Chapter 256
“We were all that small when we were little. We just grew up,” Molly added, taking Seven’s hand. “Come on, let’s go play soccer on the lawn over there!”
The two little ones ran hand in hand toward the nearby lawn, their bright laughter ringing through the air.
Meanwhile, Jane looked at Lucy and asked casually, “You got here pretty early. Did you take a cab?”
“No, Wyatt dropped us off,” Lucy said, pulling a gift envelope from her bag and gently placing it into the baby stroller. Jane leaned in, lowering her voice.
“I heard that jerk Kingsley got discharged from the hospital. He hasn’t come looking for you? Don’t tell me he finally learned some boundaries?”
Lucy shook her head in exasperation. “You’re overthinking it. He literally cornered us right at Wyatt’s front door.”
Chatting, the two women walked side by side to the seating area and sat down.
Thurston offered Lucy a nod of acknowledgment in greeting, then grabbed a water bottle and walked toward the two kids on the lawn.
“Thank you, Godfather,” Seven said politely as he took the water bottle.
Thurston looked at the little face that was a spitting image of Kingsley, and a sudden, horrifying image of Kingsley calling him “Godfather” flashed through his mind. He dismissed the thought the moment it appeared—the very idea made his skin crawl.
Before he could dwell on it, he looked up and saw Kingsley striding toward them. Seven had just handed the water bottle back to Thurston and was about to retrieve the stray soccer ball, only to see it scooped up by Kingsley.
He tilted his little head up, his clear eyes fixed on the man. “That’s our soccer ball,” he said seriously. “Give it back.” He wondered why this guy had followed them again.
Listening to Seven’s blunt demand, Thurston couldn’t hold back the smirk tugging at his lips. Kingsley slowly crouched down, his gaze softening as he looked at the boy. “Have you forgotten me already? Can I play with you guys?” Seven’s long velashes fluttered as he retorted with absolute seriousness, “You’re an adult. This ball is for kids.”
A faint smile played on Kingsley’s lips as he coaxed gently, “Give me a hug, and give you the ball.” “No.” Seven shook his head decisively, turning to Thurston with a pleading look on his little face Thurston, the ball?” His meaning couldnt have been clearer: he wanted Thurston to get the ball back for him.
Before Thurston could say a word, Molly called out sweetly from the side, “Mr. Kingsley, give the ball back! I still want to play soccer with Seventy Kingsley chuckled and gently brushed his fingers against Seven’s small hand, compromising Let me hold you for as and Th give it
back.” Seven gave him a look and shook his head again. “I don’t want it anymore.”
With that, he turned on his heel and started to march away on his little legs. Kingsley quickly reached out to catch him, his tone filled with helpless affection.
“I was just teasing you. Here’s the ball.” The moment he got the ball, Seven turned and ran off. Thurston walked over to Kingsley and patted his shoulder.
“You’re practically groveling in the dirt around Lucy and Seven right now. Don’t rush it. Take your time, and it’ll get better once they’re used to you.”
Kingsley watched Seven’s retreating back and muttered in disappointment, “Do I look that scary? Am I really worse than Jules Holt?”