In the Lap of Luxury by Unsweetened Chestnuts

Xander pulled out a chair for Grace. "How is it different?"

Steam rose from the chicken soup on the table. Grace held a spoon and thought for a moment before answering, "You trust her a lot, and you guys have very good chemistry." Xander deftly changed the subject with a straight face. "Like you and Luke."

"That's not quite the same. You two are ..."

Before Grace could finish, Xander placed some side dishes in her bowl. "Eat up, then go to sleep."

"But by the time I wake up, you'll have to leave."

"Are you going to miss me?" He was merely teasing, but Grace's ears turned red.

"I didn't come back just to keep you awake. Be good."

Grace, who was used to just bread and coffee for breakfast, suddenly felt a rare sense of satisfaction as she ate the warm soup.

The room was warm, and the soup was also hot. So Xander took his jacket off, revealing his strong, muscular arms. He tapped his fingers on the dining table.

"I heard that Matthew ended up taking Henry home."

was surprised. "How did you

"I watch the news."

was

She asked, "Xander, do you think

down, focusing on the sunlight

women and has no children to this day. Matthew hasn't had any children for years, either. Both generations are on equal footing,

the family, it affects a wide range of interests. We can't be sure

agreement. She had a feeling that there was more to Henry's accident

asked, "Why are you asking

against telling him about the drowning incident since it would inevitably lead to them talking about Benjamin. That would be too complicated to explain.

have anything to

trip to the office. I should

and said, "Then, I'll wait

left. Grace was about to go upstairs when she caught something

unfamiliar bag on the couch. She recognized it as the

she picked up the bag. The bag wasn't closed, so its contents spilled out. Photos

froze above the dial button. She looked at the photos on the floor,