The Officer's Runaway Wife and Secret Son novel Chapter 446

"I know." Rhys smiled, taking her hand before she could pull it away. "If things wrap up early, I'll come pick you guys up."

"Mommy!" Felix called from the living room. Clara answered him, then pulled her hand free and turned to leave. Rhys followed her.

In the entryway, Clara helped Felix into his puffer jacket, hat, and scarf.

The little guy was bundled up like a small, round ball.

Felix tilted his head back, looking up at Rhys, who was dressed all in black. "Daddy, where are you going?"

"Daddy's going to say goodbye to Great-Grandpa." Rhys crouched down to his son's level. "You be a good boy at Grandpa's house, okay?"

"I know." Felix patted Rhys's cheek. "You have to be a good boy too. And remember to take your medicine."

Rhys chuckled. "Okay. Daddy will remember."

The family of three went down to the underground garage together. They got into their separate cars and drove off in different directions.

When they arrived at Oakridge Avenue, Clara's parents were already waiting for them.

It was the first time since Felix was born that he had been away from his grandparents for so long.

The older couple never said anything, but they missed their grandson so much they could barely eat or sleep. Even Felix would sometimes mumble "Grandma" in his sleep.

Clara's dad came out to greet them, a huge smile on his face. He swept Felix up off the ground and bounced him in his arms.

"There's my big grandson! You've gotten heavier! What kind of dumplings do you want today? Your grandma already has the dough ready."

"Pork and corn!" Felix shouted back.

The house was soon filled with the warm bustle of family life.

Clara's mom was in the kitchen, kneading dough and mincing the filling, while Clara's dad set up a chess board on the living room coffee table to teach Felix the pieces.

"The knight moves in an L, the bishop moves diagonally…" Clara's dad explained, gesturing with a piece, but he couldn't help but start complaining. "That Mr. Thorne of yours called me yesterday. Said he killed my roses. I had them for three years with no problems, and he manages to drown them after just three days of watering!"

Felix blinked. "Did he buy you new flowers?"

"Buy me new ones? Of course not! He said next time he'll plant me a cactus. Said you don't have to water it, so it can't be drowned." Clara's dad grew even more indignant. "Does a cactus even flower? The damn thing looks like a porcupine!"

Felix burst out laughing.

Seeing his grandson laugh, Clara's dad started laughing too, the dead roses completely forgotten.

Before long, three large platters of dumplings were served.

Clara took her son to wash his hands, and they sat down at the dining table.

Clara's mom brought over a steaming bowl of the dumpling broth and placed it in front of her.

"Did he go to the funeral home today?" Clara's dad asked casually as he put some dumplings on Felix's plate.

Clara's tone was even. "Yes. The cremation and burial are today, so there's a lot to do."

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