Jeffery mumbled, "It's nothing."
Josephine wasn't buying it. His little face screamed he was upset.
She knelt down, "Jeffery, remember we agreed to talk to Mommy if something's bothering you?"
Jeffery hesitated, then finally said, "There is something."
He spilled the beans, and Josephine couldn't help but laugh.
Jeffery's ears turned red. "Mommy, you're laughing at me."
"I'm not laughing at you," Josephine quickly reassured him. "I'm just surprised our Jeffery can stand up for himself."
"He was being a jerk," Jeffery said. "Acting like he's the only one with a dad."
Josephine hugged him tight, "Jeffery, I get it. I'll take care of it. I'm sorry, Jeffery."
"Mommy, you don't need to apologize," Jeffery said quickly. "I don't like it."
"Got it," Josephine kissed him. "Don't worry, Jeffery. I'll make sure Stuart comes back. But, do you really want to call him Dad?"
Jeffery blushed. "I... I haven't decided yet."
Josephine stood up, holding his hand with a smile. "I understand. Let's go!"
That night, after Jeffery fell asleep, Josephine chatted with Nicole for a bit. When she got back to her room, she saw a message from Stuart.
She replied, and Stuart responded right away: [Can we video chat?]
She agreed, and the next second, Stuart called.
Josephine answered.
Stuart just looked at her, not saying a word.
Josephine put the phone on the table and started brushing her hair. "What's up?"
"I just wanted to see you," Stuart said, staring at her like a lost puppy. "Feels like it's been forever."
Josephine felt a bit flustered, especially with Stuart's puppy-dog eyes. Who could resist that?
She quickly said, "When you come back, we need to talk about something."
Stuart asked eagerly, "What is it?"
"It's about Jeffery."
"What about Jeffery?"
"He made a bet with another kid today, saying his dad would pick him up next week."
Stuart laughed, "I'll pick him up."
"Do you have time?"
"Yes," Stuart said. "For Jeffery, I'll always have time."
Josephine nodded.
Stuart went on, "I get it now. No matter how important work is, family comes first. You can never make enough money, but time with family is precious."
"Alright," Josephine said. "I'll wait for you to come."
"I'll stay over when I get there. Grandpa might visit when it gets warmer," Stuart said. "When I'm in Celestia Springs, can you and Jeffery come over sometimes? Otherwise, I'll be too lonely in that big house."
Josephine agreed. "Sure. I'll talk to Jeffery over the weekend and we'll come over."
Stuart asked, "Josephine, have you told The Clarence Family about us?"
"Gerald seems to know," Josephine said. "My mom probably knows too, but she hasn't brought it up."
"Do they..." Stuart hesitated, "Do they mind us being together?"
Josephine said, "They might not be thrilled, but it's my decision."
Stuart felt a mix of relief and concern, "But won't this affect your relationship with them?"
"I'll handle it," she said."I can't believe it," Stuart said. "Everything happening now feels like a dream. Josephine, if this is a dream, I hope I never wake up."
Josephine chuckled, "When you come to Celestia Springs, I'll pinch you so you'll know it's not a dream."
They both laughed.
"I wish I could fly to you right now," Stuart said, reaching out to touch the phone. "I miss you." But all he felt was the cold screen.
Josephine said, "Then come soon. I'll be waiting."
After they hung up, Josephine lay in bed, turned over, and hugged a pillow to sleep.
Before Stuart came to Celestia Springs, Josephine had a chat with Nicole.
Actually, before talking to Nicole, she had a conversation with Gerald.
After hearing her out, Gerald said, "Josephine, Mom and I won't interfere with your choices, but we want the best for you."
"You mean Stuart isn't the best?"
"Not exactly."
"Maybe," Josephine smiled. "He might not be perfect and has his flaws, but I still think he's the right one for me."
"You're so silly," Gerald said. "You'll get hurt easily."
"I've been hurt before. If he can hurt me again..." Josephine bit her lip, "Then it just means I'm really foolish."
"If you want to talk to Mom, go ahead," Gerald said. "Just remember, we're always here for you."
So, Josephine brought some fruit to Nicole.
Since reuniting with her, Nicole's health had improved a lot.
Josephine personally took her to the hospital for a thorough check-up. Medically speaking, Nicole's years of worry had affected her spleen and heart. But she didn't have any serious diseases. If her mood improved and she took care of herself, she could get better.
Now that she had reunited with Josephine, she was happy every day. Her appetite and overall health were much better than before.
After some casual chatting, Josephine finally said, "Mom, I'm with Stuart now. Are you mad?"
"No," Nicole smiled. "Since it's your choice, I support you."
Josephine was surprised, "Really?"
Nicole said, "Yes. I used to think that after Stuart divorced you, you could never forgive him. But now, seeing that he's good-looking, has a good family background, and is Jeffery's biological father, and you like him, I don't see why I can't accept it."
"Thank you, Mom," Josephine hugged her.
Nicole continued, "As long as you two are happy, I'm happy. But if he ever bullies you, Josephine, I won't stand by and do nothing."
Josephine understood Nicole and Gerald's stance. They hadn't truly accepted Stuart. They just didn't want to have conflicts with her.
She could date Stuart, but marriage wasn't something to consider just yet. By the time they were ready to talk about marriage, she believed The Clarence Family would have accepted Stuart.
For some reason, Josephine felt confident about Stuart this time. Just a few months ago, she had closed her heart and didn't want Stuart near her. But like a youthful crush, she couldn't explain why she still had feelings for Stuart now. Maybe it was fate.
Josephine was only grateful that this time, she hoped she had met the right person at the right time.
Stuart was so anxious that he couldn't wait until the next afternoon. He finished his work and rushed over that very night.