Chapter 609 Kingsley's First Time as a Dad, and He's Doing Great!
Jesse called out, "Sir," and then asked quietly, "Why do you look like you're about to cry?"
"Not really!" Kingsley's voice was rough when he said it.
He was so close to Jesse that he could smell the baby scent on him. After all, Jesse was just a two-year-old, still carrying that infant smell.
Kingsley really wanted to hold him.
Jesse was smart and loved to laugh. When he smiled, he had two tiny white baby teeth.
He reached out his little hands. "Sir, hold me."
Kingsley naturally picked him up and placed him on his lap, unable to resist giving him a kiss. Jesse felt a bit shy but also happy. He liked Kingsley too.
Kingsley called the manager and ordered two servings of kids' desserts: one for Angelina and one for Jesse.
Angelina was thrilled and propped her chin up. "I'm benefiting from Jesse! I haven't had this in a long time."
Jesse laughed again, showing his little baby teeth.
Lola also liked what she saw and said to Hailey, "Jesse isn't shy at all; he's very cute."
Hailey felt delighted inside but stayed modest on the surface.
Lola couldn't help but laugh. She took a few more photos of Jesse's cute appearance and sent them to Kingsley.
When the desserts arrived, Kingsley fed Jesse, who felt shy and looked at Hailey, a bit embarrassed.
Hailey whispered, "How about I feed him?"
Jesse pouted slightly. "I can eat by myself!" Then he looked at Kingsley, afraid that Kingsley might be upset.
That expression really resembled Amara from the past.
Kingsley was stunned, unable to resist touching Jesse's face and small body. He felt that Jesse must have endured a lot over the years.
Hailey could see through Kingsley's thoughts.
She whispered, "We've been doing well these past few years! Amara works very hard."
Kingsley smiled with satisfaction, then placed Jesse back in his seat and watched him eat. Angelina, while eating her dessert, said, "Jesse, Uncle Kingsley is usually very aloof and doesn't easily treat people well!"
Angelina suddenly pinched her voice, imitating Frederick's tone. "You are blessed by God."
Jesse just laughed happily, showing his two little baby teeth and a bit of drool, looking extremely cute.
Kingsley wiped him clean, and Jesse smiled at him again. Lola laughed along. "He really looks like his mom!"
Just then, Amara called. Nervously, Hailey looked at Kingsley and Lola, then answered the phone. Amara's gentle voice came through. "Hailey, I'll be done in two hours. You can take Jesse to the mall across the street. He's grown taller recently, and his shoes and pants don't fit well. Buy him some new ones. Also, get yourself some clothes. I'll come to pick you up after I'm done."
Hailey agreed readily. After hanging up, she touched Jesse's little face. "I'll buy you some shoes and pants later."
Lola looked at Kingsley. He checked his phone and said seriously, "I'm free right now!"
So, after leaving the fancy restaurant, Kingsley carried Jesse, with Hailey following beside them.
Jesse's clothes and shoes were usually bought from a specific children's clothing store, a niche brand but of very high quality. Amara had always been willing to spend money on Jesse's food and clothing.
Over time, the store's staff recognized them.
However, the staff had never seen Jesse's father, which led to some speculation. Once, Hailey overheard them gossiping and felt annoyed, retorting, "How could he not have a father? Do you think Jesse is a spirit born from nature?"
This time, Kingsley was carrying Jesse.
She walked confidently into the store, and the staff were stunned. "Hailey, who is this?"
Hailey glanced at Kingsley, who looked calm, and whispered confidently, "My son-in-law! Jesse's father."
The staff were stunned for quite a while before saying, "He looks really good! And somewhat familiar."
Hailey smiled insincerely. "He just returned from abroad! He's just barely getting by in Syeattel."
The staff felt more balanced. If he were really wealthy, why would he come to their second-tier brand to buy children's clothes? They deliberately brought out the most expensive items in the store, including a pair of limited-edition children's shoes that cost $800.
Normally, Hailey wouldn't buy such expensive items, but Kingsley was here today.
Hailey thought Kingsley would buy half the store.
To her surprise, Kingsley patiently tried on shoes for Jesse, one pair after another, and carefully selected pants and tops, showing a meticulous and thrifty attitude.
Hailey's view of wealthy young people changed.
She had thought they would just throw a card and buy everything.
But now, Jesse was sitting on the sofa, Kingsley had taken off his coat, and was kneeling to try shoes on Jesse, even tying the laces into a bow, checking if they looked nice and felt comfortable.
They spent a good half-hour picking out clothes.
The store clerk was getting impatient and urged, "Are you buying or not?"
Kingsley picked out seven or eight items that fit well and then patted Jesse's little head. "Which ones do you like?"
Jesse gathered the ones he liked and held them in his arms.
He looked up and smiled at Kingsley, warming Kingsley's heart.
Kingsley smiled gently. "Alright, we'll buy these."
After saying that, Kingsley stood up, took out his phone from his coat pocket, and made a call. "Rebecca, I'm at Enigma Emporium, come over and help me sign the bill. Yes, that's right, I left in a hurry and didn't bring my wallet."
The store clerk's face darkened.
She was about to lose her temper when another clerk pulled her aside and whispered, "This guy looks like the president of the Hawkins Group. This whole building is owned by them!"
The clerk was stunned and took another look. It did seem like him!
She was shocked. Wasn't he supposed to have a girlfriend? Could this be his son?
The store manager came over and gave them a warning look. The manager was very tactful and soon brought out orange juice, coffee, and a fruit platter. They even closed the store to other customers.
Such treatment was commonplace for Kingsley. But it was different for Hailey. On one hand, she felt vindicated and kept smiling; on the other hand, she was afraid Amara would find out. Kingsley took a sip of coffee and said calmly, "Amara will have to know eventually."
Kingsley just wanted to bond with Jesse first!
About 15 minutes later, Rebecca arrived. She found the place and wondered, 'Why is Kingsley at a children's clothing store?'
But the next second, Rebecca gasped as she saw Jesse, who looked like Kingsley.
Kingsley was sitting on the sofa, with Jesse on his lap playing with a toy. Hearing footsteps, Kingsley raised his chin slightly, and Rebecca asked, "Where's the child's mother?"
Kingsley calmly replied, "Working overtime."
Jesse seemed to understand they were talking about him and sweetly smiled at Rebecca. "Mommy went to work."
Rebecca felt a warmth in her heart.
She stared at Jesse for a long time before remembering her task and went to swipe the card and sign the bill.
Rebecca then warned the store clerks.
After finishing her tasks, Rebecca squatted in front of Jesse, looking at him lovingly.
Jesse wasn't shy.
Rebecca whispered, "He really looks like Amara."
Kingsley smiled gently. Just then, Hailey's phone rang again. He guessed it was Amara calling and felt a bit disappointed, reaching out to stroke Jesse's hair.
Sure enough, Amara was coming to pick up Jesse.
After hanging up, Hailey apologized, "Kingsley, I have to take Jesse back now."
Kingsley was reluctant, but it wasn't the right time yet.
He patted Jesse's little face and whispered, "You go home with Hailey! Good boy!"
Jesse just felt that the people he met today seemed to really like him. He generously kissed Kingsley's cheek.
Kingsley couldn't resist hugging him again.
Rebecca helped carry the bags and escorted Hailey downstairs. Hailey, holding Jesse, said goodbye to Kingsley. As they left, Jesse kept turning his head to Kingsley.
Kingsley stood in the hallway, quietly watching Jesse. And he felt an indescribable sense of loss.
Suddenly, Jesse smiled at him.
Kingsley couldn't help but smile and said, "Silly boy!"
By the standards of the Hawkins Family, Jesse might seem a bit delicate. However, in Kingsley's eyes, Jesse was very cute. Kingsley's heart was filled with joy.
Originally, he didn't know what to do about Amara.
Now, everything seemed reasonable, and he didn't need to worry. Perhaps, Jesse was just an excuse; what he wanted had never changed.
In the parking lot, Amara saw Hailey carrying bags and holding Jesse. She immediately got out of the car, taking the bags and checking them. "You bought so much! Hailey, didn't you get any clothes for yourself?"
Hailey laughed. "I can't even wear all the clothes you bought me."
Jesse was about to speak, but Hailey's look reminded him to stay silent about today's events.
They went home, and Amara played with Jesse for a while.
While tidying up the shopping bags, Amara found a receipt with Rebecca Diaz's signature on it.
Amara's face turned pale.
If Rebecca swiped the card, then Kingsley must have been there too, meaning he knew about Jesse's existence!
She clutched the receipt and looked outside. Hailey was busy, taking care of Jesse and making dinner. Amara also thought about the $100,000. She wanted to ask but didn't want to blame Hailey.
She sat quietly for a long time before calling Kingsley. His slightly hoarse voice answered, "What's up?"
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