Chapter 322
Latham noticed she seemed down and quickly suggested, “If you’re not too busy at work today, how about we go shopping? We can pick up some things for the baby p>
Dorothea just stared at him. “Isn’t it way too early for that p>
“Then we’ll get stuff for you! For both of you p>
Before she could protest, Latham had already steered her toward the mall.
Dorothea ended up picking out a few pairs of shoes, all comfy flats, not caring at all about whether they looked cute. She grabbed a few loose dresses too, figuring comfort was more important than style right now.
Latham, meanwhile, got completely carried away in the baby section. He piled their cart with bottles, a little bathtub, baby shampoo, diaper cream, pink socks, tiny hats, swaddle blankets, baby clothes, a stroller, a crib, and enough baby wipes to last a year.
There was no way they could haul it all, so they just had the store deliver everything straight to their place.
“That’s enough, seriously, stop buying!” Dorothea groaned, but Latham wasn’t finished at all. “Fine, we’ll just come back and get more next time p>
Every single thing he picked was some shade of pink. Latham was clearly all-in on having a daughter.
Dorothea just shook her head, already imagining the disaster if their baby turned out to be a boy. Poor kid was going to have a dad who’d be low-key disappointed from day one.
Carmen didn’t even realize there was a family dinner until she came home and found out her grandpa had specially invited Pearson.
She and Pearson, two barely acquainted fiancés, just nodded at each other. Not a single extra word.
“Pearson, are you keeping busy these days? I heard you’re up for another promotion,” Jarrett asked, striking up small talk.
Pearson smiled politely. “Yeah, it’s been a little hectic lately. I was supposed to take engagement photos with Carmen, but once things settle down at work, we’ll do it p>
Carmen rolled her eyes.
As if I want to take engagement photos with you.
“Don’t worry, our Carmen understands,” her grandpa added.
Carmen just forced a smile. “Mm-hmm, totally understand.” Her tone was pure brush-off.
Pearson caught the look she gave him and just smiled faintly.
“By the way, where’s Albert tonight?” Pearson changed the subject smoothly.
Just hearing Albert’s name made Jarrett’s head ache. “He got sick a while back and has been staying at his own place to recover. Hasn’t been home lately p>
He’d tried to set Albert up on blind dates, but Albert always refused. Jarrett didn’t want to push too hard, but Ladd was always finding ways to show off in front of him.
It drove him crazy, and sometimes he wished for a grandson to show up out of nowhere, just to wipe that smug look off Ladd’s face.
Jarrett honestly wished Albert had a secret child somewhere.
Too bad, no such luck.
“He brought it on himself,” Carmen muttered, not bothering to hide her annoyance. “Watch your mouth! Is that how you talk about your elders?” her grandpa snapped. She just huffed quietly, not backing down at all.
Pearson jumped in, smoothing things over without missing a beat. “Grandpa, let’s not talk about Albert, Carmen told me you like pastries. We have a really good baker at home. Next time, have hire come I by and make something special for you p>
Jarrett’s mood brightened. “That’s so thoughtful, Pearson. Are you sure it’s not too much trouble p>
“Not at all, it’s nothing p>
Carmen kept her lips pressed together. She knew Pearson was helping her out, but she wasn’t exactly grateful.
“I’m done eating. You guys take your time p>
With that, she left the table.
“Get back here! Pearson’s still here!” her grandpa called after her, but she didn’t even slow down.
“Sorry, Pearson. Carmen’s just a little headstrong,” her grandpa apologized.
Pearson smiled softly. “It’s fine. I
actually think it’s kind of cute. I have
So
some work to finish up tonigh head out. Il come visit again soon p>
He said his goodbyes and walked to the parking area. Just as he reached his car he glanced back and caught sight of Carmen peeking at him from the balcony.
He smiled and gave her a little wave.
Carmen hadn’t expected him to see her. She spun around and disappeared into her
room.
She’d been watching him for a while and realized Pearson seemed genuinely
patient. Even when annoyed, he never lost his temper.
Maybe he wouldn’t be such a bad person to marry after all.
Raye only needed a week to dig up everything.
Dorothea glanced at the file, her eyes going wide in shock.
She quickly messaged Mamie: [Mamie, I’ve found out what happened with your
parents p>