Observing Judyâs distress, Catalina promptly inquired, âJudy, are you sure you are alright? Whatâs truly bothering you?â
Judy mustered a smile and explained, âApologies, I had a rough nightâs sleep, so Iâm feeling a bit off today.
â
Understanding Judyâs situation, Catalina replied supportively, âYouâve been really busy with the banquet preparations.
Donât stress too much about it; just make sure to rest once itâs done.
â
Although Judy nodded, her mind remained uneasy.
She glanced at the gathering outside and said casually, âMitchel hasnât returned yet, has he? I came across something online about him and Miss Edwards.
How are things between them?â
Catalinaâs smile widened as she replied, âYou know how it is with young folks; we shouldnât meddle too much.
However, Iâm hopeful it all goes well.
Just imagine if Melon and his mom relocated here; Iâd treat Melon like my own.
It could benefit them professionally as well.
Ariana is busy, and Mitchel could assist her in maintaining good health and look after her.
Wonât that be fantastic?â
Judy grew more uneasy as Catalina spoke optimistically, burdened by her recent findings.
Catalina continued, âBut in the end, itâs their decision.
I know Ariana adores the Fredrick familyâs daughter.
That girlâs absolutely charming.
We can only wish for the best outcome.
Personally, Iâm quite fond of Ariana.
Even if Ariana and Mitchelâs relationship doesnât pan out, thatâs okay.
Iâd still be thrilled to have Ariana as my goddaughter.
â
Judy felt a slight sense of relief upon hearing Catalinaâs words.
With the dinner close to an end, Ariana checked her watch and realized the hour was growing late.
Observing Adeleâs sleepy demeanor, she made the call to depart with the children and bid farewell to Rodney.
Rodney, reluctant about their departure, affectionately patted Melonâs head and attempted to convince them to extend their stay.
âStay a little Longer; Mitchel will return shortly.
You havenât even seen him tonight.
He could spend some time with you before driving you home.
â
Ariana smiled warmly and politely declined, âThereâs no need for that.
We have a driver waiting outside.
Besides, Mitchel has had a long day and should get some rest.
Letâs not burden him with extra driving.
Itâs unsafe to drive when he is tired.
â
Rodney pondered briefly and conceded that Ariana was correct; Mitchel likely wouldnât be fit to drive safely given his exhaustion.
Hence, he didnât push further and accompanied Ariana and the children to their car.
Melon waved and said goodbye to Rodney.
Adele echoed the sentiment, glancing back at Rodney momentarily before waving and saying goodbye.
Following their goodbyes, they climbed into the car, which began to move away from the farm at a gentle pace.
Just then, Arianaâs phone buzzed with a message from Holden.
âHas the banquet ended? I miss you.
Iâll return tomorrow.
â
Ariana responded, âOn my way home.
I stumbled upon some surprising information during the banquet!â
âOh? What sort of information?â Holden asked.
Excitedly, Ariana responded, âRemember Dr.
Larson from our last encounter? It turns out heâs Rodneyâs cousin! We had a chat.
He possesses a backup of Sadieâs files and assured me of sending them over tomorrow upon his return to the hospital.
â
âWow, thatâs impressive!â Holden replied promptly, adding a laughing cat emoji.
Ariana chuckled.
âWell, clearly, Iâm capable of handling anything!â
She included a smug emoji in her response.
âThatâs great, love.
Tomorrow, when I return, letâs meet Dr.
Larson together,â Holden suggested.