Chapter 91
Chapter 91: Thank You
Thank You.
“You have got to be kidding me,” Serena said after taking out the contents of the paper bag Nathaniel brought to the hotel.
He brought matching shirts.
Serena’s shirt said Their Mommy.
Alisa’s shirt said Ali, while Sebastian’s read Bastin.
“What the-” Silas couldn’t help but frown. He immediately turned to Nathaniel, judging him with his Don’t tell me p>
eyes.
Nathaniel didn’t react. He tucked away the commanding presence he usually carried when faced with Silas and Sterling Vander.
“What’s yours, Daddy?” Sebastian asked.
Nathaniel was wearing a denim jacket over his shirt. It concealed the print on his matching shirt. When he opened his jacket, Serena was stunned to see that it read ‘Learning p>
“Daddy, why your shirt say learning?” Sebastian asked in confusion.
Nathaniel smiled at his son, ruffling his hair. “Because some things need practice.” Behind them, Celine laughed. She remarked, “Good one p>
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When Sterling raised a brow, Celine pursed her lips and returned to drinking her coffee. On the other hand, Serena blinked, dumbfounded.
It was eight in the morning.
The Vanders had breakfast at Serena’s family suite when Nathaniel arrived. He not only brought the matching shirts, but also four cups of the best coffee in town. Yes, better than the Astoria.
Serena knew this and quickly abandoned the brewed coffee the hotel had served for breakfast.
“Coffee is great, Nathan,” Celine remarked.
“It is,” Nathaniel said with a smile in Celine’s direction. “It’s Serena’s favorite p>
There was a moment of silence among the Vanders before Serena said, referring to her shirt, “I don’t know if I want to wear this p>
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But when the kids turned to her with question marks on their faces, she sighed and said, “Kidding. I’ll wear it, guys p>
“Yes, because you are our mommy,” Bastin said, and Ali nodded.
“Is your mother not coming, Nathan?” Celine asked.
“My mother forgot she had a doctor’s appointment. She will catch up when she is done,” Nathaniel answered.
Soon, they made it into Nathaniel’s car. Bianca’s driver was behind the wheel- Harold. Serena purposely sat in
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the front to give Nathaniel time with the kids.
Yes, they were all wearing their matching shirts.
And yes, the bodyguards were driving another car, following behind them.
“Have you guys been to a theme park?” Nathaniel asked from the backseat.
“Yeah, but small rides only,” Sebastian revealed.
“Tell me about the rides you’ve tried,” Nathaniel urged.
“I tried the merry-go-round, the mini train, the boat rides, and riding on a real horse with Uncle Xavier,” Sebastian shared.
For a moment, Nathaniel fell silent. Serena watched through the rearview mirror as his jaw tightened at the mention of Xavier. But very quickly, he smiled and asked Bastin, “Have you tried getting on a bumper car?” 2
“No,” Sebastian answered.
“What about you, Ali?” Nathaniel turned to Alisa.
Alisa shook her head.
“Let’s try it,” Nathaniel encouraged, but Alisa shook her head again; worry clearly shone on her face.
“Don’t be scared,” Nathaniel said calmly. “Daddy will drive for you. If you don’t like it, we stop. Mommy will drive Bastin p>
“Let’s try it, Ali!” Sebastian encouraged.
Ali shook her head again. Then she covered her ears.
“But, Ali, it’s going to be super fun,” Sebastian insisted. He tried to get out of his car seat, but Nathaniel stopped him.
“Bastin, it’s okay. Ali can decide for herself,” Nathaniel said calmly. “And it’s not safe for you to remove your seatbelt while the car is moving p>
“Oh,” Sebastian said, settling back in place. “I’m sorry, Daddy p>
“That’s okay, kiddo,” Nathaniel said with a smile. “Just don’t do it again p>
The entire time, Serena kept watching their exchange. She noted something different about the way Nathaniel treated the kids compared to Xavier. To her, Nathaniel set boundaries naturally, without sounding authoritative.
And yet, Serena knew that if Nathaniel wanted to be angry, he could show it.
Speaking of Xavier, Serena remembered there was still something they needed to talk about, specifically, about Alice. However, since the Hartleys had not yet been safely relocated to Rexam, she hadn’t told Xavier that Alice was alive.
Xavier might have already heard about her encounter with Nathaniel through Silas, which likely explained why he had been blowing up her phone the night before. Serena hadn’t answered any of his calls yet. She wasn’t ready to confront him about his supposed attempt to contact the Hartleys.
On another note, Serena made a mental note to ask Nathaniel what he had found out about Vanessa. With everything that had happened so far, she thought maybe Nathaniel could be entrusted with the suspicions she and
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Alice had about the Holts.
After almost an hour on the road, they arrived at Grand Velmon Funfair.
Since the park was closed solely for the twins, they received a warm, thoughtful welcome. Mascots lined the entrance, and a banner bearing Ali and Bastin’s names was held up just for them. The children were visibly thrilled, their excitement shining in their eyes and smiles.
“Mommy, this is so cool!” Bastin exclaimed, beaming.
Ali’s reaction was quieter. The noise that followed made her reach out to her father.
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“Daddy, carry,” Alisa murmured, clinging to him like a koala.
Nathaniel lifted her without hesitation, settling her against his shoulder as she tucked her face into his neck. She was happy to be there, yet overwhelmed by the sounds.
The entire time, Nathaniel reassured her. He gently covered one ear and murmured, “It’s okay. I’ve got you p>
After the welcome party, Nathaniel returned to the car outside. Serena and Bastin followed.
“I actually forgot I got Ali a headset,” he said.
Harold popped the trunk open, and Nathaniel took out a
said, “Ali, this helps with the noise. Try it p>
It was a pink headset, which Alisa immediately like and-new headset. While still
carrying his daughter, he
“Do you like it?” Nathaniel asked.
Alisa nodded.
Nathaniel pouted. “I can’t hear you p>
She put it on and grinned.
It sounded like he was teasing her, and the little girl giggled. She swallowed hard
before trying, “I p>
She gulped, then finally said, “I love it, Daddy p>
Those four words played in slow motion.
Tears welled in Nathaniel’s eyes, and in Serena’s as well.
“Thank you for speaking to Daddy,” Nathaniel said softly. “It makes me very happy p>
Alisa smiled even wider.
It seemed like a promise that she would speak more for him.
When Nathaniel turned to Serena, she was still teary-eyed. She wiped the corners
of her eyes and sniffed her emotions away.
Serena thought of the long months of therapy it had taken for Ali to form even a few words. She hadn’t expected them to come now-this way, with him.
“Thank you,” Serena said softly.
Nathaniel swallowed his tears and replied, “No. Thank you p>
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Chumter 2 The Couplets Beco
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