A staff member responsible for handling paperwork exclaimed, “You two are a perfect match! I’ve never seen such a compatible couple.”
Nanci couldn’t stop smiling at these words, while Edward just watched her with a smile.
The process of completing the paperwork took a bit of time.
It was only when Nanci received their marriage certificate that her heart finally settled.
Leaving the city hall, Nanci looked at their marriage certificate from all angles and held it close to her chest. Edward laughed and said, “It’s not your first time holding one of these, is it? Why do you look so excited?”
Nanci turned around playfully and stuck out her tongue. “How can this be the same as before? My mindset is different now. I’m getting married to someone I love. Isn’t that something to be very happy about? Why aren’t you as happy as I am? Do you not love me?”
Edward caught up with her pace and said, “What are you thinking? I’m just not good at expressing myself. We’ll have plenty of time. You’ll know how much I love you.”
Seeing his genuine smile, Nanci raised her head and said, “You look so handsome when you smile! It would be great if you smiled like this every day.”
Edward responded, “I only smile like this for you. Otherwise, how could I keep my employees in check? Work requires seriousness so they understand the importance of things. Otherwise, they’d think I’m an easy target.”
In the car, Nanci told Issac, “Take us to the hospital.”
“Why are we going to the hospital?”
Nanci happily replied, “Olivia will be so happy to see that we got our marriage certificate! I can’t wait to tell her the good news. And there’s something else I need to say.”
“What is it?”
“Edward, I’ve promised her many times that I’d bring her home. Today could be a great time to bring Olivia home. It would make our home even livelier! Just thinking about it fills me with anticipation.”
Edward hesitated and said, “But Grandma’s health…”
“We should look on the bright side of things! Olivia will be fine. If we bring her home, we’ll get to see her more often. Jenny will also be there to keep her company, so Olivia won’t feel lonely.”
“Thank you, Nanci.”
“What are you talking about? We’re family now. There’s no need for formalities.”
At the hospital, Nanci slowly walked into the ward and called out loudly, “Olivia! We’re here to see you!”
Olivia patted her chest and laughed, “Oh dear, I’m getting old and easily startled. Why did you come in without making any noise?”
Nanci walked over to Olivia’s side and started massaging her shoulders. “We wanted to surprise you! Aren’t you happy to see us?”
“Of course, I’m happy! Did neither of you go to work today? Edward, why are you standing there? Come over here and let me check on you.”
Edward walked over and asked gently, “Grandma, how have you been feeling lately?”
Olivia replied cheerfully, “I’ve been feeling fine except for getting tired easily. More rest should do the trick. But what about you two? It’s still cold outside. Wear more clothes or you’ll catch a cold.”
Edward smiled and said, “We had good news today. Do you want to know what it is?”
Olivia playfully hit him and said, “Don’t keep secrets from Grandma! Nanci, tell me what’s up with this naughty boy.”
Nanci reached into her bag for their marriage certificate and handed it to Olivia. “Olivia, look what we have here!”
Olivia excitedly asked for her glasses from the table and examined the certificate closely once she had them on. She exclaimed loudly with joy when she saw it clearly, “You got remarried! I’m so happy! I’ve been dreaming of this day for so long!”
She continued seriously after a moment’s pause, “Edward, you still owe Nanci a wedding ceremony. That’s something very important for a woman!”
Edward assured her, “Grandma, I’ll make sure we have a wonderful wedding ceremony that everyone will be jealous of.”
“Olivia,” added Nanci warmly “I believe Edward will do just that.” Then she added, “But there’s another piece of good news today. Take a guess!”
Olivia laughed, “So many happy things today! If only you’d bring me a grandchild too, then I’d be even happier!”
Nanci laughed, “There’s no grandchild yet, but we plan to take you back home with us to live together, so we can all see each other every day. What do you think?”
“It’s nice that you have such good intentions. I’m so happy that you got remarried, but there’s no need for me to come home to live with you. Why should I, an old woman, intrude on your lives and add to your troubles? I’m doing just fine here at the hospital, and I can still chat with some friends next door.”
Nanci gently persuaded her, “Olivia, don’t you want to come home and see our new kitten?”
“We have a housekeeper taking care of us at home, so you don’t have to worry that you’ll bother us!”
Edward chimed in, “Grandma, let’s go home together. Isn’t a family supposed to live together? You’ve worked hard for us your whole life, and now it’s time for you to enjoy life at home. Grandpa would definitely want to see you spend time with the family too.”
“Oh dear, you’re such good kids. Alright then, let’s go home together,” Olivia agreed contentedly.
Nanci immediately started packing Olivia’s belongings while Edward helped out too. Olivia watched them fondly, thinking how lucky she was.
Edward tidied up a few things and turned to Nanci, saying, “I’ll go help Grandma with the discharge paperwork. Can you stay here with her?”
“Sure, go ahead. I’ll be right here.”
In the room, the doctor looked at Edward and asked, “Are you sure you want to go through with this discharge?”
“Does my grandmother really need to stay in the hospital for observation? If she takes her medication on time at home, it should be fine, right?”
“Generally, it’s best to observe her here, but if you really want her to go home, just make sure she takes her medication regularly and keep an eye on her mood.”
“Alright, then please help me with the discharge paperwork.”
After finishing the paperwork and returning to the hospital room, Nanci supported Olivia and said, “Is everything taken care of? Are we ready to go home?”
Edward moved to Olivia’s other side, helping her as well. “Let’s go home together.”
In the car, Nanci sat in the back with Olivia, chatting away and making her laugh until her face lit up with a smile. She asked, “Nanci, besides you and the housekeeper, are there any other people at home?”
Nanci immediately said, “Oh! I almost forgot to mention someone. I have a friend who had to be away for a while, and she left her child in my care. I’m helping out with the little boy’s eye issues, but don’t worry-he’s a good kid.”
“That’s alright. My Nanci is so kind. How could I blame you?”
…
After the car stopped, Nanci quickly got out to open the door for Olivia, helping her out of the car. Rhys curiously watched Olivia as she entered, and Jenny hurriedly grabbed a pair of slippers. “This must be Madam Clarkson,” she said.
Olivia smiled and replied, “Hello! I hope I won’t trouble you at home.”
“Not at all! Mr. Clarkson and Ms. Ross have always been so good to me, so you’re like family to me now. I’ll take great care of you, and if you need anything, just let me know.”
Nanci looked at the little boy and said, “Rhys, come over and say hello. Just call her ‘Grandma Olivia’. She’s really kind, so don’t be scared.”
Listening to Nanci, Rhys obediently approached Olivia and said, “Hello, Grandma Olivia. I’m Rhys.”
Olivia patted his head and said, “What a lovely boy! You’re so handsome, just like Edward was at your age. I’m sure you’ll achieve great things when you grow up!”
Edward rolled his eyes and said, “Grandma, how can you compare me to this kid?”
“Aren’t you also a child? Also, mind your manners. You shouldn’t talk like that in front of a kid.”
Nanci quickly tugged at his shirt, prompting him to fall silent.
Olivia then looked at the cat in the boy’s arms and said, “This must be Bella! She looks so adorable! Your grandfather and I used to have cats too, but unfortunately…”
“Alright, Olivia. Don’t get upset. Most importantly, now that we’re living together, we’ll be very happy.”
“Hahaha, yes, you’re right!”