Leonelâs expression softened into a gentle smile, as if the darker moments that had just transpired never existedâ¦
At the Fowler family residenceâ¦
Upon Alexisâ return to her parentsâ place, she found herself unable to approach Evelyn, for Waylen reveled in caring for his granddaughter.
His previous insistence on Alexisâ independence seemed irrelevant with Evelyn.
He often remarked, âEvelynâs just a little girl.
She doesnât need to be independent yet.
â
âBut Scottâs nearly her age,â Alexis pointed out.
âYou never said that about him.
â
After pondering for a moment, Waylen replied, âBoys need to be treated a bit tougher.
â
Alexis was at a loss for words.
She too adored Evelyn, as did Leonel.
Everyone in the family doted on the child.
Yet, Alexis harbored concerns about overindulging Evelyn, fearing it might make her too naive.
âALL Fowler girls deserve to be pampered,â Waylen remarked.
Cradling Evelyn, Waylen tenderly asked, âWere you afraid of the shot at the hospital today? Does your Little bottom still hurt?â
Rena, meanwhile, was spoon-feeding Evelyn some apple puree.
Alexis was Waylenâs eldest daughter, and Evelyn, his first granddaughter, born to Alexis and Leonel, held a special place in his heart.
Gently caressing Evelynâs soft cheek, he said with a smile, âYour grandma doesnât usually pamper people, you know.
â
Waylen himself hadnât received such attention; he was always the one caring for Rena.
Catching Waylenâs glance, Rena chided, âDonât fill her head with nonsense.
Youâre the reason Alexis and her siblings are so independent.
Now youâre spoiling Evelyn.
â
Waylen simply chuckled in response.
Age hadnât diminished his charm.
He leaned over the couch and softly encircled Renaâs waist with his arms.
Rena was poised to scold him, but the tenderness in his eyes silenced her.
She said nothing more.
At that moment, Evelyn cheerfully announced, âI wasnât scared.
And my buttâs fine now! Daddy and Mommy took me for steak.
I want to go again!â
Rena knew she was referring to the French restaurant she owned, where she occasionally played piano in her youth.
It had been a year or two since her last visit.
Rena was pleasantly surprised by Evelynâs fondness for the place.
A smile crept onto Renaâs face.