"Yep! When a person can face what they dread most, it shows their growing tolerance," Blake said with a smile.
Catherine sighed softly and grasped his fingers. "Blake, thank you for changing for me. I hope I can do the same for you someday."
Blake nodded. "Sure, I'm looking forward to it as well."
Catherine smiled. "Hopefully, it won't be too hard."
"Nothing tough, just fulfilling Hedwig's wish for a younger brother or sister," Blake teased.
Sure enough, Catherine's face flushed with fear. She was scared.
"Are you serious?" Currently, Catherine dreaded having more children. With Noah and Hedwig still young and demanding care, the thought of another baby sent her into anxiety.
Blake, seeing her fear, chuckled. "Just joking, don't take it seriously!"
Catherine exhaled. "No more joke like that again!"
"Alright, I won't!" Blake gently squeezed her hand and then asked earnestly, "Truly, no more kids?"
"One boy and one girl are perfect," Catherine said with a blink.
"Agreed." Blake nodded after a brief pause. "Raising them well is crucial. Let's focus on that for now."
"Exactly! I agree with you about that." Catherine concurred.
As they chatted, the car entered the wealthy villa area.
Catherine gazed excitedly out the window. Last time, she'd left hurriedly without a proper meal at her dad's. Today, she wanted to see his home properly.
Halsey was thrilled to hear Catherine was coming.
He had the maid prepare a feast.
The car stopped at the entrance of the Fox residence. Halsey greeted them cheerfully, "Catherine!"
Spotting Blake behind her, Halsey was stunned.
Blake spoke first. "Am I not welcomed?"
Halsey was momentarily overwhelmed with mixed feelings, recalling his brotherhood with Blake's father, Mark, and feeling guilty.
"I'm not sure how to address you. If you accept me as Catherine's father, please call me by my name. I'm truly grateful that you've put the past aside and cherish my daughter!"
Halsey was deeply moved.
Blake glanced away. "Let's not dwell on the past. From now on, I'll see you only as Catherine's father. Your friendship with my dad and your virtues are undeniable."
Thinking of Halsey's sacrifices for his daughter and his kindness to his estranged wife, Blake felt obliged.
Blake's ability to get along with Halsey made Catherine ecstatic. She longed for harmony among her family.
Halsey showed Catherine and Blake around his yard, which was well-maintained with a lovely garden.
It was not spacious, but Blake could sense the love in the trees and flowers.
Halsey pointed to two empty plots. "Roses and lavender used to grow here. When in bloom, they were beautiful and fragrant."
Catherine envisioned the blooms and asked, "Dad, do you hire someone to tend the garden?"
"No, Abigail and I took care of it together. I'll continue to do it myself," Halsey replied, then glanced apologetically at Blake, remembering Abigail.
Blake seemed unfazed, his gaze lingering on Catherine.
When Halsey mentioned the roses and lavender, Catherine's eyes had lit up. Did she dream of a rose garden at home?
Catherine, oblivious to her dad's mention of Abigail, was focused on his home.
"Why don't you two sit in the yard for a while? I'll have the maid bring some fruits and drinks," Halsey suggested with a warm smile, feeling the absence of a female touch in his home.
"I'll go!" Catherine stood up to help.
Halsey stopped her. "No need. You can help with these things when you stay here longer in the future. For now, let me handle it."
Knowing Catherine felt uneasy, Halsey smiled reassuringly.
Catherine obediently sat on the sofa, noticing Blake's calm gaze across from her, neither cold nor passionate.