Piper’s POV
Finally, we all got out of the car. The noodle shop was at the edge of the city park. The city government deliberately provides a food court near the park so that hungry park visitors can immediately fill their stomachs with various foods available.
Apart from the noodle shop, we also saw many other food stalls. There were orange juice stalls, cakes, steaks, and others.
When we arrived, the noodle shop had no customers, even though the park was quite crowded. From the direction of the food court, we could see into the park.
“Dad, let’s sit here so we can see over there,” Jessie said as she pointed to the highway. Jessie was right. While enjoying our food, we could enjoy two views at once, the park and the highway. Plus the night air was very cool, so it was perfect for enjoying a bowl of hot noodles.
“Ok. You guys wait here. I’ll order the food,” Jay replied.
Jessie and Jansen sat opposite me. They were both busy with a new game on Jansen’s phone. While waiting for Jay to return, I looked around the parking area. It had been a very long time since I had visited this park because I was too busy working. Many things have changed in this park.
Suddenly, Jansen’s hand touched mine. His blue eyes looked at me as if trying to explore my heart.
“Mom, are you okay? Your voices were very clear. Grandma didn’t approve of your relationship, right?” Jansen asked.
I was wide-eyed and my mind stopped like time had stopped. This was not what I was used to. Jansen’s words took me by surprise.
“I’m fine. You don’t have to worry. I’m sorry you had to hear something you shouldn’t have. Grandma just needs some time to think. Everything will be fine.” I replied as I touched Jansen’s hand.
Jansen sighed and said nothing more. Not long after, Jay arrived with the shop owner carrying two trays of four bowls of noodles, a plate of fried prawns, and four glasses of green tea.
“Ah, let’s eat the best noodles here compared to all the noodle shops and even noodle restaurants. I can guarantee it,” Jay said confidently. Jessie and Jansen listened to everything their dad said seriously. The three of them immediately seasoned the noodles with soy sauce and chili. Meanwhile, I was still observing them who were busy discussing noodles in several places.
Unconsciously, tears streamed down my face. I didn’t want to lose my family. They are the jewels of my heart that cannot be replaced by anything. I’m willing to do anything to make this togetherness last forever. Nothing can replace our warmth and love.
“Piper, why are you crying?” Jay asked. His hand touching mine was so warm and flowing that it made me feel warm.
I hurriedly wiped my tear-drenched face and eyes. “It’s okay. Let’s eat.”
“Are the noodles so hot that Mom is crying?” Jessie asked innocently.
“Yes, the noodles were so hot that I had tears in my eyes. But, it doesn’t seem so hot now. Let’s eat,” I invited. The excuse I gave just now could only fool Jessie and wouldn’t be able to fool Jansen and Jay.
Looked like to achieve happiness, I needed to work harder.
To a long story short, after the night we ate noodles together, we tried to live our days as usual, even though there was something still lingering in our hearts. However, Jay kept reassuring me that everything would be fine, and he also promised to try again to convince his Mom.
Finally, the day came. It was raining heavily in Valdirra for several days. Lily and I were busy in the kitchen, cooking dinner and making cupcakes for Jay and the kids. Jansen and Jessie were studying with their tutor in a room that Jay had repurposed as their study room.
While I was busy checking on the state of the cupcakes in the oven, my cell phone rang several times.
“Lily, please monitor the cupcakes. I’ll pick up the phone,” I said as I walked out of the kitchen to the back porch.
“Hello, Jay. Are you coming home early?” I asked.
“Piper, I don’t think I can join you guys for dinner. I’m going back to talk to Mom and maybe I’ll have dinner with her. Is that okay?” he asked.
“Ah, of course, it’s okay. Good luck. Love you,” I replied.
“Love you too. Say hi to the kids,” Jay said.
“Ok.”
Jay’s POV
After hanging up, I felt bad for Piper and the kids. Usually, we’d enjoy dinner together and then we’d watch television while enjoying my homemade popcorn. The small and warm family I had always dreamed of.
There is nothing I want more in this world than my family. I would give anything to them. If I cannot give the entire world to them, then I will be the world for them. I will always keep the happiness and smiles on their faces.
Tonight I had to persuade Mom. Piper and I had lived together for half a year without getting married. The wedding preparations were fifty percent complete. And when everything was ready, I wanted to give Piper the best, one of which was my mom’s blessing.
After stuffing my things into my briefcase, I rushed out of the office. That night, I took Nick with me. While I asked Ken to stay home, in case Piper and the kids needed transportation, then Ken could drive them.
Half an hour into the trip, we finally arrived at Mom’s house.
“Here we are, sir,” Nick said.
“Okay. You can wait for me inside while enjoying dinner,” I replied.
“Ok, sir. Don’t worry.”
So, I got out of the car and went into the house. On the way, I called Mom, and she said she would wait for me in her study room. So, I walked straight to her room on the second floor.
I knocked on the door a few times until I heard Mom’s voice.
“Please, come in.”
I pushed the door inward and saw Mom sitting in her chair.
“Mom,” I greeted.
“Sit down, Jay. I’ll ask the waiter to bring the tea over,” Mom replied.
Fifteen minutes later, a waiter arrived with tea and snacks. After the waiter left, Mom asked, “What’s wrong? Are you going to join me for dinner tonight?”
“I have something to discuss with you, and I’ll join you for dinner.”
“Does Piper know you’re here?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“Ok, what do you want to discuss with me?” she asked.
“In a few months, my wedding preparations will be one hundred percent ready. And Piper and I and my children would like your blessing and your presence at our wedding. Would you humbly bless our marriage and accept Piper as part of our family? Please,” I pleaded.