Jeffery didn't say a word.
Josephine worried this topic might make Jeffery overthink.
She quickly added, "If you don't want me to, I won't find you a daddy."
Even though Jeffery was young, he was wise beyond his years. He got everything Josephine said.
But deep down, Josephine's heart ached.
Mature kids weren't always a good thing.
Kids should be innocent, carefree, and adorable.
Even though Jeffery always acted cute and well-behaved around Josephine, she knew he was very sensitive.
After she said that, Jeffery shook his head.
Josephine was puzzled. "So, do you want a daddy?"
Jeffery spoke up, "I just want Mommy to be happy. If having a daddy makes Mommy happy, then we can have one. If Mommy doesn't want one, then we don't need one. Jeffery doesn't need a daddy, having Mommy is enough!"
Josephine was silent for a few seconds, holding back her sorrow and emotion, and kissed Jeffery on the forehead.
She said, "Jeffery, I am very happy right now. And, let me tell you, you don't need to think about so much. You are a child, you only need to think about happy things. Just tell me what makes you happy, okay?"
Jeffery replied, "Mommy's happiness is my happiness!"
Josephine knew she couldn't reason with him, so she kissed him again.
The next day, Laura indeed brought Claudia over early in the morning.
Roy had gone out early, saying he was meeting someone for a business deal.
Jeffery was having a lesson in the bedroom.
Although he hadn't started kindergarten yet, he had been taking some courses since he was three.
As long as he was interested, Josephine would agree to let him learn.
He was having an online lesson with his teacher in the bedroom, while Josephine and the other two were lounging on the sofa in the living room.
Laura brought hot coffee, and each of the three had a cup, enjoying the wonderful time together.
Josephine didn't know how to ask Claudia if she liked Jair, so she could only look to Laura for help.
But she was also afraid that Laura would be too blunt and hurt Claudia's feelings.
While she was conflicted, Claudia spoke first, "I'll be honest, I was quite attracted to Jair yesterday."
Josephine and Laura didn't expect Claudia to bring it up herself.
Laura asked, "Did you two add each other as friends and chat?"
Claudia shook her head. "We didn't chat much. He's going back to the military base today to report."
"See," Laura said, "If you really plan to find someone like Jair in the future, with so much time apart, can you bear it?"
Claudia hugged a pillow and blinked. "Actually, you don't need to worry about me. I know the gap between us, I won't have unrealistic expectations."
Josephine felt heartache hearing this. "What gap? How is it unrealistic? Claudia, you are so excellent. If Jair doesn't like you, it just means you two are not suitable, not that you are not good enough for him, understand?"
Laura also said, "That's right, if you like him, go for it. What's unrealistic about that?"
Claudia smiled. "I know you care about me. Actually, it's nothing. I was just touched when he gave me his coat yesterday."
"Understandable," Laura said, "You've met so many bad men, it's rare to meet a decent one, so you were moved."
Josephine gave her a light slap. "What are you saying? Who hasn't met a bad man?"
"That's true," Laura said, "Claudia, at least you're better off than Josephine. She was hurt by a bad man for years."
Claudia quickly said, "Stop it."
"I'm not wrong," Laura said, glancing at Josephine. "Just reminding you, don't let a bad guy's occasional niceness soften your heart."
Josephine replied, "We're talking about Claudia here, why drag me into it? Besides, I'm not that easily swayed."
Laura continued, "See? Having a career gives you confidence. Claudia, you need to work hard and achieve something. By then, not just Jair, even the most prestigious men in Celestia Springs won't be good enough for you!"
Claudia was pouring almost all her energy into fashion design.
She nodded eagerly. "I know. After the New Year, I'll enter a design competition. I hope I can win an award."
As she was speaking, her phone rang. She glanced at it and then sat up straight.
Laura looked at her. "What's up?"
Claudia replied, "It's Jair."
Laura asked, "Didn't you say he's going back to the military base today? Why is he messaging you?"
Claudia responded, "He said there's a family gathering during the New Year and asked me to make him a coat."
"Wow," Laura laughed. "Jair has good taste."
Claudia was very talented in fashion design, but her family had money before, so she didn't put much effort into it.
Now that she was taking it seriously, she was meticulous.
Her clothes were very popular in some niche circles in Hustalia.
"But why would he suddenly think of asking me to make clothes?" Claudia asked, "How should I reply?"
"Business is coming to you, do you need to ask how to reply?" Laura said, "Ask him about the budget."
Josephine also said, "Yes, ask about the budget first, then decide on the style and other details."
Claudia lowered her head to type.
Laura, who was close to Josephine, leaned in and whispered in her ear, "What does Jair mean by this?"
Josephine said, "I don't know either."
Laura said worriedly, "Claudia is so naive, won't she be deceived by him?"
Josephine replied, "Jair shouldn't be that kind of person, right?"
Laura said, "I'm telling you, men are all the same."
Josephine asked, "Then what should we do?"
Claudia, without looking up, said, "I'm still here; I can hear you two, okay?"
Laura laughed. "I just think that his sudden request must have some ulterior motive."
Josephine also said, "It is a bit strange."
Claudia said, "Anyway, I'll handle it professionally. You don't need to worry about me."
Laura suddenly said, "Claudia, what do you think of Otis? I think he's similar to Jair."
Josephine said helplessly, "Stop making random suggestions. Claudia knows who she has feelings for."
Meanwhile, in Hustalia, Jair was on the phone. "I've already contacted Claudia. Stuart, I really don't have much time to mess around with you. Just this once, no more."
Stuart quickly said, "Thank you so much! I'm just afraid that if I ask her out, she won't come."
Jair said, "If Claudia finds out I'm doing this because of you, it will be very awkward."
Stuart replied, "Just this once, Jair, thanks!"
After hanging up, Stuart rubbed his temples.
Since Laura wouldn't help him, he could only turn to Claudia.
But to be honest, Claudia had both resentment and anger towards him.
It was even harder to deal with.
But he had no other choice now.
He could only give it a try.
He hoped Claudia wasn't like Laura, who wouldn't listen to anything he said.
Stuart thought Claudia had a much better temper than Laura.
If he could make some amends to the Howard Family, maybe Claudia would help him get a chance.