Rowena suddenly pointed into the distance. "Once, when I brought you water and a towel, you deliberately took what another girl offered. That afternoon, it rained heavily, and I walked back alone in the rain, heartbroken."
Howard stiffened—was this old account being settled?
"I... might have done it on purpose to get your attention! I'm just a bit stubborn," he quickly explained gently.
"I don't know if it was on purpose, but I was really hurt back then," Rowena said, lowering her head with a self-mocking smile. "My entire youth was spent in your shadow."
Howard's heart tightened. He wrapped his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. "Fortunately, it wasn't another man's shadow."
"Then what about you? Was I part of your youth?" She looked up at him.
"Me?" Howard's heart raced. "You know, teenage rebellion—besides playing, sleeping, and soccer, I was chasing you—honest!"
"Sure, you had a great family, good looks, and were always pampered. Why would you notice me?" she grumbled.
"Fool, you were special back then, especially cute!"
"Just cute?"
"And... you cried a lot! Every time you did, I got a headache. Still do."
Rowena laughed. "Howard, since Blake and Catherine are married now, how about we... get married too? I'll treat you!"
"Really? I can't wait!" Howard suddenly picked her up and strode forward.
Rowena was speechless.
In the end, Howard and Rowena didn't get married that day because they lacked the necessary documents.
So, they drove to pick up their daughter and headed home.
At three in the afternoon, Blake woke up with a pounding head.
Seeing Catherine dozing beside him with her head propped up, he was momentarily stunned and didn't want to disturb her adorable sleep.
Catherine had hardly slept last night, too excited and full of anticipation. She'd woken up less than three hours before to get ready with makeup and such.
Now, seeing Blake sleep soundly, she too felt drowsy and rested her head on her hand.
Blake watched her repeatedly start to lean forward then jolt awake, adjusting her hair each time. He found her unusually playful and couldn't help but smile as he observed her with interest.
When Catherine woke up with a start and met Blake's teasing gaze, her face flushed. "When did you wake up? Why didn't you wake me?"
"Didn't want to disturb your sweet sleep," Blake finally chuckled.
"Don't make fun of me!" she retorted.
Seeing her pique, Blake sat up and patted the space beside him. "Come here, use my leg as a pillow."
"No, I'm wide awake," Catherine said, though her eyes betrayed her exhaustion.
"Your eyes are dark with fatigue. Come on," Blake said, his tone brooking no argument.
Catherine complied, lying down and resting her head on his leg. Her long hair spread out, and her beautiful face was so captivating.
"Sleep," Blake gently stroked her hair.
Already sleepy, Catherine closed her eyes and drifted off within seconds to his soothing voice.
She slept for hours, waking up to find herself in the marital bed.
Recalling being carried part of the way after Blake sobered up and brought her from the banquet hall's lounge, she rolled playfully on the bed—her wish had finally come true.
The bedding, sun-dried and crisp, carried a fresh scent. Like a child, Catherine rolled around in delight—finally married, her dream realized.
At that moment, the bedroom door opened. Blake, dressed in casual clothes, walked in and sat by the bed. Seeing she was awake, he asked, "How are you feeling as a newlywed?"
"Great, except a bit tired!" Catherine glanced out the window. It was already night, with distant city lights twinkling. The room was quiet and peaceful.
"A bit tired, but it won't affect our wedding night," Blake teased, unable to resist ruffling her hair. He adored her flustered reactions.
Catherine's face flushed as she shot him a glance. "Hey! I'm tired."
"I'm always energetic for you," he whispered into her ear.
Catherine playfully swatted him. "Behave! I don't want to drain you."
Blake narrowed his eyes. "Don't underestimate me!"
"Stop talking. Where are the kids?" she changed the subject.
"Downstairs having dinner. I came up to wake you," Blake said, lazily getting up. "Come on, you didn't eat much at noon. You must be hungry."
Catherine nodded. "I am. Let me freshen up first."
"No rush, I'll wait," Blake sat back down.
Catherine went to the bathroom, washed her face, and changed into comfortable clothes. The two headed downstairs together.
Downstairs, the two children, who hadn't napped all day, were barely keeping their eyes open. Hedwig, uncharacteristically, was half-heartedly eating with her head drooping, while Patricia stealthily filmed her on her phone.
"Patricia, stop filming. I'll take her upstairs to sleep," Abigail said.
"Oh! But she's too cute!" Patricia insisted.
Hedwig, noticing her great-grandmother recording, forced herself to wave. "Great-grandma, stop filming!"
Patricia saved the video. "This will be fun to watch later."
Hedwig put down her spoon and pouted at Abigail. "Granny, I'm sleepy. Carry me upstairs!"
Abigail picked her up tenderly and instructed Noah, "Finish eating and come upstairs to me."
"Okay!" Noah, though tired, maintained his composure. Unlike Hedwig, he wouldn't lose his dignity.