Across the river, Julia had heard there would be river lanterns and brought the two kids and Xavier to take a look.
As soon as she reached the fork in the road, she spotted Deanna and Lance on the other side, which surprised her.
"Xavier, Gregory, and Chloe, look over there. Aren't those Mr. Mercer and Deanna?"
Hearing this, the two kids and Xavier followed her finger's direction.
"It's mommy and uncle!" the kids immediately recognized them and shouted excitedly.
Xavier also recognized Mr. Mercer and Deanna, his eyes full of confusion.
Didn't Mr. Mercer say Dr. Deanna wasn't allowed to go out?
While he was puzzling over this, he felt a tap on his shoulder.
He turned his head to see Julia winking at him teasingly. "I thought Mr. Mercer was an unromantic guy, but it turns out he's quite cunning, tricking us all so he could take our Deanna out alone."
Xavier didn't know what to say, so he remained silent.
Julia didn't mind his lack of response. She turned to look at Deanna and Lance standing by the river, surrounded by the beautiful river lanterns, and couldn't resist taking a picture with her phone.
Looking at the photo she had taken, she couldn't help but gush, "This is so beautiful. I must make sure this couple stays together!"
"Godmother, let us see."
The kids were curious about the photo and stood on tiptoe to look.
Julia immediately lowered her phone and showed it to them.
"Wow, mommy and uncle look so pretty," the kids exclaimed.
Xavier also saw the photo and thought it was beautifully captured.
Julia, pleased with their compliments, suddenly had an idea. She leaned closer to the kids and whispered, "I think your mommy and Uncle Lance are getting along well. Let's help them get together faster."
"Godmother, what do you want us to do?"
Gregory quickly guessed what Julia was planning.
Julia chuckled and said directly, "Later when we go back, you should cling to your Uncle Lance and insist on sleeping with him. Then bring your mommy along to build their relationship."
"I get it. Just like last time, we'll have uncle and mommy sleep together."
Chloe understood and looked up with bright eyes.
Xavier, listening to their conversation, couldn't help but frown.
He didn't like how Julia was using Mr. Mercer's children.
"I disagree!" he said firmly.
Julia looked at him in surprise, not expecting his opposition. "Why do you disagree?"
"Yeah, Uncle Xavier, why don't you agree?"
The kids tilted their heads in curiosity.
Xavier looked at the kids and then at Julia.
Not wanting to set a bad example for the kids, he pulled Julia aside.
"Miss King, I strongly disagree with your approach. You're setting a bad example for my young master and miss."
"Your young master and miss?"
Julia caught on to his slip of the tongue and looked at him teasingly, "Since when did my godchildren become 'your young master and miss'? Last I checked, Deanna hasn't been with your boss yet."
Xavier knew he had slipped up, but remained composed. "Just because they're not together now doesn't mean they won't be in the future."
"Give me a break. With your boss' straight-laced nature, who knows when he'll be able to win over Deanna? You also wish your boss to win over Deanna soon, don't you?" Julia didn't hide her disdain.
Xavier was left speechless by her remarks and didn't say anything further.
After Deanna and Lance had been out for a while, they returned to the inn. Not long after they returned, Julia also came back with Gregory and Chloe in tow.
Once back, the kids eagerly shared their adventures with Deanna. Julia didn't expose Lance and Deanna's outing.
Later that evening, as it grew late, Julia used an excuse about needing rest to suggest leaving. Just before they departed, she subtly encouraged Gregory and Chloe with a glance, silently cheering them on.
Deanna and Lance didn't notice their subtle gesture.
Just as Lance was about to suggest leaving, he felt a weight on his leg. Looking down, he saw Gregory clinging to his leg, his eyes shining brightly.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
In a childish voice, Gregory spoke, "Uncle, can we sleep with you tonight?"
Upon hearing the kids, Deanna suddenly recalled the last time Lance stayed to sleep with them, feeling a bit nervous.
"Gregory and Chloe, don't bother your uncle. Let him go back and rest properly."
"No, I want to sleep with Uncle. Please let Uncle sleep with us," Chloe pouted, turning to Deanna.
Gregory looked pitifully at Deanna, "Just like last time, let Uncle stay with us. With Uncle here, it feels like having Daddy around."