Chapter 244

S21 74. Proposal Plan

After dinner, Barbara was finally no longer languishing in her room. Instead, she sat in the back yard. Her eyes were puffy, fixed on

Melanie’s dark bedroom window. She felt silly because she expected her mother to appear there.

“Auntie.”

Barbara quickly wiped her face. As soon as she found Emily’s round face, she forced a smile. “Hey, why are you here?”

With a sad face, Emily leaned her body against Barbara’s legs. “Are you still sad? I thought you’re not sad anymore.”

Barbara pursed her lips. As much as possible, she restrained her lungs so they didn’t expand or contract too much.

“I’m not sad,” she shook her head.

“If you’re not sad, why are you alone here?”

Barbara twitched an eyebrow. She had to quickly make up an ex I’m waiting for Philip.”

“Philip is still in there. He’s working on something with Louis.”

Barbara nodded slightly. “That means I have to wait longer. No problem.”

“Then what will Auntie do here?”

Barbara looked around. “Relax, look at the night view, have some fresh air. I’m okay, Em. Your father has made me feel much bette

Blinking, Emily tilted her head. “But you still miss Grandma?”

Barbara gasped. The falsehood peeled from her face. At that

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moment, Emily grabbed her hand.

“It’s okay, Auntie. I can understand. It’s natural that you’re sad.” Emily gave her a light pat.

Barbara’s breath hitched. Her eyes filled with tears seeing the little girl’s concern. “Is that obvious?”

Emily nodded slowly. Her finger pointed to where she had been.” Actually, I was standing there for quite a long time. I could see you wiping away your tears, even though you were smiling a little.”

Barbara smiled sadly. “Am I weak?”

“No. Before we met Daddy, I always missed him. My chest felt tight. But Louis said I shouldn’t tell Mommy. So sometimes, I cried secretly.”

Barbara was stunned. “You also cry secretly?”

“Not really. Louis always followed me, so he knew. But at least Mommy and Grandma Susan didn’t know.”

Barbara’s chin twitched. She felt sorry for the little girl. “That must be really hard for you.”

“Yes, that’s why I think I’m strong. I cry not because I’m weak, bu because I love Daddy too much.”

Suddenly, Emily crawled up onto the bench. Barbara spontane held her tiny butt so she wouldn’t fall.

“Do you know, Auntie?” Emily sighed as she pushed her weight her small legs. After successfully sitting next to Barbara, she whispered, “there is a way to make you feel better.”

Barbara’s eyebrows raised in hope. “What is it?”

After flipping her hair from the shoulder, Emily pressed her chub cheek against Barbara’s arm. Her hands patted Barbara’s stoma and back in unison.

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“Louis always hugs me like this every time I cry. Sometimes, he also strokes my hair and kisses my cheek. I feel much better after that.”

A second later, she looked up, examining Barbara out of the corner of her eye. “Do you feel better now, Auntie? You aren’t so sad anymore, right? Or should I hug you tighter?”

Barbara smiled, full of emotion. “You’re wonderful for being able to get through those difficult times, Em, despite the fact that you’re still

so young.”

“That’s because I have Louis, Mommy, and Grandma. They’re always by my side. I didn’t feel lonely, even though I missed Daddy.”

I

After straightening her back again, Emily turned her position to face Barbara.

“Aren’t you like that too? You have me, Louis, Daddy, Mommy, and Philip. We will always be there for you. Even Grandma Susan doesn’t mind to consider you her daughter.”

Barbara smiled wryly. The light reflected on the layers of her tears suddenly dimmed.

“Thank you, Emily. I know you meant to cheer me up. But no

take my mother’s place, including Mrs. Martin.”

Emily’s mouth rounded. Her eyes flashed innocently.

“Auntie, don’t get me wrong. I’m not telling Grandma Susan to re Grandma Melanie. I just want to emphasize that Grandma Susan loves you.”

Barbara nodded. Her silence initiated contemplation.

“You know, Em? I envy you. You long for someone who can still co back to you, while I….”

As Barbara shrugged, Emily quickly shook her knees. “You can’t b

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pessimistic, Auntie. Mommy said that Grandma Melanie can still recover. She can live with us again later. The important thing is that her treatment continues and we always pray for her.”

Barbara froze. She didn’t have the heart to tell Emily that the chances of recovery were slim. Melanie’s common sense had drifted too far.

“You’re right. All we can do is pray,” she said with teary eyes.

Emily nodded proudly, thinking Barbara had been comforted by her. With an adorable little smile, she reached out her hand, stroking

Barbara’s face.

“Now, don’t cry anymore, okay? Instead of being sad, you should focus on treating your wound. If you recover quickly, you can come with us to see Grandma Diana.”

“I am coming along?”

Emily nodded firmly. “Yes. We’ll leave when the holiday arrives.”

“But, I wasn’t asked to meet Diana Johnson, and I’m not part of the Harper family. My last name is Harris,” Barbara shook her head vaguely.

Suddenly, Emily placed her hands on her hips. Her brows furr displeasure.

“Why do you say that, Auntie? Even though you are Mr. Harris’s daughter, you are Daddy’s sister. We are family.”

Reality suddenly hit Barbara. Frank also emphasized it earlier tha they were family. Little by little, Barbara’s heart warmed.

Suddenly, someone whispered from the side. When Barbara turn around, Louis immediately lowered his hand from the side of his

mouth and smiled.

“Hello, Auntie. I need a moment with Emily.”

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The little girl stared wide eyed. Quick as lightning, she slid down from the bench.

they t

“Auntie, please wait here. I’ll be back soon.”

Barbara was surprised to see Emily’s serious expression. However, before she had time to ask, her niece was already running.

“How is it, Louis? Where is Philip?” Emily whispered as she followed her brother away from Barbara.

“He’s getting ready behind the door. The others too.”

“Is the animation finished?”

Louis looked back. After making sure Barbara wasn’t paying

attention, he showed her the tablet in his hand. A video was ready to play.

“And the ring?”

“It’s in Philip’s hand. He even prepared a very large bouquet of roses.”

As Emily’s eyes sparkled, her steps stopped. “Then what are yo waiting for? Let’s take action now,” she said, still whispering.

“Is she okay?”

Emily nodded. “Auntie is no longer sad. I’m sure she will accept Philip’s proposal.”

Louis puffed out his cheeks. After a confident grunt, he took E hand. “Then, we don’t need to hesitate any longer. Let’s take ac

Emily giggled. While biting her lips, she turned towards the bench.

“Are you busy, Auntie?” Louis asked. He was still a few steps aw from the park bench.

Barbara quickly closed the photo of Melanie on her phone.

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“No. What’s wrong, Louis?” She lifted the corners of her lips.

The twins stopped right in front of Barbara. Their round eyes looked full of hope.

“We didn’t watch animation at that time because you were still sick. Now, because you are healthier, do you want to watch it?”

“Sure. Come here, sit next to me.”

The twins smiled brightly. With burning enthusiasm, they climbed onto the bench, flanking Barbara.

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