Derek's POV
It would be the best thing if I could know Shana's whereabouts from my grandfather, so I wouldn't have to search for answers like finding a needle in a haystack.
Elliott huffed and puffed, "What Shana? My beloved woman is always Erin. Don't slander me! If she ever finds out I'm talking about some Shana, she'll climb out of her grave tonight to give me a piece of her mind."
"Grandpa, I wasn't joking with you. You really did just grab Tabitha's hand and call her Shana."
Elliott snorted, "Are you out of your mind? You actually believed my words when I was not quite right in the head. Then would you believe me if I told you I'd met Ultraman?"
I was helpless. This old man really left me with no choice.
Elliott had really lightened up compared to when he was younger. He was so lively now. It made me a bit overwhelmed. He talked and acted like a mischievous old kid.
He soon ignored me and reached out to hold Tabitha's hand.
"I told you to come back ages ago. What's so good about Seattle? Look at this place. It has picturesque scenery and a pleasant climate, perfect for raising a family. You can even have a couple more kids."
Tabitha could only answer with a smile, "Yes, for the foreseeable future, I plan to settle here and study."
"Studying is great. You should always keep learning but don't overdo it. You're looking quite thin. Is that brat not taking care of your meals? If Erin knew this, she'd climb out of her grave in the middle of the night to give him a piece of her mind."
One could really sense the deep affection in his words for Tabitha. Elliott truly treated her like his own granddaughter.
"If you live here and have any needs, feel free to let me know. Stay away from your mother-in-law. She's a bit off her rocker."
Elliott released Tabitha's hand and pointed to his head. "But I've had my moments of sanity and my moments of madness. In this family, Derek's the only one who's consistently sane."
Tabitha couldn't deal with what was said, and to be honest, I might not be entirely sane myself.
"It is rare for you to come to my place. Come with me and take a look inside."
"Okay, Grandpa."
The two of us supported Elliott like bodyguards, one on the left and one on the right.
Elliott sighed, "Ever since Erin passed away, I've been in a bit of a fog, and that's not all bad. At least it spares me the pain of missing her too much. You know, we should treasure our loved ones while they're here, not wait until they're gone to feel regret."
"Grandpa, I knew."
Elliott glared at me. "Do you really know?"
That gaze turned as sharp as a blade all of a sudden, sending a chill down my spine and filling me with fear.
It seemed as if Elliott had already sensed something.
Elliott changed the subject. "Anyway, I don't have many days left. If you could spend more time with me and give me a grandkid, I'd be completely content."
As soon as the topic of having children was mentioned, Tabitha quickly spoke up, "Grandpa, you're as robust as ever and have many years ahead. Derek and I are still in our prime, focusing on our careers. We're not in a hurry to start a family."
She said to me that she was in the bloom of her youth, no need to rush into having kids. For now, that was not on her agenda.
My fingernails dug into my palms, but my expression stayed cool and composed. "Right, Grandpa. Tabitha's still young. We're not in a hurry."
My wolf also sensed my helplessness and disappointment in my thoughts.
It seemed to be comforting me, telling me not to worry and to give Tabitha some time.
I sighed inwardly, realizing that this wasn't something we could push. Looking at Elliott, I said, "Grandpa, we'll spend more time with you. As for having kids, let nature take its course."
We accompanied Elliott as he walked around the garden, listening to him tell stories from the past.