On the way back, Old Hughes opened the wooden box given by Old Walsh and found the medical books they had previously seen in the study.
"Old Walsh is quite sensible, giving this as a gift. Anna, take these back and study them well. If you encounter anything you don't understand, you can come to me for help," he said, placing the wooden box in Deanna's arms.
Deanna was a bit surprised, not expecting Old Walsh to give such a valuable gift. But thinking about what she had experienced at the Walsh family mansion, she accepted it without hesitation. "I'll take them back to study. If I don't understand something, I'll come to you."
That evening, the group returned to Cloudmere. Deanna and Lance first took Old Hughes home before returning to the hilltop estate.
As soon as they got out of the car, two dark shadows rushed towards them.
"Mommy, you're finally back."
The two little ones hugged Deanna and Lance, their faces filled with excitement.
Old Ashley stood nearby, smiling as he watched them. "It's good that you're back. Come inside."
Deanna and Lance nodded, each holding a child's hand as they walked into the living room. Xavier followed behind with the luggage.
Inside the living room, Xavier couldn't help but smile at the scene of what looked like a happy family. It was great; Mr. Mercer had finally gotten his wish.
"Mr. Mercer, should I put your luggage in your room or in the missus's room?" Xavier asked respectfully.
His question caused quite a stir among the Jones family members.
The two little ones were confused and asked, "Uncle Xavier, why would Uncle Lance's luggage go to Mommy's room?"
Old Ashley also looked at Deanna in surprise, glancing between her and Lance.
"Are you two together now?"
As soon as he said that, the two little ones exclaimed, "What? Uncle and Mommy are together?"
Facing their curious gazes, Deanna felt a bit shy but didn't avoid the question. She nodded openly and admitted, "Yes, we are together."
Hearing this, the two little ones were overjoyed.
"That's great! Mommy and Uncle are together."
They jumped and danced with excitement. Deanna and Lance found their reactions amusing.
At that moment, Chloe suddenly threw herself into Deanna's arms and looked up with bright eyes. "Mommy, since you and Uncle are together now, can we call him Daddy from now on?"
Gregory also looked over expectantly.
Faced with their hopeful eyes, Deanna didn't know how to respond and looked to Lance for help. To her frustration, he pretended not to notice her plea for help.
Feeling helpless but thinking it over, Deanna realized that since Lance was their biological father, it made sense for them to call him Daddy. "If you want to, and if your uncle doesn't mind, I have no objections."
The two little ones immediately turned their eager eyes to Lance.
Seeing this, Lance had no reason to disagree. Ever since he found out these two children were his, he had dreamed of them calling him Daddy.
"I don't mind at all. In fact, I've wanted to be your Daddy for a long time," Lance said with a big smile.
The two little ones were ecstatic.
"Daddy! Daddy!"
They clung to Lance, calling him Daddy over and over.
Lance hugged them tightly, his smile beaming.
The living room was filled with warmth and happiness.
Later that evening, after everyone had calmed down, Lance gave Xavier a meaningful look. Since the children had started calling him Daddy, he needed to show his appreciation as their father.
After a brief rest, it was time for dinner. Deanna was used to taking care of the children during meals, but this time they refused her help.
"Mommy, can we sit next to Daddy? I want to sit with Daddy."
"Me too," Gregory nodded in agreement.
Deanna didn't refuse and waved them over to sit next to Lance. The two children were thrilled and quickly took their places beside him.
The family enjoyed a delightful meal together.
After dinner, Xavier returned with several gift bags.
"Mr. Mercer, I've prepared everything you asked for," Xavier said respectfully as he placed the items on the coffee table.
Deanna looked at the gifts in surprise. "Why did you buy so many things?"
"These are for Gregory and Chloe. Since they started calling me Daddy, I wanted to give them gifts," Lance explained before turning to the children. "Go ahead and see if you like what Daddy got for you."
"Of course we will! Anything from Daddy is our favorite," Chloe said sweetly without even looking at the gifts.
Watching the three of them laugh and play together, Deanna couldn't stop smiling. Old Ashley sat nearby, feeling very pleased as well.
Finally, Deanna and Lance got together.