She didnât say a word, but he knew how she felt.
He couldnât help but intertwine his fingers with hers.
Then he leaned down and ki*sed her.
The night was still young.
Hence, they had all the time in the world to remain intertwined.
After Christmas, Albert whisked Jessie away for a little adventure.
He brought Lettie over to look after Jeslyn.
At first, Lettie hesitated, but Jeslynâs sweet call of âgrandmaâ melted her heart.
Being older and alone, she didnât push Jeslyn away as before.
Jeslyn knew how to bring joy to Lettie.
Jeslyn didnât vie for attention with Jessie.
She knew that when her dad was happy, sheâd have a mom and their family felt complete.
By New Yearâs Day, after Albert and Jessie returned from their trip, they all pitched in to unpack.
Albert had brought loads of gifts but the most touching ones were for Lettie.
Once a wealthy woman, Lettie hesitated at the pricey gifts, murmuring to Jessie, âThese mustâve cost a fortune, Jessie⦠I canât accept them.
â
Jessie, busy organizing Albertâs stuff, paused at Lettieâs words.
Albert had urgent matters to attend to at the company following his return, so Jessie was handling things at home.
She still held one of Albertâs shirts, straightening up at Lettieâs words.
After a momentâs thought, she replied, âMom, you should just take them!â
Lettie still felt uneasy.
âTheyâre too much.
We canât repay such kindness with our current situation.
â
Jessie wanted to argue but held back, biting her lip.
Lettie knew her daughter well.
Seeing Jessieâs hesitation, she sensed something and cautiously asked, âAre you planning to tie the knot? What happened? Did he propose? And whatâs your take?â
Jessie carefully tucked the shirt into the laundry bag.
Initially uncertain, she grew resolute.
Leaning close to her mom, she confessed, âMom, I worry youâll disapprove! I know his past actions were awful.
They still rile me up sometimes.
Every girlâs feelings matter and shouldnât be treated lightly.
But I really dig him⦠And heâs treating me right now.
I donât wanna dwell on the past.
I have a life ahead of me and I wanna give him another shot.
â
Her eyes welled up a bit, feeling a tad awkward.
Lettie had seen this coming and had already come to terms with itâ¦
Without a word, she took the laundry bag from her daughterâs grip to lend a hand.
After a pause, she asked, âWhat about kids? Have you two talked about it? Whatâs the little oneâs take? Before you think about expanding the family you need to chat with her.
Your situationâs unique, after all.
â
Jessie nodded, saying, âYep, Iâve been pondering! Heâs keen on waiting a bit, but Iâm leaning towards sooner rather than later for another baby!â
Lettie nodded back.
âSooner sounds wiser.
Heâs not getting any younger.
â