Nyla let out a sigh and nodded. “I know that too. What I worry about is… are their feelings for each other genuine? Or are they just staying together for Locke’s sake?”
“Grandma,” Hadley said with a chuckle, “do you really believe Ernest would go as far as marrying Elissa just because of Locke?” She shook her head. “No need to worry. He truly loves her.”
“Really?” Nyla asked, looking surprised.
“Absolutely.” Hadley smiled with certainty. “Have you ever seen Ernest take the lead like this before?”
Nyla paused, thinking. She really hadn’t. Back when he was with Linda, it was always Linda pushing things forward, whether it was making their relationship public or talking about marriage.
“Oh, I see now.” Nyla looked visibly relieved. “That really puts my mind at ease… I suppose I was just overthinking things.”
It was only natural. Nyla was worried about her grandson getting hurt.
“Grandma, Elissa’s a truly kind and incredible person. You don’t have anything to worry about,” Hadley reassured her.
Nyla sighed and gave a decisive nod. “Alright then. I’ll ask Ernest to bring Elissa here for a visit.”
“That sounds perfect!” Hadley’s face lit up. “You always know what to do, Grandma.”
“I’m so happy today.” Nyla hadn’t seen Hadley in a while. She gave her hand a warm squeeze and said, “Why don’t you stay a bit longer? Have dinner with me before you go.”
It wasn’t an outrageous request.
Even though Joy was on her mind, Hadley smiled and nodded. “Okay, I will.” She reminded herself to call Melba later to check in on Joy and ease any worries she might have.
“What would you like to eat?” Nyla asked, clearly overjoyed. “I’ll have the kitchen prepare it immediately.”
L€$? ￠tя? ?η ?@ln?νêl?.￠
As they continued chatting, a knock came at the door.
“Come in,” Nyla called out.
The door opened, and Ernest and Eric walked in one after the other.
“Grandma.”
“Grandma.”
The two men, though not related by blood, looked remarkably alike, even down to their height.
“Well, well,” Nyla said, her smile growing wider at the sight of them. “Did you two plan this? Showing up together?”
“Yes,” Ernest answered with a slight smile.
Nyla gave her eldest grandson a pointed look. “Would it hurt you to say more than just one word?”
“Grandma,” Eric cut in quickly with a playful tone, “Ernest and I had a work meeting today. When we wrapped up, we thought we’d stop by together.” He flashed a boyish grin. “We didn’t have anything to eat. Mind if we join you for dinner?”
Nyla gave a mock snort, though her eyes were brimming with delight. “You think I’d let you go hungry after you boys came all this way to see me?”
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