Chapter 1358
Elysia snapped out of her thoughts, ruffled the hair of the little one nestled in Baby’s arms, and waved at Pamela Patel and the kids.
After the hellos, she turned to the children.
“Alright, have the best time today. But remember, after all the fun, tomorrow means back to preschool-no fussing, no whining. You’ve all gotta go p>
The mere mention of preschool triggered a chorus of mixed reactions.
Baby’s face fell immediately—she hated being away from Mom and Dad, and she couldn’t even bring Lan along.
Elliot and Elijah weren’t thrilled either. To them, preschool was for babies.
Evan and Emmett, on the other hand, didn’t really mind. They liked meeting new friends and playing games. The only downside? Spending the whole day away from Mom.
Still, whatever Elysia said, went. If it made Mom happy, that was enough.
“If that’s what you want, Mom, we promise-we won’t make a fuss!” they chimed in unison.
Elysia grinned. “Tomorrow, both Daddy and I will drop you off p>
“And Grandma and Grandpa, too!” came Clayton Hawkins’ cheery voice, emerging from the kitchen with a tray full of pancakes and bacon.
Tarquin followed right behind, carrying a stack of scrambled eggs and toast.
As soon as Elysia and her husband came downstairs, Clayton had hustled off to the kitchen to get breakfast ready, with Tarquin helping out like a pro.
Elysia, with Baby in her arms, led the way to the dining room. “Dad p>
“Alright, kids, go wash your hands, breakfast’s ready! Eat up and we’ll head out after,” Clayton called, his apron straining at the ties, his face beaming. Ever since he’d found his daughter again, the once-legendary sea captain had become a devoted family man-and he was loving it.
After breakfast, the whole family piled out the door, a merry little parade.
Lowell was already at the curb with a gleaming black SUV, engine humming. Axel was there too, leaning against the car.
But Axel wasn’t here for snowball fights or tobogganing-he was just looking for an excuse to slip away for a bit. Tarquin had said last night: with them sticking close to home, certain folks were playing it safe. If the family went out, those same folks might finally make a move.
“Mr. Lowell! Mr. Axel!” the kids shouted, rushing over.
Lowell grinned and swooped down like he was greeting his own brood, arms wide open.
Axel just stood by the car, all in black athleisure, baseball cap pulled low, face impassive but somehow less chilly than usual.
He was almost… approachable.
Baby, on a mission, scampered straight to Axel and wrapped herself around his leg, looking up at him with big hopeful eyes.
“Mr. Axel p>
Axel, never one for hugs, awkwardly patted her head in what, for him, passed as affection.
Baby piped up in her sweet little voice,
“It’s been so long, Mr. Axel! Did you bring me a present p>
Axel froze. Besides the odd birthday or Christmas gift for Elijah-and even then, always just an envelope with
sh-he’d never bought
presents for anyone.
“Uh… I’ll owe you one next time,” he mumbled.
Baby pouted, her disappointment theatrical.
“No present, huh p>
Axel looked completely flustered, unsure how to respond.
But before he could recover, Baby’s eyes sparkled with a new idea.
“Then will you come with me to pick Ssom? She promised to gone
up
sledding with me, but
with me, but there’s no one her. Let’s go together, okay p>
Axel frowned. “She wants to come, she can grab an Uber p>
“Nooo, I want you to come with me p>
“I’ll have someone else take you p>
“No! I want Mr. Axel! If you don’t come, I’ll cry, I really will p>
Axel
Blossom had put Baby up to
knew exactly what Blossom we
thinking-he wanted no part of it.
He opened his mouth to refuse, but Baby was already sniffling, her eyes going
glassy with real tears welling up.
He was doomed.