The meal was very enjoyable for everyone.
By the time it ended, it was already quite late.
Old Hughes and Old Wright, being of advanced age, started to feel tired and decided to leave early.
Julia, seeing that only she and Landon were left as the third wheels, hurriedly suggested leaving as well.
"Deanna, I suddenly remembered that I have some work left to finish. I need to go back and work overtime, or my boss will scold me tomorrow."
"Okay, I'll call a car to take you back."
It was so late that Deanna was worried about Julia going back alone.
However, Julia refused.
She pulled up Landon, who was sitting on the sofa with no intention of leaving, and said with a smile, "No need for a car, I'll let Landon take me back."
"Why do I have to take you? You can just call a car. Besides, I don't want to leave now. I still want to play with Gregory and Chloe."
Landon struggled, trying to break free from Julia's grip, but for some reason, he couldn't.
Julia glared at him and gritted her teeth, "I just want you to take me. Hurry up!"
Deanna saw them tugging at each other and a glimmer of understanding flashed in her eyes.
"If Julia wants you to take her, then you should."
"Yeah, Uncle Landon, you should take Godmother. Chloe and I won't run away, you can come back to play with us another time." Gregory also chimed in.
This was mainly because he received a hint from Godmother.
With Uncle Landon gone, it would be just Mommy and Uncle Lance left, giving them a chance to develop their relationship.
Thus, Landon was forcibly dragged away by Julia.
Little did they know, Lance saw through their small actions and found it amusing but didn't expose them.
Soon, only Deanna and her two children were left with Lance in the living room.
As for Old Ashley, she went to rest shortly after finishing her meal.
Looking at the handsome man in front of her, Deanna couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions, possibly due to the alcohol.
Fortunately, she restrained herself and gently asked, "I didn't expect us to eat so late today. Mr. Mercer, how will you get back later?"
Lance heard the subtle hint to leave in her words.
He looked deeply at Deanna and smiled faintly, "I've instructed Xavier to pick me up later."
"Will it be late?"
Deanna's tone was somewhat dry, obviously not expecting this result.
Lance nodded deliberately and asked, pretending to be puzzled, "Why, are you trying to get rid of me?"
"No, I didn't mean that. Don't misunderstand."
Upon hearing this, Deanna quickly shook her head and waved her hands, indicating that she really didn't mean that.
The two little ones, watching their interaction, were anxious.
What to do? Such a good opportunity, and Mommy is trying to send Uncle away.
Since that's the case, we'll keep Uncle here.
The two little ones exchanged a silent look.
Then, following her brother's instructions, Chloe hugged Lance and looked up, acting cute, "Uncle, can you stay with us tonight? I want you to sleep with my brother and me."
Both Deanna and Lance were stunned by the little girl's words.
Lance, recovering, actually wanted to agree but didn't know how to say it.
Although he had stayed overnight before, it was always for treatment.
In the end, he decided to let Deanna make the decision.
"You should ask your mommy if it's okay."
He said, looking at Deanna with a smile in his eyes.
Seeing this, the two little ones looked at their mommy, acting cute and begging to keep Lance.
"Mommy, let Uncle stay tonight."
"Mommy, I want Uncle to sleep with me."
Seeing her children pleading, Deanna couldn't bear to refuse. But letting Lance stay felt inappropriate to her.
She had no choice but to subtly remind them, "You want to sleep with Mr. Mercer, but your bed is not big enough for three people."
Unexpectedly, Gregory solved this problem right away.
"No problem, we can sleep in Mommy's bed."
"Yeah, Mommy's bed is big enough for the four of us," Chloe agreed.
Deanna almost choked on these words, her voice stammering in surprise, "Four people?"
"Yes, four people. It feels like a family. Mommy, please?"
Gregory looked at her with expectant eyes.
Seeing her son's bright eyes, Deanna was reminded of the times he called for his daddy in his sleep, feeling a pang of sadness.
Driven by an inexplicable impulse, Deanna agreed.
"Great! Mommy agreed," Gregory cheered.
Chloe was also excited.
Deanna, looking at them, felt helpless and embarrassed, glancing at Lance, "Sorry for the trouble, Mr. Mercer."
"It's no trouble. I enjoy being with them."
Lance shook his head, indicating he didn't mind.
In fact, he was extremely happy.
Finally, he could be with the children like a father.
Even if it was just for one night, he was content.
Thinking of this, he looked gently at the two little ones and then said to Deanna, "It's getting late. How about I take Gregory to wash up first?"