Lance noticed Deanna's thoughtful expression and asked with concern, "What are you thinking about?"
"I'm thinking about what gift to prepare for your grandfather," Deanna replied honestly.
After all, it was her first time meeting Old Mercer, and she couldn't go empty-handed.
Lance understood her thoughts and didn't stop her. Instead, he mentioned his grandfather's preferences, "My grandfather likes chess, calligraphy, and painting. He also enjoys collecting inkstones. You could start with those."
"Got it. I know what to prepare now."
Deanna suddenly had an idea.
Lance looked at her curiously and asked, "What are you planning to give him?"
"It's a secret. I can't tell you yet," Deanna said mysteriously.
Lance raised an eyebrow and playfully placed his hand on Deanna's waist, threatening, "Are you really not going to tell me?"
"Hahaha... Stop tickling me..."
Deanna laughed uncontrollably as Lance tickled her, trying to escape his embrace.
No matter how she twisted and turned, she couldn't break free from Lance.
In the end, she had no choice but to compromise, "Alright, alright, I'll tell you."
"Go ahead then."
Lance pretended to believe her and stopped tickling.
At that moment, Deanna seized the opportunity and pounced on Lance, pinning him down on the sofa and tickling his armpits in revenge.
However, no matter how much she tickled him, the man in front of her didn't laugh. He even watched her with interest.
"You're not ticklish?"
Deanna asked in astonishment.
Lance looked at her mischievously and smiled, "Who told you I'm ticklish?"
Deanna was speechless.
Seeing the smug look on his face, she found it annoying and said angrily, "If you're not ticklish, you must be afraid of pain."
With that, she pinched the soft flesh on Lance's waist hard.
Lance winced in pain.
He flipped over with force, pinning Deanna beneath him and playfully biting her cheek.
After a bout of laughter and playfulness, Deanna's cheeks were flushed, and her eyes sparkled with charm.
Lance looked at Deanna in his arms and used all his strength to suppress his instinctive impulses.
He held her close, gently smoothing her disheveled black hair while calming his inner turmoil.
After a moment, he finally calmed down and resumed their interrupted conversation.
"By the way, I plan to announce our marriage at the same time as the children's recognition ceremony. What do you think?"
"Marriage?!"
Deanna lifted her head from Lance's embrace in shock, looking at him in disbelief.
Then she frowned hesitantly, "Isn't this too fast?"
"Our children are already so big. Is it still fast?"
Lance laughed.
Deanna bit her lip.
She knew it wasn't fast, but she wasn't ready yet.
Seeing Deanna's sudden silence, Lance understood her thoughts. He didn't intend to pressure her and deliberately eased the topic, "Of course, it's just announcing the engagement. We don't have to get married right away. Don't worry; I won't force you if you're not ready."
Hearing this, Deanna breathed a sigh of relief.
Lance noticed her reaction and couldn't help teasing, "So you really don't want to marry me?"
"I don't mean that. It's just that everything is happening so fast. I haven't had time to think about it."
Deanna quickly explained herself, afraid that Lance might misunderstand.
Seeing her anxious expression, Lance felt a bit guilty and stopped joking. He reassured her gently, "Don't worry. I was just kidding. I know that's not what you meant."
Hearing this, Deanna glared at him in exasperation.
"How can you joke about something so serious?"
She punched him lightly in frustration.
Lance looked at her affectionately, letting her hit his chest.
To Lance, Deanna's strength was barely enough to tickle him.
After their playful banter, Deanna didn't avoid the topic anymore. She said proactively, "Marriage is a big decision. I need to discuss it with Grandma first. I can't give you an answer right now."
"I understand. I'll wait for you to talk it over with your grandma. In the meantime, I need to prepare some betrothal gifts before formally discussing the marriage with her."
Lance happily hugged Deanna and shared his plans.
Deanna nestled in his arms with a faint smile on her lips, listening quietly as he talked about their wedding arrangements and future plans. She felt a sense of peace and happiness.
Later that evening, after dinner, Lance went to the study to handle some work.
Deanna played with the two little ones for a while before asking the maid to take them to bed.
Soon, only Deanna was left in the living room.
She thought for a moment and then went to her grandmother's bedroom. She knocked on the door and asked, "Grandma, are you still awake?"
"Come in."
Old Ashley's voice came from inside the room.
Deanna opened the door and entered, immediately acting coquettishly towards the elderly lady, "Grandma, can I sleep with you tonight?"