Teresa’s eyes softened as she looked up at Jonathan, touched by his support. A voice announced, “Grandpa, I’m back!”

From the entrance, a voice—Donald Lynn, Jonathan’s younger cousin—breezed in. His white tracksuit was a sharp contrast to his energetic greeting: “Hey, Jonathan and Teresa, long time no see!”

Hayden, with a teasing grin, gave Donald a light tap on the head. “Donald, you’re just now showing up? What’s been keeping you?” he inquired.

Donald sighed, a hint of resignation on his face. “Grandpa, I’ve mentioned it before. I’m a doctor. It’s been a crazy day at the hospital,” he explained.

Hayden raised an eyebrow skeptically. “But aren’t you still just an intern?” he questioned.

Donald shook his head, a proud grin emerging. “I got my full license this year. Believe me, pediatricians are swamped,” he said, a note of accomplishment in his voice.

Hayden tutted and gave him a pointed look. “No matter how busy, don’t neglect your love life. Your cousin’s been hitched for years, and you’re still single,” he chided, his tone playful but firm.

Donald just nodded, a little taken aback, without a snappy retort.

Cheryl Lynn, Donald’s younger sister, with her wool dress, white shoes, and braided pigtails framing her cherubic face, spoke up for Donald. “Grandpa, give him a break. His whole department is male,” she said, her voice gentle and her look sincere.

Cheryl beamed and linked her arms with Teresa’s upon seeing her. “Teresa, long time!” she greeted, her fondness for Teresa clear.

Teresa tousled Cheryl’s hair affectionately. “So, how’s the art world treating you?”

Cheryl grinned. “Amazing! I just graduated from Lumina School of Art. Hey, Teresa, if you want, I could paint a portrait of you. It’d be a great investment.”

Jonathan quickly interjected. “We’re good, thanks.”

Cheryl made a face. “Jonathan, you’re just being overprotective.”

Donald playfully pulled Cheryl over. “Cheryl, you’re butting into their couple’s moment. Don’t you think it’s a bit much?”

Jonathan dismissed the concern with a flick of his hand. “No big deal. Cheryl adores Teresa, like a cat loves its owner.”

Cheryl huffed, cheeks pulled out. “I’m not a pet, Jonathan.”

Hayden, with a wide grin, clapped to gather everyone. “Alright, let’s get this feast started!”

Irene descended the stairs, offering a hello to Donald and Cheryl’s folks, Werner and Cathy.

As the family from Jonathan’s side filled the room, Teresa sat next to him, a bit uneasy.

Hayden, with a twinkle in his eye, teased Teresa about her shyness. “Hey, no need to be so shy, Teresa. A hug and a peck on the cheek might be just the thing,” he said, chuckling.

As Teresa coughed, Jonathan was quick to respond, offering her a glass of water and gently patting her back to soothe her.

Hayden continued, reminiscing about the past. “Back when you were newlyweds, you two were always hugging and kissing,” he said, his smile growing wider.

The room filled with laughter, but Irene remained quiet, seemingly lost in thought.

Jonathan used to make a show of feeding Teresa pancakes, not bothered by the attention they got.

With a hint of embarrassment, Teresa appealed to Hayden. “Hayden, we’re adults now. Could you lay off the teasing?” she asked.

Cheryl, playing along, nudged Teresa. “Teresa, why not give Jonathan a kiss to make Grandpa happy?” she suggested, adding in the playful banter.

Hayden rubbed his beard, exchanging a meaningful look with Cheryl. “Exactly. It’s just a little birthday wish from an old-timer like me. You could humor me on this once, right?” he asked, his tone playful yet sincere.

Teresa felt the intensity of Jonathan’s gaze and quickly looked down, taking a sip from her glass to calm herself.

Jonathan, with a mischievous smile, tugged Teresa toward him and murmured, “Let’s give Grandpa something to smile about,” before brushing her forehead with a kiss.

He couldn’t help but admire her features up close—the soft flutter of her lashes, the elegant line of her nose.

Teresa’s cheeks flushed at the unexpected display of affection. The scent of Jonathan was all around her, making her hesitate to pull away.

Hayden chuckled, clapping his hands in delight. “You two are getting more shy with age,” he teased. “It’s quite the show.”

Jonathan, a touch irritated, retorted, “I’m not that old, Grandpa. I’m just twenty-nine.”

Hayden casually waved off the remark. “My buddy Colin’s a great-grandpa, and his grandson is your age. Four years married, and I’m still waiting on that great-grandkid.”