Dominic glanced at Alexander, a fleeting greeting. The sight of the small boy amidst the toys, however, instantly altered his expression. He rushed over, exclaiming to Galen, "My boy, what are you doing here?"

Alexander watched helplessly as the aging man briskly approached and scooped up his son. Their evident closeness struck him speechless.

"Aren't you supposed to be home? What are you doing here? Did you miss Grandpa? You did, didn't you?!" Dominic's words were punctuated by affectionate nuzzles against Galen's face. Galen giggled, dodging the tickling beard and reaching out to tug at it.

"Hey, hey, hey! You little devil! You can't pull my beard..." He stopped abruptly, a sudden thought causing him to turn to Alexander.

Despite his playful interaction with Galen, Dominic's demeanor shifted in Alexander's presence. He hadn't properly acknowledged Galen's father. Though unafraid of Alexander, he remained mindful of his position as Galen's parent.

Alexander raised an eyebrow, unperturbed. He hadn't anticipated such a warm rapport between his son and the older man.

With a dry cough, Dominic, still holding Galen, seated himself opposite Alexander. He allowed the tugging on his beard, lowering his head slightly to minimize the discomfort. "Mr. Russell, what are you doing here?" he asked formally, feigning unfamiliarity.

Alexander responded politely. "Mr. Fike, please call me Alex. Lily is your apprentice; I should address you as Master Fike."

"No, don't..." Dominic frowned. "Don't be so formal. Even that girl never calls me that, so you shouldn't either! Besides, I didn't make you my apprentice. How can you call me master?" Only the little boy in his arms deserved that title. He paused, considering the implications—would that make Galen Lily's equal? The thought, however, didn't unduly trouble him. Galen calling Lily 'mother' remained acceptable.

Dominic found the whole situation amusing, grinning at Galen. The child, oblivious to his grandfather's internal musings, returned the smile.

Alexander, feeling ignored, cleared his throat. "I may need to trouble you for the next two days. He misses you very much."

Dominic looked up, a soft snort escaping him. "Stop beating around the bush. That stinky girl asked you to bring him here!"

Alexander shook his head. "No. I brought him of my own accord."