Anya put on her cutest voice, teasing, "Mom, what were you and Dad talking

about just now? The line was busy forever-I couldn't even get through!"

Her mom chuckled. "Oh, your dad was just bragging about how he's been a father

for over twenty years, saying he raised you into such a lovely, healthy girl, and

that he could totally handle a son too. But Ash never listens to him, so he just

came to complain to me."

After her call with Anya, Mrs. Calder headed back to her room. In the elevator, she

sighed to Madison, "My husband always says our daughter turned out great

because of him, but when Anya was little and chubby, I was the one who quit my

job to stay home and look after her. He was always out working."

Madison laughed. "We all do our part for the family. It's tough for men too, always

hustling outside. When my business was just starting, I couldn't manage Mia and

Cooper on my own, so I had to leave them at the neighbors'. They ran a little

shop, so Mia grew up snacking all the time-she's always been a sucker for

treats."

Everyone was swapping family stories, and somehow, they all ended up on the

same page.

Coleen and Naomi shared a laugh-both their husbands worked in government,

boss in the business world

were

had

was at home, doting on his little

on taking him

was obsessed with his

"Grandpa-

smile.

go hunting

for over an hour. When they came back, Henry was

clinging to a snack pack, cheeks stuffed, happily licking

he was carried

remembered, "I wonder what

haven't seen her

caught that. "Annie was

Mia paused, "..."

Mia a mug

this just for you.

floral tea was good

with

digestion. Thinking of his

snack-loving, beauty-obsessed

stare at a mirror

a

to get her the

floral tea.

gave him a sweet smile,

you!"

pinched her cheek, super proud of those soft, chubby cheeks he'd

"Love you too,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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