As the doors opened, the afternoon sunlight poured in, illuminating the driveway where a sleek car had just stopped.
A pair of familiar figures stepped out, Eleanor and Andrew Knight.
The moment Oliver saw them.
Andrew was tall and broad-shouldered, his salt-and-pepper hair giving him an air of quiet authority, while Eleanor exuded warmth and grace.
Her eyes softened immediately when she saw the small boy gripping Axel’s hand.
"Oh, Andrew," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "Look at him..."
Oliver shyly hid behind his father’s leg.
Evelyn smiled gently and encouraged him, "Go on, sweetheart. Say hello to your great-grandparents."
With a slight nod, Oliver stepped forward. "Hello... I’m Oliver," he said politely.
Eleanor knelt, tears glistening in her eyes as she cupped his cheek gently.
"You have your father’s eyes," she murmured. "And that smile... oh, darling, I remember that smile years ago. It’s exactly like Axel’s when he was your age."
Axel laughed softly. "Except this one’s less menacing."
Andrew chuckled, shaking his grandson’s hand before lifting Oliver with ease. "You’re a strong little man, aren’t you? Four years old today, I hear."
Oliver grinned, holding up four fingers. "Yes! I’m four! Daddy said I’m a big boy now."
"That’s right," Eleanor said fondly, smoothing his hair. "And we’ve brought you something special for your birthday."
Oliver gasped. "Really?"
"Of course," Andrew said, setting him down again. "But you’ll have to wait until after lunch. Will you wait and be nice while waiting?"
The little boy nodded eagerly and thoughtfully, as if accepting a critical mission. The adults laughed.
Evelyn stood beside Axel, quietly soaking in the moment. Seeing her husband’s grandparents embracing her son filled her with a deep, peaceful sense.
She was lost in her thoughts, her heart full to the brim with gratitude and quiet joy.
Then, out of nowhere, Eleanor leaned closer to her, "Oh, Dear Eve..."
Evelyn blinked in surprise, but when she met the older woman’s gaze, all she saw was softness and understanding.
"You’ve given this family a gift, dear," Eleanor whispered, gently patting her hand. "Thank you."
Emotion welled up in Evelyn’s chest, tightening her throat. She smiled, her eyes glistening. "No, Grandma," she whispered back. "Thank you for accepting us."
Axel, who overheard their conversation, smiled and gently slipped his hand into Evelyn’s, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.
It was a simple gesture, but one that said everything: he was grateful to have her.
"Alright, everyone," Axel said with a faint smile. "Let’s go inside before we all freeze."
But just as they were about to head in, the sound of another car engine rumbled from down the drive.
Evelyn followed Axel’s gaze.
Axel urged Evelyn and his grandparents to enter first while he waited for the guest to arrive.
He already knew who it was. A message on his phone had appeared minutes earlier, just before his grandpa arrived.
"Boss, Jackson Lincoln passing the first gate." From: Liam
Then,
Another text message followed seconds later.
"Boss, I’m on the way to the house now with Aunty Martha! Are we late?" From: Liam
Axel replied, "No. But hurry."
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