"Why so tense?" Joy whispered to Leanne, poking fun at Austin's over-the-top reaction. "I've got strong genes, you know."

With his keen ears, Austin caught the comment. "Well, my heart isn't that strong."

As evening fell, Phillip and Tina arrived with gifts.

Having been married over a year, Phillip had distributed Tina's photography collections as wedding favors to each guest, a gesture their friends still teased them about now and then.

Tina's documentary had just snagged the prestigious Remi Award at the Houston International Film Festival, catapulting her into the limelight. Yet, amidst this acclaim, she chose to take a break from work. She and Leanne were of the same age and shared a sincere, kind-hearted nature, making them fast friends.

Still jet-lagged from her trip abroad, Betty had just woken up from an afternoon nap, her hair in messy buns and her face showing traces of sleepiness as she donned a cream-colored pinafore dress. Curtis helped her tidy up her hair and wash her face. Once awake, she sweetly asked for a hug. "Uncle Phillip, hug!"

Phillip lifted her into his arms. Ever the chatterbox, Betty bombarded him with questions, even inquiring about his work with genuine interest.

Phillip answered patiently, his face softening with a rare gentle smile.

Joy teased Tina. "Ever thought about having one of your own?"

Over the years, Tina had focused on her career, with Phillip shielding her from the pressure of marriage and children from both their families. Resting her chin on her hand, Tina watched Phillip engaging Betty in conversation, feeling a sudden urge herself.

"Having one might be nice."

Soon after, Jeremy arrived.

her first encounter with the group

through a video call to look out for her sister-in-law, given her

take

her into the group. "You're just

game of cards

Joy, thanks to some inexplicable-luck, winning

hugged Betty, laughing

until she

"Win this, and you're coming home

the seriousness of an adult, Betty declared, "Then I'll have

little angel! Wait, how did you know it would be a

dice. "The baby

kids had

"She just wants a little brother, that's

a brother and not a

to intervene, but it

replied, "Dad says

was at a loss for

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