The feeling became more pronounced for Lionel as they arrived at Hotspring Resort.
Since they planned to enjoy the scenery, the group decided to hike up from the base of the mountain instead of taking the cable car directly to the resort at the summit.
When Deanna and Lance had visited before, it was late autumn, and the fiery red maple leaves made the landscape look like an ink painting.
Now, it was early summer, and the surroundings were lush and vibrant, with clear mountains and waters that felt like a paradise, filling everyone with joy.
The two little ones loved the scenery and cheerfully suggested to Deanna and Lance, "Daddy, Mommy, let's take some photos."
Lance naturally agreed and hugged Deanna as the two little ones took pictures.
"Daddy, hold Mommy tighter."
"Mommy, look at Daddy."
The children directed their parents on how to pose.
Lionel watched the affectionate couple under the tree, feeling a tightness in his chest.
He had thought that out of sight would mean out of mind.
But the children wouldn't allow that and deliberately showed him the photos they had taken, asking for his opinion.
"Uncle Lionel, do you think our photos turned out well?"
As they spoke, the children handed Lionel the developed photos.
Lionel couldn't avoid it. He glanced at them quickly and forced a smile, nodding, "The photos look great."
"I think so too. Daddy and Mommy look perfect together, don't they, Uncle Lionel?"
Gregory looked up at Lionel expectantly.
It seemed like he wouldn't look away until Lionel agreed that they looked perfect together.
Lionel gazed deeply at the little boy, unsure if he was doing it on purpose or if he was just innocent.
He believed it was probably the latter; after all, how could a child so young understand adult matters?
Little did he know, he was close to the truth but missed it by his own assumptions.
Although Lionel hid his emotions well, Gregory noticed his discomfort and reluctance to admit that his parents were a good match. Gregory secretly signaled his sister with a glance.
Chloe immediately understood and ran over to break the tension, asking eagerly, "Uncle Lionel, there's a waterfall over there. Can you take a family photo for us?"
Hearing her sweet voice and seeing her bright smile, Lionel couldn't refuse.
He finally agreed to take a family photo for Deanna and her family of four.
After the photo was taken, the children curiously gathered around Lionel to see how it turned out.
Lionel obliged them.
"Wow, it looks great."
"Uncle's photography skills are as good as mine."
The children praised Lionel and then proudly showed the photo to Deanna and Lance. "Daddy, Mommy, look! Uncle took a great photo."
Lance looked down to check and found that the children were right; the photo was indeed beautiful. His dark eyes flashed with surprise as he glanced at Lionel and said politely, "Thank you, Mr. Grant."
"It was nothing."
Lionel forced a smile in response, his gaze involuntarily drifting towards Deanna.
However, Deanna was busy talking to the children and didn't notice his look.
But Lance did. He said nothing but checked his watch and gently suggested to Deanna and the children, "It's almost noon. We should head to the summit for lunch."
"Okay."
Deanna nodded and continued up the mountain with the children.
Lance called for Lionel to follow.
The two men walked behind Deanna and the children in silence.
Deanna was unaware of this.
After climbing several steps with the children, she felt tired and started to breathe heavily.
Lance noticed her labored breathing and approached with concern. "Tired?"
"A bit. I haven't exercised like this in a long time."
Deanna smiled at Lance without pretending otherwise.
Since the research project started, she had no time for exercise, always busy from morning till night.
Seeing the sweat on Deanna's forehead, Lance didn't hesitate to squat down and said, "Get on my back. I'll carry you up."
The children teased from the side, laughing.
Deanna felt shy and quickly pulled Lance up. "Get up quickly."
She couldn't bear to let Lance carry her up.
Lance's health had only just started to improve.
But Deanna found it hard to refuse and was eventually carried in his arms.
She was startled and clung tightly to Lance's neck, embarrassed. "Mr. Grant is still here."
"So what? I'm taking care of my fiancée. Mr. Grant won't mind, right?"
Lance deliberately looked at Lionel as he said this last sentence.
Meeting Lance's meaningful gaze, Lionel understood his intention clearly. Any lingering thoughts he had were extinguished.
He remained silent for a few seconds before suddenly smiling at Lance. His brows relaxed as he said, "Mr. Mercer, you're Miss Jones' fiance. Why would I mind? On the contrary, I envy you for finding a life partner. I hope you won't let Miss Jones down in the future."