Time flew by, and the wedding was tomorrow—a day of great joy for the Royal Pack. Everyone had been looking forward to it.
Halsey decided to return to the States for his daughter's wedding.
Though Blake hadn't formally invited him, Halsey knew he'd been forgiven and accepted as Catherine's father.
Reuniting with his daughter and gaining such an excellent son-in-law filled Halsey with happiness and contentment.
The only regret was the precious bond he and Abigail once shared, but they had both learned to let it go, focusing solely on their children's happiness.
Kind-hearted people often think alike.
Halsey was grateful for Abigail's companionship over the years, and she felt the same.
Emerson's mood had stabilized recently, perhaps buoyed by the joy of the occasion.
He ate more, and his complexion and health improved.
Patricia's smile was unstoppable.
A forthright person, her emotions were always worn on her sleeve. With age, she became even more genuine, adding charm to her character.
The two children had grown particularly attached to Abigail and Patricia, knowing these elders doted on them, unlike Catherine, who disciplined them strictly.
Hedwig was exceptionally clever, thriving with Noah's indulgence, parents' affection, and grandparents' pampering.
As the wedding day approached, Catherine, previously calm, grew nervous.
Marriage is a significant life event.
Catherine had once resigned herself to never marrying again for the sake of her two children.
But fate had gifted her with a man who was also the father of her children.
She no longer had to choose between love and family—a perfect happiness.
Blake, after finishing some work in the study, came to find her.
Pushing open the bedroom door, he saw Catherine's slender figure standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, staring blankly outside.
"What are you thinking about?" Blake asked with a smile.
He walked up behind her and naturally wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close to his chest.
Catherine felt lightheaded in his embrace, seeking comfort in him.
"I was thinking about the first time I came here. I almost got lost in your house. You were so cold to me then. I was terrified of never seeing the kids again, so anxious my heart raced," Catherine said, gazing at the path where she'd once followed Blake, searching for her children.
Blake's deep voice rumbled behind her, "Why dwell on that day? I admit I was harsh. Let it go, will you?"
Catherine smiled, her lips pressed together. "You really scared me. I wasn't even that scared when I fled overseas back then."
"I was wrong. I apologize. And to make it up to you..." Blake's lips grazed her ear. "How would you like me to compensate you?"
Catherine, flustered by his sudden teasing, blushed and tried to pry his hands away. "Stop it. What if the kids walk in..."
"Noah's upstairs playing, and Hedwig's been coerced into piano practice by your mom. They won't come up," Blake said with an air of knowing.
Catherine was amused. Turning around, she cupped his face and, on a whim, lightly kissed his lips.
Blake was swept up in emotion. The fleeting kiss was far from enough to satisfy his current desire.
He wanted more.
As Blake reached to pull her into a deeper embrace, a cough sounded from behind.
Patricia.
Both froze.
"Come on!" Blake gritted his teeth.
Catherine's face burned with embarrassment.
Patricia, unruffled, said, "Emerson's looking for you. Head up."
Blake winked at Catherine, who couldn't meet his eye.
"Right, I'll see him now!" In front of Patricia, Blake wasn't the least bit embarrassed. He smiled elegantly and left.
Patricia playfully scolded, "In broad daylight, what's the hurry?"
This remark made Catherine wish for a crevice to vanish into.
Blake paused beside Patricia, a hint of helplessness in his smile. "Granny, you were young once too. How can we young folks control ourselves?" he said with a playful edge.
"Rascal, teasing me now, are you?" Patricia scolded with a smile.
Blake quickly took his leave, leaving Catherine both amused and amazed by his audacity to joke with Patricia.
Once Blake was gone, Patricia and Catherine stood in an awkward silence.
"Catherine, don't be shy. I'm not a prude, am I?" Patricia said with a chuckle.
Catherine smoothed her hair, forcing a laugh. "Of course not."
"Phew, the big day is finally near," Patricia sighed.
"Yes, thank you, Granny!" Catherine was genuinely grateful to Patricia and respected her more for her role in the upcoming nuptials.
"It's the result of everyone compromising, not just me. It's all about the bond between you and Blake."