Chapter 261
At that moment, Stacey was unaware of the matters concerning the Leavey family. Hayden could likely surmise this, but he remained indifferent as long as Queenie ceased her incessant badgering.
Stacey spent two days at Hoggard Manor with Lillian and Kevin. When Patrick and Debra arrived to pick them up, the atmosphere was noticeably warmer compared to their previous encounter. The two families shared a day filled with lively conversation and laughter. As dusk approached, Stacey gathered Lillian and Kevin’s belongings and departed with her parents. Upon their departure, Patrick and Debra warmly extended an invitation for the Hoggard family to visit their home.
The Hoggard family was delighted, especially Jeremy. He was nearly tempted to leave with them but was held back by Hayden. It wasn’t that Hayden opposed Jeremy joining the Carter family; he was simply concerned that if they grew too close, Stacey might feel overwhelmed, and he believed she needed her personal space.
After departing from Hoggard Manor and returning to the Carter Villa, Patrick and Debra shared exhilarating news with Stacey Adrian had proposed to Isabella, and she had accepted. They had officially obtained their marriage certificate two days prior. In a few days, when Isabella’s company commenced its holiday break, they would take Damian back to Alagua City to celebrate Christmas together. In other words, they would not only be celebrating Christmas but also preparing for the upcoming wedding.
Marriage was a significant milestone, and obtaining the marriage certificate was only the beginning. The Carter family was resolute in their decision to give Isabella a grand wedding. Even if Isabella made no specific requests, they were committed to ensuring nothing less than what she deserved. However, the suddenness of the wedding left them with a tight schedule. Numerous arrangements had to be made in just a few days. Despite the flurry of activity, everyone was filled with joy. Not only was Debra elated, but her parents – Stacey’s maternal grandparents – Elijah and Deanna, also joined in to help prepare for Adrian’s wedding.
In the past few years, although the Carter family was affluent and free from material concerns, they remained perpetually unhappy due to the loss of their daughter. However, in recent times, the Carter family appeared to have finally shattered their misfortunes. Not only had their daughter, who had been missing for over 20 years, returned, but their sons – who had remained single for years were also discovering their life partners. Now, everyone was barely able to contain their smiles.
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Elijah and Deanna were particularly fond of Lillian and Kevin and delighted to spend time with them. Lillian and Kevin, in turn, enjoyed their company immensely. Additionally, Dennis Phillips – Debra’s brother and Stacey’s uncle – was equally fond of Lillian and Kevin. With his company on vacation, he gathered his belongings and returned from afar. Instead of heading home first, he chose to visit the Carter Villa to see Stacey, Lillian, and Kevin. Although Stacey hadn’t spent much time with Dennis previously, she found that when they were together, there was no awkwardness at all. On the contrary, they enjoyed each other’s company immensely.
Dennis wanted to take Lillian and Kevin to his house, but Debra firmly refused. Having endured the anguish of losing her daughter, she was understandably anxious about the children. Given that Lillian and Kevin were still so young, she couldn’t bring herself to trust anyone – even her own brother – who wished to take them home. Although Dennis was at a loss for words, he recognized that the loss of Becky remained a profound ache in Debra’s heart. Even with Becky’s return, it did not imply that Debra had forgotten the pain of the past. She was undoubtedly more vigilant in her care for the children now.
Dennis spent a day at the Carter Villa before driving back to his own home that evening. However, he didn’t stay there for long. The following day, he returned to the Carter Villa with his wife and children, which Stacey and even Debra found amusing. Fortunately, Carter Manor had ample rooms, making it easy to accommodate them. In the days that followed, Dennis became enamored with playing with the children. His own child, along with Lillian, Kevin, and Jeremy – who occasionally came to play – got along splendidly with him.
Later, Adrian and Isabella returned with Damian, accompanied by Isabella’s sister, Carly, who also brought Ronald along. Their arrival infused the house with even more vibrancy and liveliness.
When Dennis saw Damian, his curiosity grew with each glance, as Damian bore an uncanny resemblance to Adrian! Having encountered many pairs of fathers and lons, this was the first time he had seen a child so remarkably like his father. It was adorable to witness Adrian’s prominent features transformed into those of an endearing baby. Dennis instantly fell in love with Damian. Unfortunately, the boy was somewhat introverted and tended to shy away from him. However, this did not deter Dennis. He brought out one toy after another, employing various methods to coax Damian into engaging with him.
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Initially, Damian always hid behind Isabella, but he soon became fascinated by the assortment of intriguing items Dennis brought out, which encouraged him to step out from behind his mother. Isabella observed this transformation with surprise; she was impressed by the Carter family’s ability to engage him. However, what brought her even greater joy was witnessing Damian’s change. It seemed that being around the Carter family had positively influenced him, making him increasingly optimistic. He was no longer as timid and introverted as he had once been.
After Dennis coaxed Damian out, he lifted him up and began playing with him throughout Carter Villa.
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It was essential to mention the backyard garden of Carter Villa. When Stacey returned with Lillian and Kevin a year ago, the garden was quite simple, adorned with flowers and plants favored by adults. However, a year later, upon their return, they found the garden transformed. While it still boasted a variety of vibrant flowers and plants, numerous children’s facilities had been installed nearby. The small maze, charming slide, seesaw, and adorable little snail decoration transformed the entire garden into a whimsical haven for children.
Damian was awestruck by the beauty of the garden. Lillian and Kevin joined him, along with Jeremy, Ronald, and Dennis‘ daughter, Mildred Phillips. The children were ecstatic as they played in the garden, their joy radiating throughout the space.
While the children were busy playing, the adults were equally occupied. Adrian and Isabella, in particular, were not preoccupied with work but rather with trying on an array of wedding dresses and accessories. Their primary goal was to create a beautiful wedding and ensure that Isabella experienced a memorable celebration. Carly was also drawn into the process, trying on several outfits. As Isabella’s sister, she would undoubtedly need to wear a formal gown on Isabella’s wedding day. Although Carly didn’t place much importance on her attire, witnessing the Carter family’s appreciation for Isabella genuinely filled her with happiness.