The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 561

After dinner, Dr. Holt's car pulled into the driveway at Misty Vale.

The thick snow had been cleared by the staff. Stepping out in a chic white coat, Wendy Holt looked like a natural part of the winter wonderland.

Holding Manley in his arms, Franco stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, glancing out toward the yard.

Jay walked over and followed his gaze. They watched as Wendy caught a maid who had slipped on the ice, speaking to her with a warm, gentle smile.

Over the past six months, Wendy's visits had decreased from once a week to twice a month, and soon it would be just once a month.

Everyone at Misty Vale knew her as the sweet, even-tempered doctor doing health check-ups for the young boy.

However, while the staff respected her, that was the extent of it.

Franco's brow twitched, a subtle ripple of emotion crossing his eyes. He pulled his gaze away and told Jay, "Go find a small sled. We read a picture book last night, and now he insists on having one."

The moment he heard the word "sled," Manley clapped his hands in delight. "Sled! Sled!"

Jay acknowledged the order and turned away to make it happen.

Wendy walked into the house, carrying her briefcase packed with records of all of Manley's past examinations.

Seeing everyone gathered, she offered a bright smile. "Mr. White."

"Did Manley eat all his dinner?" She walked over, pulling off her gloves to ruffle the boy's round head.

Manley was a painfully honest child. Hearing her ask about his meal, he nodded enthusiastically and immediately tried to yank his shirt up to show her his stuffed belly.

Seeing this, Franco held the hem down. "You'll catch a cold."

Manley threw his arms around Franco's neck as they headed to the examination room.

Jackson and Jay tagged along as usual.

Jay froze.

...

Franco had never been one to celebrate Christmas. But Manley had seen a picture book and demanded Santa, a tree, and a sled.

Franco had easily provided the latter two, but he hadn't found anyone suitable to play Santa.

In the boy's book, Santa was a short, jolly old man.

All the men at Misty Vale were built like giants, and even Jackson, who fit the age profile, was far too tall.

Thankfully, Manley hadn't brought it up again and was currently busy shoveling food into his mouth at the dinner table.

Jay's phone suddenly rang.