"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.

reserved woman, making her

video call to look out for

reassured, "We'll take

outgoing, Joy happily pulled her into the group. "You're just in time. We were

game of cards

thanks to some

hugged Betty, laughing

until she

you're coming home with me."

adult, Betty declared, "Then I'll have to take care of

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

the dice. "The

wondering if kids

her thoughts, calmly revealing, "She just wants a little brother, that's

a brother

but it was

replied, "Dad says

at a

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