Dinner invitation

(JARED'S POV)

With that thought, I turned the laptop off, pushing it aside. Glancing at the wall clock, I pushed the chair back and rose, deciding it was time to start prepping for dinner.

But just then, my phone rang, disrupting my intention. It was my mother calling, and I sighed before picking it up, praying she wouldn't get started on when I was going back home. After much pressure and questioning about my whereabouts, I opened up to her where I was, and since then, she wouldn't stop asking when I was returning home whenever we spoke. "Hello, Mom," I answered.

"Jared, when are you going to stop playing this 'Househusband' game?" My mother asked, her teasing.

I groaned inwardly. "Not again, Mom. Don't tell me that's why you called?"

"No, that's why," my mother said, her tone taking a low tempo. "I just wanted to talk to you about something."

I couldn't help but notice the change in her tone. "Is everything all right, Mom?" I asked, concerned.

"Yes, everything's fine. It's just that Sofia's mother has been calling me, bringing up how she saved my life all those years ago and how our family owes her family."

At that information, I instantly grew disinterested in the conversation. I didn't want to hear anything about Sofia or her family. Memories of my troubled past with Sofia threatened to surface, but I pushed them aside, focusing on the present. "Anything else, Mom? If not, I'm done with this conversation chat," I said trying to sound as cool as possible.

She sighed. "There is something else. Nana Jean learned about your son's kidnapping."

"Learned or you told her?" I interrupted, my time sharper than intended.

"Fine, I told her," she admitted. "And now she's worried about her great-grandson. We both are worried and want to see him. For the first time, at least.

"Mom, you know that's not too-a good idea. Arielle has barely warmed up to me being around our son, not to mention you and Nana Jean. And besides, even if it is going to happen, where'd they plan to see him?"

"A family dinner at the family mansion. Invite Arielle, and she should come with him," Mom suggested.

I paused, thinking it over for a moment. Arielle might be stubborn and adamant, but she always listened to Nana Jean. And so reluctantly, I agreed to talk to her about it.

with them, too. A change, at least, to let him know he has more family members besides me, his mother, and his maternal grandmother. "I'll ask her, Mom," and then I quickly

"Alright."

and say

idea. But I knew better than to get my hopes

my way to the kitchen, but my phone rang again. My mother's name appeared on the screen, and I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. What

trying not to sound

I forgot to tell you something important,"

inwardly. What could be so important that she had to call me again? "What is it,

was a pause before she spoke up, her voice lowered in a conspiratorial whisper. "I'm not supposed to tell you this but did you know that if you can't win

those words. What was safe talking about? "W... what do you

choose an heir without a family. You know how much she values tradition and family. If you can't reconcile with Arielle and be a proper

Heaven knows I'm not trying to win my family back because of any inheritance, I wasn't even interested in it. Outside the family name and affluence, I have been able to name my own money

my Mom could go any further.

placed my phone

for dinner. I tried not to think about my conversation with my mother and focused solely on the task at hand. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of

Maverick and Arielle's voices. The little man

kitchen, man,"

skidding into the kitchen, his backpack still on his shoulders. I dried my

all the tension I felt earlier. This child of mine

Maverick asked,

Parmesan with

rubbed his belly playfully. "I'm starving! I can't

chuckled and ruffled his hair. "I bet you

voice sounded from the hallway, calling out to Maverick. "Maverick, come freshen up and

and without being told,

Maverick on the back. "Go do as your mama

nodded and bundled off, leaving me alone in the kitchen once again. I got busy again with finishing up dinner after which I set the

room to freshen up as I was feeling sticky from the business in the kitchen. After I

room, where Arielle and Maverick were already

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