Chapter 108

Teresa had managed to stay married to Jonathan for two years, largely because his cooking was incredible—especially his honey-garlic pork chops. They were so good, he could have won the Nareigh celebrity chef contest. But now the pork chops were gone, or so she thought.

“Here’s another plate, especially for you,” Jonathan announced, appearing suddenly with a fresh serving. He placed it before her.

Unable to resist, Teresa picked up a piece and took a bite. Jonathan smiled slightly, thinking, She still loves pork chops so much.

Cheryl, sitting nearby, dramatically covered her eyes. “Oh my, you kept a plate just for her? It’s so cringe-worthy to watch.”

Miriam smirked. “Let’s go cut some fruit and give them some space.”

Cheryl chuckled. “Sure thing, Miriam. I’ll help.”

The two, full and satisfied, got up to prepare fruit. Teresa continued eating, stealing a glance at Michael, who had already cleared his plate.

Rubbing his round belly, Michael grinned. “I’m so full!”

Teresa scolded lightly, “You shouldn’t eat so much. You just recovered from a cold. The doctor said you shouldn’t overeat.”

Michael shook his head, defending himself. “I didn’t eat that much! It’s just that Mr. Lime’s cooking is too good.” He leaned toward Jonathan with a playful grin. “Mr. Daddy Lime, you’re amazing! I wish you could cook for me every day.”

Jonathan patted Michael’s head but didn’t make any promises. His gaze lingered on Teresa for a moment as a thought crossed his mind, Her reaction to Michael was… He shook it off, deciding he might be overthinking things.

Miriam returned with a platter of fresh fruit. “Here’s the fruit. Have some, everyone.”

Cheryl handed Jonathan a slice of orange. “Here, Jonathan. You’ve worked hard tonight.”

Miriam added, “Thanks, Mr. Lynn, for cooking today. Your skills haven’t changed a bit. I miss the days when I used to come over and mooch food from you.”

Cheryl nodded enthusiastically. “Jonathan’s cooking is unbeatable. During our family’s New Year’s Eve dinners, it’s always him who cooks. It’s honestly the best day of the year for me.”

Miriam laughed. “Mr. Lynn, if you’re free, you should come cook for my New Year’s Eve dinner. I’ll even pay you!”

Jonathan replied politely but noncommittally, “We’ll see.”

Teresa sighed, holding her forehead. So much for trying to manipulate this man. Now he’s cooked a meal and has us all wrapped around his finger, she thought.

Miriam grinned mischievously. “Teresa’s birthday is coming up. Let’s not eat out this time; the restaurants aren’t any good anyway. How about Jonathan cooks instead?” Teresa quickly nudged Miriam with her elbow, trying to shut her up. Only then did Miriam cover her mouth.

Jonathan glanced at Teresa thoughtfully. Right, her birthday’s on the 16th of January! He’d been back in Nareigh since early fall, and now, deep winter had set in. He realized he’d barely had chances like this to sit and share meals with her.

Changing the subject, he asked Michael, who was perched in his arms, “Mike, when’s your birthday?”

Teresa froze for a moment before looking at Michael. The boy, munching on an apple slice, shook his head sadly. “My mommy doesn’t celebrate my birthday.”

Jonathan frowned, patting Michael’s head gently. “Maybe your mom and dad are just too busy.”

Teresa lowered her head, guilt washing over her. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to celebrate Michael’s birthday, but family traditions dictated otherwise. After her grandparents passed, it was considered bad luck to celebrate a child’s birthday within three years.

At first, Teresa had dismissed these superstitions, but after Michael was born, she became more cautious. Even Miriam, his godmother, was chosen after consulting horoscope compatibility. She had gone out of her way to protect Michael. His second birthday had passed quietly, but when he turned three, she planned to celebrate fully.

Jonathan’s voice broke her thoughts. “For your next birthday, Mike, I’ll celebrate with you. How about it?”

Michael’s face lit up, and he threw his arms wide. “Yay! Mr. Lime, you’re the best!” He turned to Teresa and asked sweetly, “Ms. Johnston, when is my birthday?”

Teresa shook her head. “I don’t know. I’ll ask your mom next time.”

Miriam knew the real reason Teresa didn’t celebrate his birthday and tried to lighten the mood. “Mike, I’ll celebrate your next birthday with you too!”

Cheryl added, “Me too!”

Michael, now bubbling with excitement, stretched his arms out again. “Yay! Then I’ll grow up quickly so I can have my birthday sooner!”

Jonathan stroked Michael’s cheek, his voice soft. “It’s better to grow up slowly.” The world of adults is tough, he thought.

As the night deepened, Jonathan left, taking only Cheryl with him. Michael had already fallen asleep. Miriam, ever the peacemaker, suggested not taking Michael outside, lest he catch another cold. Jonathan agreed, though as he left, he gave Teresa one last glance.

When the door closed, Miriam sighed. “Your ex-husband seems like he’s got his eyes glued to you. It’s either you or Mike he’s looking at.”

Teresa didn’t reply. Instead, she helped Miriam clean up the kitchen. Most of the plates were spotless from how thoroughly everyone had eaten.

“Mommy! Mommy!” Michael’s voice called from the bedroom.

Hearing this, Teresa hurried to his side. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

He rubbed his eyes and sat up, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Did Mr. Lime leave already?”

Teresa nodded. “He’s already left.”

Michael pouted. “Why didn’t you wake me? I didn’t get to say goodbye…”

Her heart softened as she stroked his hair. “Go back to sleep,” she said gently.

Michael snuggled into her arms and drifted off again. Teresa tucked him in and sat beside him, her thoughts conflicted. If Michael were with Jonathan, she knew he would take good care of him.

Recalling the beer she’d bought but hadn’t had the chance to open yet, Teresa poured herself and Miriam a glass before joining the latter at the table. “Miriam, do you think… I made a mistake?”

Miriam looked at her, confused. “A mistake? What do you mean?”

Teresa sighed deeply. “I feel like I shouldn’t have kept Mike’s situation a secret, but I’m scared of losing him. If it comes down to it, I might not stand a chance of keeping him.”

Miriam raised an eyebrow. “You and Jonathan are bound to fight over Michael. The only way to avoid it is if you two get back together.”