Chapter 38 Exasperated
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The whole family gathered around the table, sharing a warm and joyful meal. Each person took turns wishing Ernest a happy birthday. The smile on the old man’s face never faded.
By the end of the night, it seemed like his wrinkles had deepened with joy.
“Gary, you better bring your girlfriend to my birthday by next year, understand?”
Ernest was holding up the toggle buttons as if signaling him.
He approved of this girl. It was a thoughtful, delicate gift, crafted with care and heart. She seemed like a bright and capable young lady.
Good
She is a lovely girl.
Among all the gifts he received tonight, hers was the one that pleased him the most.
Everyone laughed when they heard Ernest’s words.
Gary was naturally shy. His cheeks blushed slightly. He raised his fist to his lips and cleared his throat. “I’ll do my best.
“You better work harder,” Scarlett chimed in, “Bring a wife and a chubby little baby by next year to wish Grandpa a happy birthday!”
Gary’s face turned even redder.
Rhonda added, “Exactly, I’m ready to be a grandma!”
One after another, they teased him, and Gary was nearly overwhelmed.
Thankfully, Ernest soon came to his rescue.
“William, you better hurry up, too. Don’t let Gary get married and have kids while you’re still doing nothing.
Ernest had been through a lot in his younger days, surviving gunfire and war. That rough edge stayed with him, so even after all these years of retirement and peaceful living, that toughness in his bones never went
away.
Suddenly, all eyes turned to William and Mabel.
Their engagement lasted for a year, and they were together for two years, not counting the year William spent with lasette. On top of that, they had essentially grown up together.
Their bond was as strong as anyone’s at the table..
Despite being together for a long time, they still hadn’t married or had kids.
It was driving everyone crazy.
18:40 Fri, Sep 27 GR
Chapter 38 Exasperated
elders hesitant to press hitn.
Except for Ernest.
Mabel picked up her coffee cup and sipped.
Even though she could feel many eyes on her, this wasn’t the time for her to speak.
William looked up, calm and composed.
Instantly, everyone was focused on him and waited for his response.
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They were dying to know–why delayed their wedding when they had been together for a long time?
However…
“No rush,” William replied.
Ernest nearly vomited blood from the response.
Rhea frowned.
She had thought that once her son ended things with that woman and got together with Mabel, they would marry quickly.
Though she wasn’t completely satisfied with Mabel as her daughter–in–law, she was miles better than Lisette.
After two years, there was still no sense of urgency. She couldn’t help but wonder if something was wrong between them.
Ernest asked, “William, how old are you this year?”
“Thirty–five.”
“And you remember you’re thirty–five? Is it truly your intention to delay your commitment until Gary marries and has children?
“We’ll see.”
Ernest clutched his chest and leaned back against the sofa.
“Dad!” Scarlett called out, rushing to his side.
Ernest dismissed her with a wave and declared, “I’ve had enough. I’m going to die from frustration.”
Everyone hurried to check on the old man, except William, who sat there as steady as a rock.
Ernest was in excellent health–he could easily live another ten years.
Mabel also glanced at Ernest while Scarlett quickly got some medicine, helping him breathe easier. “Dad, why get so worked up? If the young ones want to wait a bit to get married, let them. What about a year or
two?”
Te that night Mahel?”
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Chapter 38 Exasperated
Ernest immediately turned to her.
Mabel smiled and said, “Don’t worry. We won’t marry later than Gary.
Finished
Ernest perked up instantly. Ernest stood up straight, as if the last minute’s weakness had disappeared. “Really?”
“Really.”
The old man looked at William and felt renewed energy. He said, “I’ll hold you to that.”
Then he turned to Gary and said. “You better hurry up. If you didn’t bring your girlfriend to my birthday next year, don’t bother coming to see me at all.”
Gary had no words.
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