“Someday, I’ll be gone too. Latham, can you promise me you’ll always treat Dorothea well?”
Dorothea’s nose stung with emotion. “Grandma, why are you saying that? You’re not going anywhere.”
Pauline chuckled. “Silly girl, everyone leaves eventually. But as long as I’m here, I’ll always be on your side. No one’s allowed to mess with you.”
Latham understood she was talking to him as much as Dorothea. He smiled softly. “Grandma, you don’t have to worry. I love her a lot. I’ll take good care of her.”
Dorothea was caught off guard.
Love?
She hadn’t expected Latham to play along so well. Suddenly, she felt deeply grateful.
It wasn’t often someone came to visit her, especially not her own husband. Pauline clung to the opportunity, chatting with Latham for ages. Throughout, Latham never looked bored or impatient.
Now, Pauline could finally relax. It really seemed like Dorothea had found someone who truly cared.
They stayed at the nursing home for two hours before heading out. Outside, Dorothea looked at Latham, her expression serious. “Thank you, Latham.”
He just smirked a little, casual as ever. “For what? That’s just what I should do.”
He winked at her. “Both our families are meeting tomorrow. I hope you’ll have my back too.”
***
Elise and Layton got to the restaurant early. Both of them looked a little anxious.
“Remember to act close with Dorothea, okay?” Layton reminded her.
Elise nodded, lips pressed together. “I know.”
Latham and Dorothea showed up right as Ladd arrived. Ladd didn’t need to raise his voice to command respect. Even at sixty, his eyes were sharp and full of energy.
He looked Dorothea up and down, then nodded, satisfied. “You must be Dorothea.”

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