Chapter 202

Loretta’s idea to rebuild her father’s castle sparked instant curiosity. Stacey, awestruck, watched as the ambitious project began to take shape. It was far too complex for ordinary children, but Lillian and Kevin's eager faces spurred Stacey to join in. Soon, even Debra and Loretta were pitching in, their shared laughter mingling with the sounds of construction. The three children watched, mesmerized, as their parents tackled the enormous undertaking.

Hours flew by. As dusk settled, their castle stood half-finished. Lillian and Kevin urged Stacey to take a photo of them with their creation. After cleaning up at the nearby pool, Marissa smiled, "How about dinner at my place?"

Stacey blinked, surprised. Debra accepted gratefully, "Okay, thank you!"

"No trouble at all," Marissa beamed. "My husband's cooking anyway." Debra's eyebrows shot up. "He does it himself?"

"My dad cooks every day!" Loretta piped up. "He makes amazing dishes – sometimes shaped like flowers, sometimes animals! So cute!"

"Wow, your dad’s amazing!" Kevin exclaimed. Lillian’s eyes lit up. "I want a dad like that! Can your dad be my dad?"

Loretta looked confused. Stacey gasped, "Lillian, you can't just call anyone 'dad'!" Marissa erupted in laughter, clutching her sides. Kevin, however, tilted his head. "Why not?"

Marissa grabbed her phone, texting Hayden: [Hayden, get home NOW! Becky’s kids want to call Joey "Dad"! ]

On the golf course, Hayden received the message, a single question mark his reply. Marissa quickly explained the situation. Hayden paused, then decisively left. She waited, unconcerned; she knew he'd seen it. The anticipation of his reaction made her giggle.

Later, Stacey tried to explain to Lillian and Kevin why Loretta’s father couldn’t be their father, citing Jeremy's example as confusing to the twins. Feeling defeated, she apologized to Marissa. Marissa chuckled, "It's okay! Kids are kids."

Ten minutes later, they were at Marissa's house. Twenty minutes after that, Hayden arrived. Lillian and Kevin shrieked, "Dad!" rushing to hug his legs. Loretta stared, utterly bewildered.

Lillian declared proudly, "We have a dad!" Kevin added, "Jeremy said his dad can be our dad too!" Marissa and Joey chuckled. Hayden scooped up the twins. Stacey rushed forward, worried they'd fall. Hesitantly, she explained, "I… I want you to be their godfather, and for Jeremy to be Lillian and Kevin's godfather. More parental figures, you know?"

Marissa's eyes widened. "Becky, you and Hayden were engaged! You’re perfect together! Why all this?" She turned to the twins, "Lillian, Kevin, okay with this?" Hayden sputtered, "Marissa!"

Joey intervened, "Marissa, stop teasing! They haven’t even..."

Stacey was speechless. They all moved to the kitchen. Hayden, seeing Joey cooking, said, "I can do that too." Everyone stopped. He shrugged off his coat, rolling up his sleeves. "You guys relax. I’ll handle dinner."

Joey looked dumbfounded. Marissa, after a moment’s surprise, grinned, "Yeah! Hayden’s as good as Joey!" She grabbed Joey. "That tree needs pruning, right? Let's go, leave Hayden to it."