A Wedding Night Gone Terribly Wrong novel Chapter 165

"Profound!" Fletcher declared, deeply impressed that this household was apparently packed with philosophers. He dipped the massive drumstick into his sauce and took a huge, satisfying bite.

Across the table, Celeste stuffed her cheeks with a thick slice of beef and gave him a thumbs-up. This was how people were meant to live—eating heartily and living freely. Happiness wasn't exclusive to the brilliant. Sometimes, simply enjoying a good meal brought far more peace than constantly overthinking everything.

They finished dinner early. Afterward, Fletcher practically begged to handle all the dishes, claiming he needed to prove his worth to Leland. Amused, Winifred decided to take the rest of the family out for an evening stroll.

Their new neighborhood, Riverbend Estates, sat right along a scenic river promenade. The paved walking trail was lined with lush greenery and featured various outdoor fitness and play areas.

It was Seth and Annelise's first day in the neighborhood. They swiveled their little heads everywhere, their eyes wide with curiosity and delight.

As they approached one of the play areas, Annelise spotted a set of massive tire swings and stopped in her tracks. Winifred noticed the setup: there were three swings, painted bright red, yellow, and blue. They looked incredibly fun. Two children were currently swinging on them, their parents hovering nearby. One was empty.

"Do you want to play?" Winifred asked.

"Yes!" Annelise raised her little hand enthusiastically.

Winifred scooped her up to carry her over, not wanting her to get accidentally knocked over by the swinging tires. Celeste picked up Seth to follow suit.

They had barely taken a few steps toward the play area when a familiar, chubby figure darted out from a side path, sprinting directly toward the empty swing.

Jordyn.

Winifred immediately turned on her heel. Clutching her daughter tight, she fast-walked away from the playground. They moved off the path, heading down a set of stairs to the river observation deck, where a few older men sat on folding chairs, peacefully fishing. It was a quiet spot for residents to rest and look out over the water.

"Mommy, was that Jordyn who ran out and grabbed the swing?" Seth asked quietly.

"Yes, it was."

He had taken his fiancée and her niece grocery shopping.

*He really loves her,* Winifred thought. He was constantly breaking his own rules for Iris, even willing to wash his hands and step into a kitchen for her.

Over at the playground, Jordyn was swinging back and forth, her round face split into a massive, toothy grin. Her cheeks were flushed, and her short hair whipped in the wind.

Holden had bent his tall frame slightly, holding onto the ropes of the swing, his eyes entirely focused on Jordyn. He maintained that protective, loving stance, watching over the girl with undeniable affection. He clearly adored the child and was fully invested in playing the perfect father figure.

Jordyn laughed and played, showing no signs of wanting to leave even as the sky grew dark.

The autumn evening breeze was crisp and chilling. A gust blew Annelise's soft curls across her face, turning her little cheeks pink from the cold. Winifred gently cupped the back of her daughter's head, turning her away so she wouldn't have to watch Jordyn playing with her father.