Candace grabbed her brother’s hand and left a kiss on it. Cody finally fell silent.
Cristelle cast a look at the clock. It was almost 1 am. The rain was still pouring down, rattling the doors and windows of the suite. She was getting so tired after a long day, so she didn’t argue as she pulled Cody in, drifting into a sound sleep soon.
Linford flipped the switch of the light. The room was thus shrouded in quiet darkness amid the heavy rain.
Linford was the only one who failed to sleep. It was his first time sleeping on the same bed with his wife and children. He observed the babies’ faces lovingly, feeling sweetly content.
His eyes fell on Cristelle’s beautiful face as a smile showed up on his lips.
Why was Cristelle here today? Was she here to look for someone? He knew the tragedy had happened to her family. She had no one except Linford himself and her babies.
Oh… Linford remembered she still had a sister.
The man thus guessed her intention of showing up here.
Linford’s head couldn’t stop spinning as he patted Candace’s soft body gently.
Six years ago, Cristelle’s family had been on the verge of collapsing. How had they spent one night together back then? And how had Cristelle just gotten pregnant? Wouldn’t it be too coincidental?
Has someone plotted all this?
Linford couldn’t tear his eyes away from Cristelle as he stared into her beautiful face.
She looked less fierce and more gentle when she was asleep.
Forgetting himself, Linford reached out a hand, his finger hovering above her soft lips.
Suddenly, a small hand stopped him from touching her. Cody was staring at him with furious eyes, “What are you doing?” The boy hissed under his breath.
Linford shrugged and withdrew his hand. He enclosed Candace against his chest again before shutting his eyes, not even bothering to explain anything.
Cody was so pissed off. How could this man do that to his Mom when she was sleeping?
This man was such a predator!
Cody decided secretly that he must keep an eye on this old man all the time so he wouldn’t step across his line.
****
Cody got up late the next morning. He couldn’t fall asleep the night before, thanks to that predator.
When he got his clothes on and went downstairs, Candace was still playing puzzles with that man.
“Candace, where’s Mom?”
Candace pointed at the kitchen.
Cody was about to enter the kitchen, but Linford suddenly started to speak, “I’m going to Wargame Center today. Do you wanna come?”
Cody faltered. He loved shooting games the best. Cody was a great gamer when it came to CSGO or PUBG. But his Mom wouldn’t allow him to play those things, so he could only play them secretly.
“What do you mean?” Cody swallowed before turning around to face Linford.
“The game center is not far from here. You can cosplay soldiers and shoot people with guns. We can go after lunch if you want to play.”
Cody lifted his chin, “Are you bribing me right now?”
“Well, it’s not bribing, I could say,” Linford frowned, “It will be a pity if you don’t come. I’ve already booked the tickets online. If you refuse to go, I can only bring Candace with me.”
Cody frowned, “Candace doesn’t play wargames.”
“I can teach her.”
“She hates guns.”
“I’ll make sure she grows to like it,” Linford shrugged, obviously teasing his son.
Cody stared at the man, sulking, “It’s a wargame. She will get hurt.”
Linford sighed, “I’ll keep her safe. But why are you so concerned? You’re not even gonna come.”
“Fine!” Cody snapped, “I’ll go. But I’m going because I want to go with you. I just want to make sure Candace is safe.”
Linford smiled, “Okay.”
Cristelle heard their voices from the kitchen. She brought out Cody’s breakfast as she called her son’s name, “Cody, it’s time to have your breakfast. I made your favorite sandwiches.”
“Mom, good morning!” Cody jumped on a tall chair and left a kiss on Cristelle’s cheek, feeling a bit guilty. He somehow felt that man had successfully bribed him.
But he really loved wargames so much that he couldn’t refuse the invitation.
It was hard to choose. Finally, Cody decided never to let his guard down before that man. But this, he would go with him. Only this once.
Candace jumped off Linford’s lap as she smelt the tasty food, running toward the kitchen. But Cristelle only gave her a piece of apple, “Honey, you’ve eaten your breakfast. You can’t eat anymore.”
Candace was getting chubbier the day after Linford showed up in their life. She looked fluffy and cute that way. But Cristelle couldn’t bring herself to neglect Candace’s health.
Linford spoiled his little princess. He gave Candace a piece of cake. Candace thus smiled sweetly at him.
Cristelle rolled her eyes at him. When could he stop doing this? Candace was gonna hate her for being strict soon.
After the meal, Linford asked Cristelle, “Do you have any plans this afternoon?”
Cristelle looked away, “Nope.” She actually still wanted to try to look for Claire.
“Why don’t we bring the kids to play? They will like it,” Linford suggested, but he had already arranged everything.
Cristelle looked at her daughter worriedly, “But today is Saturday, and those places are crowded with people. I’m afraid…”
“You can’t shut her in a room forever. Besides, I’m here. Everything will be fine,” Linford said as he lifted Candace onto his lap.
Candace didn’t seem objective when she heard the suggestion. Cody looked excited.
Cristelle thus could only say yes, “Fine, I guess we need at least to try.”
Linford nodded, “Cool. You should go get changed now. I’ll take care of the babies.”
****
Candace seemed a bit scared when they got to the park. Her soft arms circled Linford’s neck as she looked around. She seemed like she wanted to play, but she was too intimidated by the crowd.
“Candace, do you want to sit on that carousel?” Linford asked softly.
Candace nodded. She saw many beautiful unicorns on it. She loved unicorns.