Chapter 201

Loretta woke from a nap, eager to take Lillian and Kevin to the amusement park's many attractions. The park buzzed with staff in adorable doll costumes; Lillian and Kevin were mesmerized. Seeing their delight, Loretta called the housekeeper for three matching outfits. Half an hour later, three tiny dolls charmed the park, attracting children and photo requests.

Loretta, ever generous, agreed to let Lillian and Kevin join the staff for the afternoon. Marissa watched, speechless, but Stacey smiled, "Let them play! It's about their happiness."

Marissa smiled back, then, her gaze lingering on Stacey, confided, "Becky, my brother likes you. And, Becky, don't let Queenie affect you. She doesn't care about Hayden or Jeremy—she wanted an abortion at seven months pregnant! She hasn't seen Jeremy since. I think she's just using Hayden to make Elden regret leaving her." She paused, "Do you know Elden?"

Stacey shook her head.

"Queenie's ex," Marissa explained. "He forced her abortion, then left her. She'll claim Jeremy needs her, but I bet you can love him more."

Stacey, taken aback, murmured, "Queenie is Jeremy's mother."

"But a mother who abandons her child?" Marissa countered. "It's better to have no such mother."

Just then, Kevin, a baby dinosaur, dashed over. "I need to pee!"

Marissa suggested her private bathroom in the office building. Lillian, a baby duck, followed. Loretta arrived as they left, the three costumed children a delightful sight. Many kids begged for similar outfits.

Lillian and Kevin relished their day, especially the afternoon in their costumes. Debra finally coaxed them into changing before heading to the beach. Sand castles soon replaced doll costumes. Then, Lillian asked, "Mom, where's Jeremy?"

Stacey, confused, asked why. Lillian pointed, "I forgot how to build castles. Jeremy taught me."

"I can help!" Loretta exclaimed, grabbing Lillian's hand. Marissa, surprised, asked, "Lillian and Jeremy know each other?"

Stacey nodded. "He's a sweet kid. He was over a few days ago."

Marissa watched her daughter play, saying, "Kids are happier together." Stacey agreed.

"Mom, I want to see your photo!" Loretta demanded.

"Which photo?" Marissa asked.

"The castle Dad built at the beach!" Loretta insisted.

Marissa chuckled, "That's impossible!"

"I can learn!" Loretta retorted.

Lillian and Kevin, intrigued, joined in, their questions echoing the afternoon's joy.