She hurried out of bed and dashed downstairs, uncertain where Hawthorne had gone—maybe out for a run, maybe something else—
It wasn’t until she heard the sounds coming from the kitchen that Gwyneth relaxed and drifted over. There he was.
Hawthorne looked up the moment she entered, catching sight of Gwyneth at the doorway.
“You’re up. I made breakfast—come and eat.”
There was a spread on the table: a steaming bowl of nourishing soup, golden fried dumplings, freshly ground soy milk, toast, and eggs.
So he’d gotten up early just to make her breakfast?
Gwyneth wandered to the dining table. Hawthorne pulled out her chair for her and set her plate in front of her with quiet care.
“Coffee or milk? I’ve got soy milk ready, too.”
Gwyneth eyed the soy milk and said, “This is perfect for me.”
She glanced at the dough still rising on the counter—was he really planning to make homemade doughnuts, too?
“Don’t go overboard, I can’t eat that much.”
Was he trying to fatten her up? Hawthorne pinched her cheek lightly. “No way, you’re far too thin.”
If they wanted to have a baby, she’d need to put on a little weight first.
Gwyneth was curvy enough, just slender. Honestly, she ate more with Hawthorne than she ever had before.
Gwyneth pinched her own cheek, feigning a pout. “Am I really that thin?”
Her childish gesture made it impossible for Hawthorne to hide the smile tugging at his lips.
“When we’re back in Greenvale, I’ll cook your favorites every day.”
She’d need the extra energy if they were going to start a family.
Gwyneth didn’t say anything more, simply focused on eating quietly.
Back at the old family house, Victoria and the patriarch were still waiting for her. Gwyneth had breakfast with them every morning, but today she was running late.
“Mom, Grandpa—Hawthorne wanted to come meet you both. Sorry we’re late.”
The moment they saw Hawthorne, Chris and Celia’s faces lit up with obvious delight.
It lasted all of three seconds before Chris resumed his cool indifference and Celia composed herself as well.
“Glad you could make it. Come join us for breakfast,” Thorpe said, his eyes crinkling with a smile. Victoria had a pretty good idea of what was going on.
“I suppose they won’t be eating with us,” she said, looking at the pair. “Well? Are you heading to Greenvale?”
A daughter grows up and can’t be kept at home forever.
Chris and Celia looked like they wanted to protest, but swallowed their words. Their sister’s happiness was what mattered most.
Victoria looked at them all. “I have no objections. Just promise you’ll be back for the wedding at the end of the year.”
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