Tyler placed the supplements on the table. After a momentโs hesitation, he asked, โHow are you feeling? Did the doctor say that youโre recovering well?โ
His simple show of concern surprised Thomas. Shock filled the old manโs eyes.
Ever since Tyler left home, they had practically cut ties as father and son.
Their relationship became less tense after Thomas got hospitalized this time, but he could sense that Tyler was still affected. Tyler always felt distant, even when showing concern.
Thomas sat stunned for a while before nodding slowly. โIโm fine. Itโs the same old issue, Iโll be fine after some rest.โ
Rachel stepped in when she felt the tension in the air easing. โYou had no idea. If you hadnโt asked Jeeves to send the folder, Tyler would have sold his subsidiary company. Youโve helped us big time.โ
Thomas shot Rachel a rare look of approval.
โThis was a problem in our family to begin with. When this rascalโs company faced some troubles, it would have gone bust a long time ago if you hadnโt transferred the projects from your ex-company to help cover his losses.โ
He paused for a moment before turning his attention to Tyler. His voice was audibly tender.
โQuit being stubborn with me. Iโm already so advanced in years. What can I fight with you on? I just want you to be well. Nothing else is more important.โ
The tension on Tylerโs lips eased. He noticed the white hair on Thomasโ temple and remembered those days when he was younger, when Thomas wasnโt as old as now. Thomas would place Tyler on his lap and taught him how to read stock symbols.
Although Thomas was overly strict with Tyler, which resulted in a miserable childhood, it was also true that his upbringing was the reason for Tylerโs success.
โNo matter what, I owe you one this time,โ Tyler said.
โNo such thing as owing favors between family members,โ Thomas said with a wave of his hand.
Suddenly, the acrid smell of disinfectant liquid overwhelmed Rachel, who covered her mouth and retched.
Thomas, sharp as he was, asked, โAre you pregnant, Rachel?โ
Rachelโs hand was on her chest, her brows furrowed, as she looked at Thomas with surprise in her eyes. โYouโre amazing.โ
Thomas rubbed his beard, rather proud of how keen he was. โBut of course! Iโm way older and more experienced in life than the two of you. I can at least tell something as basic as that.โ
With a tinge of urgency in his voice, he added, โNow that sheโs pregnant, you canโt afford to drag this out. Decide on a date and get married.โ
Tyler wrapped an arm around Rachelโs shoulder, the sharp look in his eyes mellowing.
โWeโre already discussing it. Weโll get married once the dust settles.โ
โHurry up!โ Thomas barked. โMake it a big and lively event. Iโll invite our relatives. I can pay for the wedding. Have you thought of a name for the baby?โ
Rachel was tickled pink by Thomasโ words. โIโm only one month pregnant. We donโt even know the gender of the baby. Donโt be so anxious.โ
โHow can I not be?โ Thomas said with a smile, the corner of his eyes wrinkling up. โIโm waiting eagerly to carry my grandson! Come visit me more often and tell me more about the baby. Itโll make things more exciting.โ
Rachel immediately agreed to it. โDonโt worry, weโll certainly visit more often. Once you get better, we can even go for strolls in the park and enjoy the view.โ
โIโll have Yale bring over a tea set and chess set. Thatโll help you relieve the boredom while youโre here,โ Tyler said.