“Yes, yes, compared to Grandma, you are still young!” Tom took a sip of Earl Grey tea and smiled.
“Compared to my parents, I am also young.”
“Tom, you need to seriously consider Grandma’s concerns,” the elderly woman said earnestly.
“A difference of three to five years is nothing, but twelve years is quite significant. Over time, issues may arise.”
“Then please give us more time. Don’t rush us into an engagement,” Tom suggested.
“Let us spend more time together and get to know each other better.”
“You must get engaged the day after tomorrow, or you won’t be allowed back in the lab,” the elderly woman insisted firmly.
“I think Agnes is too young; Lisa is more suitable for you.”
“Grandma…”
“You just said you need more time to understand each other, which means you and Agnes don’t really know each other well. Your relationship isn’t as stable as it seems.”
“It’s not that our relationship is unstable,” Tom Fritz quickly explained.
“It’s just that we shouldn’t rush into an engagement.”
“No.”
“Then can I not get engaged to Lisa?” Tom asked.
“I can get engaged the day after tomorrow, but only to my girlfriend.”
The elderly woman didn’t immediately refuse but looked troubled.
“Twelve years, it’s a whole twelve-year difference.”
“Grandma, I already have a girlfriend. How can I get engaged to another woman?” Tom Fritz explained.
“If word gets out, I’ll be seen as ungrateful and unfaithful. Others won’t understand.”
The elderly woman was conflicted.
“I’ll give you five more minutes to think about it and decide who you want to get engaged to.”
“Grandma, there’s no need to think about it. I’ve decided on Agnes; I like her.”
Tom Fritz’s voice was gentle but firm. He didn’t want to upset his grandmother, so he maintained a respectful attitude.
At this moment, Williams, who had been silent, spoke up.
“Marriage is a lifelong commitment; make sure you think it through.”
Tom looked up at him.
“Thank you, Dad.”
The middle-aged man nodded in agreement with his wife.
After a while, Mrs. Fritz’s face softened into a kind smile. She set down her teacup and reached out her hand to her beloved grandson.
Tom placed his hand in his grandmother’s.
“Tom, do you know why Grandma came back this time?” The elderly woman’s voice was gentle.
“To see you get engaged. It’s a good thing that you’ve found someone you like.”
Tom Fritz understood that his grandmother wasn’t overly stubborn.
The elderly woman explained, “Grandma only considered Lisa because you didn’t have a girlfriend at the time. So don’t take it to heart or resent Grandma; she always has your best interests at heart.”
Tom nodded understandingly and explained, “Agnes and I haven’t been together for long. If it weren’t for your wish for me to get engaged, I wouldn’t have brought her back so soon.”
“If it’s meant to be, does it matter if it’s sooner or later?” Grandma thought it was fine.
“As long as you like her and have thought it through yourself.”
The atmosphere downstairs was harmonious without any arguments; everyone reached an agreement on the matter.
“It’s just that Lisa made the trip for nothing,” Williams sighed lightly.
“Tomorrow, let’s have Jeffery take her around Arkpool City for some sightseeing as a free vacation on the Fritz family’s expense.”
“Alright.”
Grandma agreed with this suggestion too. Although she felt sorry and regretful, there was no other way. She couldn’t forcefully separate Tom and Agnes just because she was his grandmother.