Looking at Deanna, who was smiling at him, Lance snorted softly and said nothing.
Seeing this, Deanna pulled him and pouted, "Don't be mad. I just forgot for a moment. I promise it won't happen again."
Faced with an adorable side of Deanna, Lance eventually gave in. After all, he wasn't really angry with Deanna.
"You said it, no next time. Otherwise, I'll watch you eat every meal on time," he said, playfully tapping Deanna's nose.
Deanna blinked and teased, "In that case, why don't you just join me for every meal? That punishment is too perfect for me."
Hearing this response, Lance couldn't help but laugh, feeling a warmth in his heart.
"Since you said so, I'll try to join you for meals every day from now on."
"I was just joking," Deanna quickly retracted her words. She knew how busy Lance usually was and that sometimes he barely had time to eat.
Lance looked down at Deanna in his arms, easily guessing her thoughts, his eyes full of tenderness.
In the following days, Deanna remained busy with the research institute. As the institute neared completion, her workload gradually decreased until she had nothing left to do.
So, Deanna decided to take the little ones out to play over the weekend. After all, once the institute was up and running, she would be fully occupied with research projects.
That weekend, the little ones were so excited about going out that they woke up early. Naturally, Deanna and Lance were also woken up early.
After a simple breakfast, the family headed to the children's amusement park. It was the first time the little ones had been to the park since the New Year, and they noticed many new attractions.
As soon as they entered, the little ones were excitedly looking around, wanting to try everything. Deanna didn't stop them; she and Lance accompanied them on some gentle rides. However, she firmly refused to let them go on dangerous rides like the roller coaster.
The little ones were fascinated by the screams from the sky and the sight of people speeding through the air as if flying.
"Mommy, can we ride it just once? I really want to," Gregory pleaded with Deanna.
Chloe joined her brother in begging Deanna. Although worn down by their pleas, Deanna stood firm. "No, it's too dangerous. You can try it when you're older."
She then gave Lance a look, hoping he would help persuade the children.
Lance understood and explained to the little ones, "Stop pestering your mommy. Even if she agreed, you wouldn't be allowed on this ride."
"Why?" The little ones looked puzzled.
Lance smiled and said, "Because you're not eighteen yet. This ride doesn't allow anyone under eighteen."
Hearing this, the little ones stared in disbelief. "Daddy must be lying," Gregory said suspiciously, thinking their parents were just trying to keep them off the dangerous ride.
Lance anticipated their doubt and pointed to the notice board with the rules. "If you don't believe me, you can check over there. It says no one under eighteen is allowed."
As soon as he finished speaking, Chloe ran over to check and found it was true. She returned to her brother's side, disappointed. "If kids can't ride it, why is it in a children's park?"
Deanna and Lance couldn't help but laugh at her innocent complaint.
"Maybe it's for adults like us. Let's go try other rides like the pirate ship; it's similar but safer," Deanna coaxed.
The little ones nodded obediently. As they moved from one ride to another, they soon forgot their earlier disappointment and had a great time.
Deanna took many photos of them and sent them to their grandmother and Logan and Samantha. Seeing the children's bright smiles melted their hearts.
Logan and Samantha quickly replied, "Since you're out playing, bring Gregory and Chloe over for dinner tonight."
Deanna checked with Lance and the little ones before agreeing.
That evening, the family of four returned to the Mercer mansion. Samantha and Logan had been eagerly waiting for them. As soon as they heard the car engine in the yard, they rushed out to greet them.
"My precious grandchildren, you're finally here," Samantha exclaimed.