Chapter 90

“Gideon, if that woman could make you ditch your wedding on the very night, I’d say you’re pretty smitten with her. Why don’t you bring her home sometime? If you settle down, the gossip will die down too.”

“Grandpa…” Gideon found himself in a tight spot, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks.

“What? Didn’t you run off to find that woman yourself?” Eamon’s stern face held a certain authority. “Since you did, don’t let that young lady down!”

“I understand.”

Knowing he had disappointed his grandpa, Gideon didn’t dare argue further. His eyes, however, were fixed intently on Calliope.

He grew angrier by the minute. With the whole family gathered, including Silas, he couldn’t act out.

He watched Calliope and Silas sitting so close, their bodies nearly touching. His gaze burned with a mix of anger and something else–resentment, perhaps.

He hadn’t even touched her, yet she was now his uncle’s.

Remembering her words only made his chest tighten further. Did Silas make her that happy? How shameless!

“Maybe you should be careful about sitting so close in front of the younger ones. Don’t you think it’s inappropriate?” Gideon said, his gaze focused on Calliope and Silas.

Calliope blinked, surprised by his sudden comment. She gave him a mischievous glance. “Jealous, are you? If you are, bring your girlfriend home!”

“Silas and I are close, but we’re not doing anything inappropriate. We’re happily married, and I might as well sit on his lap!” she declared boldly, plopping herself right onto Silas’s lap.

Silas, indulgent as ever, wrapped an arm around her waist to keep her steady, letting her remain seated in his embrace.

“There are kids here; isn’t this a bit much?” Gideon’s face turned ashen.

He looked to Eamon. “Grandpa, aren’t you going to say something?”

Eamon, however, just laughed. “Say what? It’s great! They get along well, and that’s what matters. Silas, make me a grandkid soon!”

“Working on it every night!” Silas replied earnestly.

Calliope’s cheeks flushed instantly. Though she had initiated sitting on Silas’s lap, his comment about making babies in front of everyone was a bit embarrassing.

And this position, so close and personal, felt a bit odd. She wriggled, trying to get off, but Silas held her, not letting her go. So she had no choice but to stay nestled in his arms.

Silas, like he was cradling a child, continued to hold her while texting on his phone, keeping her close.

Calliope, resting against him, looked like a content little bird in his embrace. And her eyes met Gideon’s, with a hint of defiance.

Gideon’s face turned all shades of red and white, a spectacle to behold.

The housekeeper called everyone for dinner. Silas didn’t let go of Calliope; instead, he effortlessly scooped her up and brought her to the dining table.

“Look at those two lovebirds!” Verity chuckled.

“They are so in love. Are we getting a new baby cousin soon?” Calista chimed in eagerly. “With their looks, that kid is going to be a stunner!”