Today, Roxanne was over the moon. Her eyes were glistening with tears of joy. So was Vincent.
Seeing them both, Harrison couldn't help but frown. "You two are getting a bit too emotional, aren't you? It's just a birthday, is all the drama necessary?”
This left Harrison a bit puzzled. Perhaps, it had been a very long time since he last witnessed such a heartwarming scene. It might have been when his mother was still alive that their home had such an atmosphere. That was seven years ago.
He saw his father's long-lost smile. For making his father this happy, Harrison was very grateful to Roxanne.
Vincent gave Harrison a hard stare, "What do you mean by 'just a birthday'? It's a special birthday."
"Exactly." Roxanne chimed in, "Mmake a wish, and then we'll blow out the candles."
Vincent closed his hands together, made a wish, and then turned to Roxanne, "Anne, make a wish too."
Roxanne promptly closed her eyes, her hands joined together. Her wish was simple. She hoped that Vincent, Harrison, and herself could all stay healthy and continue to lead such a simple and happy life.
This wish sounded simple, but it was not easy to fulfill. How many people could really lead a simple and happy life?
Like her good friend Chloe who wished for a stable marriage, but her married life was full of troubles and grievances. Chloe's family even believed that since she was married to Oliver, she should be their free housemaid.
Now Chloe wanted a divorce, and they not only refused to return Chloe's house but also demanded her to compensate for Oliver's loss.
Today was Vincent's birthday. She shouldn't be thinking about these worries. After making her wish, she opened her eyes and looked at Harrison.
He really was a very handsome man. Roxanne hoped that he could always keep this willingness to take on family responsibilities, willing to face everything together with her, and that they could stay together for a long time.
Even if they didn't have a passionate love, as long as they could maintain this kind of mutual giving and joint effort in their marriage, that too was happiness.
"Alright, I've made my wish too, let's blow out the candles together." Roxanne said.
After blowing out the candles and cutting the cake, Harrison got a call and walked toward the balcony.
Vincent approached her and asked, "Anne, have you started to like Harrison?" Because he just saw the look in Roxanne's eyes after she made her wish. It seemed different when she looked at Harrison.
Roxanne responded candidly, "I wouldn’t say I'm head over heels."
Because she had past the age of pursuing love. Her family background and past experiences constantly reminded her not to get too attached to a person. She couldn't invest too much into a relationship. If she got too emotionally involved, she would lose herself.
She thought for a moment and said, "Anyway, I feel that Harrison is a man who's suitable to live with. He's good and I’ll live a good life."
Vincent sighed in his heart. His Roxanne really needed some time to deepen her feelings for his son.
But this may had something to do with her family background. She had been abandoned by her dearest person, so she couldn't give her all to his son, Harrison, in a short amount of time.
Vincent understood this too. What brought him comfort was that at least Roxanne now acknowledged that Harrison was a good man.
Vincent asked again, "I just want to know if you're willing to have kids with Harrison?"
Roxanne seriously contemplated this question. When they first got married, she was not willing, and even didn't think about it. She said, "I suppose I can consider it in the future. But I think it's a bit early now."
Having a child with Harrison? That was too soon. She still needed more time to think.
Vincent didn't know whether to be happy or worried. "Alright, at least you're willing. No matter how long you and Harrison need to prepare, I will wait for you."
His long-awaited granddaughter, even if she came a bit late, it was okay.
Vincent quickly added, "Anne, I must tell you in advance, I prefer a girl. It'd be great if your first child is a girl."
Roxanne chuckled, "What if it's a boy? How can we be certain about this?"
"It's okay if it's a boy, but I really wish to have a granddaughter." Vincent said.
Harrison replied nonchalantly, "Yep."
Roxanne paused her cleaning, turning to look at Harrison, "I think maybe when we get to know each other better and we're both ready, we could consider having a kid, what do you think?"
"I've thought about that too." Harrison replied seriously, putting away the clean dishes.
Then, he turned to her, "But, we should give each other a bit more time to prepare."
"Okay." Roxanne smiled happily.
Harrison gave a slight smile in return. Watching him diligently washing dishes, Roxanne felt a wave of happiness. She said, "Harrison, you're doing a great job today."
"Me?" Harrison asked.
She chuckled, "Yep, grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, and washing dishes, you've helped with all of it. You're not like those guys who leave everything to the ladies. So, kudos to you."
Harrison didn't see what the big deal was, "It's not a big deal. This is our home, we should share the housework. Who says it's all the woman's job? It's both of our responsibilities."
His perspective reassured Roxanne. The more she looked at Harrison, the more she liked him. So, she tip-toed and planted a kiss on his cheek.
Harrison frowned and wiped it off.
"Are you disgusted by me?" Roxanne laughed.
Harrison glared at her, "You should act a bit more ladylike."
"I'm just really happy and wanted to give you a kiss, that's all." Roxanne cheerfully continued her work.
Harrison neatly arranged the clean dishes, "So you like to express your happiness by kissing?"
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