"Noah, did you miss me?" Mabel asked gently, cradling Noah in her arms and fixing the woolen cap on his head.
"Mother, you’re getting troubled looking after him, are you?" Amelie asked, keeping Noah’s warm clothes to one side of the cupboard.
"Not at all. Why would I be troubled? Noah is my grandson too," Mabel stated warmly. "He actively uses his arms and legs. I’ve called the doctor to check both you and Noah later this morning. Since you haven’t eaten anything yet, your blood samples will be taken before you eat."
"That’s so thoughtful of you, Mother," Amelie said, appreciating the immediate care. "I wonder where did Gabriel go? He should be here by now. I asked him last night to see you and Father once, but he was too tired then."
"That’s why we didn’t disturb you both either," Mabel stated, understanding their need for rest after the stressful journey.
Amelie closed the cupboard’s door and walked to the bed. Lowering herself onto it, she gazed at Noah, who was sucking contentedly on his bottle of milk now.
"Babies are so fragile," Amelie said softly, watching her son. "I fear sometimes not to hurt Noah while massaging him, even though I know it’s good for him."
"You’ll learn slowly," Mabel remarked gently. "But we have servants around for a reason. Ashna is specially trained for all of this. Ask her if you need guidance. And now that you’re back, I’ll happily give gentle massages to Noah myself, to help him grow strong."
"Thank you for giving him so much love," Amelie said in a humble tone. "Noah is blessed to have you as his grandmother. Thank you for making him feel included all the time."
Before Mabel could answer, Gabriel walked in, looking refreshed.
"Good morning, Mom!" He quickly greeted, not surprised that his mother had come to their chamber immediately upon their arrival. "I met Dad earlier, just for a brief moment though."
Noah pulled away his mouth from the milk bottle, his eyes locking onto his father’s face, and called out, "Pa!"
The trio laughed joyfully at the clear recognition.
"My boy wants to come to me!?" Gabriel walked closer, his heart melting. Noah wriggled his tiny arms and legs while still being in Mabel’s lap. She carefully helped Noah up, whom Gabriel quickly carried now, settling his son against his shoulder.
"The doctor will be here soon," Mabel informed him, watching the exchange. "Make sure Amelie doesn’t eat or drink anything before that, so they can take her blood samples."
"Okay," Gabriel confirmed. He wiped Noah’s mouth with a napkin, and Noah suddenly grabbed his thumb, giggling and smiling up at him.
"I take my leave then," Mabel said, smiling at the sweet scene, and left the chamber to allow them privacy.
"Amelie, let’s go out today to shop for Noah and you," Gabriel suggested, gently setting Noah down beside him on the bed.
"What?" Amelie was a bit surprised by his sudden, relaxed plan, given the recent events. "But Noah already has many clothes, so do I."
"But I want to buy new ones for both of you. Noah is growing up fast, and he loves going out. Consider it as our small family date," Gabriel opined, lowering himself fully onto the bed, clearly set on the idea.

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