“Dad...” Jamie uttered.
Robbie and Ellie's eyes widened as if to question how quickly their brother had been co-opted.
I just did it,” Jamie replied sheepishly. “It's not like Mommy disapproves or anything like that.”
The three children then turned in concert to regard Charlotte.
Their mother appeared quite abashed and did not know how to respond.
Jamie asked softly, “You wouldn't be against us treating Uncle Zack like our Dad, would you, Mommy?”
“Whatever do you mean by treating me like your Dad?” Zachary frowned. “I am your Dad, to begin with.”
“Huh?” The children were dumbfounded as they glanced at Zachary and Charlotte.
“Let's go inside. I'll explain this to y'all.”
Charlotte concurred. A matter of such importance should be discussed when everyone had settled in.
“Okay!” The children nodded obediently. However, their mood was somber, as they sensed their mother had something important to announce.
The entire family bundled into the study when they came back in.
Mrs. Berry and the three kids were seated side by side, while Zachary and Charlotte occupied the couch across from them.
The housekeeper was a little uptight. “Perhaps I should step outside while your family talked, Miss.”
“You are family too, Mrs. Berry.”
Charlotte then gestured for her to sit.
Mrs. Berry could only stay put on the one side with the half-asleep Fifi nodding off in her lap.
“What do you want to tell us, Mommy?”
Robbie was as self-assured and collected as the eldest amongst the children ought to be. He mustered the courage to speak up even though he was quite the nervous wreck himself.
“Mommy had never broached this subject with you before...” Charlotte stuttered as she had no clue as to how to even begin. “The truth of the matter is...”
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