Chapter 180 Something Happened!
The teacher on stage was announcing the game rules: do 100 push-ups, and the family
Michael was in front, and James in back.
Emily sat in the middle, being held by James and Michael.
The combined weight of the kids was roughly equal to that of one adult.
William's expression didn't change. When the whistle blew, his movements remained smooth and continuous, unhindered by the children on his back.
His arms were steady, with his speed matching Benjamin's beside him.
Most of the other dads rarely exercised. Even without bending down, their bellies already rested on the yoga mats. Before completing 10 push-ups, they were lying flat on the mats, gasping for air.
Some of the skinnier dads had their arms trembling like butterfly wings, causing the kids on their backs to bounce up and down.
Gradually, fewer dads were still going.
Besides William and Benjamin, a few other dads had demanding jobs that required daily training.Everyone's fitness seemed fairly even, but William had a slight advantage when it came to carrying weight.
His breathing was steady, and the outline of his muscles under his clothes shifted with each smooth up-and-down movement.
100 push-ups done.
William, Benjamin, and the other two dads tied for first place.
Everyone's forehead was slightly sweaty. The kids' moms quickly came over with tissues to wipe it, and each family looked affectionate.
Selene handed Benjamin a tissue. "You worked hard." Then, holding Missy, she asked with concern, "Missy, are you tired? Should I carry you over there to get some water?"
On William's side, Sophia didn’t even have to make a move.
After Emily got down from his back, she ran over to Sophia's side,She took out a handkerchief from her little bag and hurried back to William with her busy little steps.
"Mr. Smith, squat down."
William did as she said, gently watching Emily as she carefully wiped his sweat.
Emily immediately reached up to wipe his sweat, praising him as she did. After his face was clean, she kissed him.
Emily said, "Mr. Smith, you're amazing!"
She covered her mouth and giggled to herself: "I'm such a smart little kid—I knew to wipe William's face clean before kissing him."
James got disinfectant wipes from Sophia and handed them to William, saying, "Dad, wipe your hands."
"Dad, have some water." Michael handed him water to wet his throat.
Each of the kids did their part.
Sophia saw the admiration and affection for William in the three children's eyes, and she didn’t feel left out.
Like she always said, not all dads are good enough, but only a good father can set an example for the children. William was doing well in this regard.
Seeing Emily's flushed face, William took the handkerchief from her and used it to wipe her face. "I'll go get some water from Mom."
He also wiped the sweat from James and Michael. "You two too."
William brought the kids back to the sofa resting area.
Sophia had already prepared the children's water cups. Emily took two cups from her and volunteered, "Mom, I'll give them to James and Michael."
She touched Emily's head. "Alright, Emily, you're so thoughtful."
After delivering the water, Emily sat on the sofa with her little fox water cup and took a sip.
Finally, she held the cup up to Sophia's lips, blinking. "Mom, you drink."
After tidying up the hair on Emily's forehead, Sophia said softly, "I have water—drink yours."
Just as she was about to grab the bottled water from the small table nearby, someone handed her a bottle with the cap already unscrewed.
Sophia glanced at the slender fingers in front of her, then met William's gaze.
William's eyes were deep. He glanced at the kids from the corner of his eye, subtly hinting for her to notice James and Michael's feelings.
Sophia raised an eyebrow and intentionally didn't take the bottle from his hand.
She handed the half-opened bottle of water to James and said deliberately, "James, Mom can't open it. Can you help Mom?"
James's eyes lit up. "Of course I can!"
Sophia had already loosened it halfway, so he got the cap off quickly. She praised James several times for being great, which made him embarrassed.
Michael, standing nearby, immediately said he could do it too.
"Mom knows Michael is also great." William, feeling ignored, fell silent.
Emily held her water cup in one hand and patted William's arm with the other to comfort him. "Mr. Smith, you're also great."
Later, Sophia guided James and Michael to the stage to collect their prizes.
William looked at the sleepy Emily. He held her on his lap and gently pinched her tender nose, having just caught Emily's secret giggle.William looked at the sleepy Emily. He held her on his lap and gently pinched her tender nose, having just caught Emily's secret giggle.
She handed her water cup to William and settled comfortably in his arms, saying, "Mr. Smith, pat me."
William looked down at her nearly closed eyelids, understanding what she meant.
He took the coat he had removed earlier and wrapped Emily up completely, his large palm gently patting her back.
No lullaby, no other rocking movements—Emily just fell asleep in William's arms. William's usually cold heart gradually warmed under her trusting, peaceful expression.
Besides James and Michael, Emily was the third child to soften his heart. He always felt there was something about her that drew him in.
He chuckled softly. "Smart little rascal."
Benjamin, still trying to soothe Missy, looked up and saw William's faint smile beneath the shade of the trees. His heart stirred.Though it was just a faint smile, for William, who usually wore a cold expression, it was a significant change.
Even without knowing whether Emily was his daughter, William's smile seemed to show that he had already accepted her as his own.
Benjamin looked at Sophia on stage. She was helping the teacher place stickers on James and Michael.
She felt comfortable letting William take care of Emily, a gesture of trust. The morning parent meeting finally ended.
The afternoon was free, and the kids could go home with their parents.
James and Michael were very happy today. Carrying their little backpacks, the two boys held Sophia's hands and bounced along.
In the car.
Watching Emily sleep peacefully in William's arms, Sophia reached out and said softly, "Let me take Emily."
Just as William was about to let go, Emily clutched his shirt, showing signs of waking.He quickly patted her back, and the little hand clutching his shirt relaxed slightly. "It's okay, I'll do it."
Although Emily wasn't even two years old, she had good genes. Compared to kids her age, her long arms and legs were perfect for learning dance.
During this time, after taking the improved medicine with Revival Herb and receiving Sophia's care, she had grown much taller.
If Sophia kept holding her, her arms would tire. But Emily's weight wasn't a problem for William, whose body was strong again.
Before they reached the Johnson Villa, both their phones vibrated simultaneously—calls from Tony and Joe, respectively.
"Sophia, quickly check the news!"
"Mr. Smith! Mrs. Smith is in trouble!"