, moving around each other with natural ease–her washing, him drying, their shoulders occasionally brushing.
Tve been thinking about that research institute, Adam said softly, his voice barely carrying over the running water,
Irene looked up, a plate dripping in her hands. “Hmm? What institut
“The one I mentioned before. For you only.” Adam took the plate from her, his fingers lingering against hers for a beat longer than necessary, ‘I want you to consider it, but no pressure. Take all the time you need.”
Irene’s hands stilled in the soapy water. “Actually, I already have an answer. I’ve just been waiting for the right moment to tell you.”
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