Chapter 267

“How far have you two gotten? Are you planning to make me a great-grandpa soon?” Hayden teased, grinning at Donald.

“Grandpa, come on. Can’t I have some privacy?” Donald said, his face flushing red.

“Look at you, blushing like a kid. And you didn’t even bring her over for dinner—how am I supposed to meet her?” Hayden laughed heartily.

“She’s a bit shy, Grandpa. I’ll see if she’s okay with coming over next time, maybe during the holidays,” Donald replied, trying to deflect.

Hayden chuckled, clearly amused by Donald’s bashful demeanor. “You and your sister-in-law’s sister—if this works out, it’ll be a fun twist for the family.”

Turning to Cathy, Hayden added, “Donald and Teresa’s sister are a good match. Don’t stand in the way of his happiness.”

Cathy nodded thoughtfully. “As long as the kids are willing, that’s what matters. It all depends on whether they’re truly meant to be together in the end.”

“Donald, you’re way more dependable than Jonathan. Why don’t you help him patch things up with his wife and get them back together?” Hayden suggested.

“I understand, Grandpa. I’ll do my best,” Donald assured him with a firm nod.

As dinner wrapped up, Werner and his friends had a bit too much to drink. Cathy took Werner home, while Donald escorted Hayden back. Even on the way back, Hayden reminded him, “Next time you visit, make sure to bring Teresa’s sister over for dinner.” Donald agreed.

When Donald returned home, Cathy sighed and muttered, “I wonder if Jennifer looks down on our family.”

Donald was puzzled by Cathy’s sudden remark. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he said, “Mom, why would Jennifer look down on our family? What gave you that impression?”

Cathy explained, “Actually, I called Jennifer. I hinted that it was your dad’s birthday and invited her to join us for dinner. Since she’s someone you’ve chosen, I thought it was enough that you liked her. When we first met, I thought she was fine. But the more I interacted with her, the more I felt she was hard to get along with.”

“Mom, Jennifer isn’t like that. She’s just shy. She felt too embarrassed to come. Give her a bit more time, and she’ll…” Donald reassured her, not wanting Cathy to have a negative impression of Jennifer.

Seeing how much Donald cared for Jennifer, Cathy gave a resigned smile. “You know the way things went today. If you two really end up together, Irene will definitely be the first to object.”

“Mom, I’m building a life with Jennifer, not with Irene. Besides, Grandpa adores Jennifer. He even asked me to help Jonathan and Teresa reconcile. Wouldn’t that make us even closer as a family?” Donald said with a grin.

With Donald’s comforting words, Cathy finally let go of her concerns. “Alright, as long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters. No one else can decide for you.”

Jennifer was busy with work at the hospital, and Donald, who had the morning shift the next day, was also swamped when he arrived. It wasn’t until lunchtime that they finally managed to sit down for a meal together.

Noticing the oil glistening at the corner of his lips, Jennifer grabbed a napkin and wiped his mouth. “Yesterday was your dad’s birthday. Did Irene show up? Was she badmouthing me behind my back again?”

Donald chuckled and took her hand gently. “You’re worrying too much. Irene didn’t say anything about you. Actually, Grandpa seems to like you a lot. He’s already insisting on meeting you next time.”

“Really? You still have a grandfather?” Jennifer asked, raising an eyebrow.

Donald nodded, his gaze softening. “Yeah, Grandpa was really fond of Teresa. When he found out you’re her sister, he wouldn’t stop talking about wanting to meet you. He’s already told me to bring you home for dinner next time.”

Jennifer’s brows furrowed slightly. “I don’t want to go to your house or meet your family. Unless we’re married, I don’t see the point. And right now, I’m not ready for marriage.”

Donald nodded, his tone understanding. “I’m not trying to push you into marriage or anything. I just really like you and want you to meet my family. You wouldn’t believe how lonely I felt yesterday at the dinner table.”

“What about your sister?” Jennifer asked.

“She didn’t come back. She’s hosting an art exhibition out of town,” Donald replied. Jennifer’s brows knitted together again. Hearing that Cheryl wasn’t coming home and was supposedly hosting an art exhibition made her think of something, but she decided not to press the issue.

“Anyway, let me make this clear—I’m not going to your house. I trust in love, but marriage? That’s a whole different story. You should understand what I mean.”

Donald glanced at Jennifer’s calm, composed face and let out a helpless sigh. “It’s fine. Grandpa probably won’t be back until the spring holidays anyway. We’ll talk about it then.”

Jennifer gave a small nod in response.

Switching the topic, Donald scooped all the meat from his plate onto hers. “Come on, eat up. Have some more. The more you fill out, the happier I’ll be.”

Jennifer shot back, “You’re one to talk. You’re so skinny yourself. You should eat more, too.”

Donald grinned mischievously. “I’m not skinny because I eat less. It’s because you’ve been tormenting me all this time—keeping me on edge, teasing me. The stress made it hard for me to eat or sleep properly.”

Jennifer glared at him. “Who’s been tormenting you or teasing you?”

Donald immediately raised his hands in mock surrender, taking her hand again. “Alright, alright, I take it back. But now that I’ve finally won your heart, having you by my side makes me the happiest man alive.”

Jennifer’s lips curved into a faint smile. Having someone so warm and caring by her side made her feel happy too.