Chapter 853 His Haven, So Delicate 1
Late at night.
Nancy came back to the bedroom after her shower.
Grant stood by the half-open window, holding an unlit cigarette between his long fingers.
Ever since they moved here, he had been careful not to smoke in the bedroom because of Nancy's pregnancy.
Hearing Nancy enter, Grant turned to look at her.
He put the cigarette back in the pack and said calmly, "I helped him with his homework for a bit. He was in a bad mood and did a terrible job."
He didn't expect Nancy to respond.
But she walked over, gently hugged his waist, and rested her face on his shoulder, whispering, "I'll help him tomorrow. You've had a long day; teaching homework is too tiring."
Grant didn't say anything, his expression unreadable.
After a moment, he leaned down and kissed her.
He seemed a bit distracted. Nancy hesitated but still asked, "Are you thinking about Haven? If you miss her, you should go see her sometime."
Grant looked at her.
Nancy hugged him tighter, her voice soft in the night, "I know you miss her. Seeing Benjamin makes you miss her more, right? Before we got married, you could visit her often. Now it's inconvenient? Grant, I'm not being generous; it's just... she's part of your past."
Grant didn't say yes or no. He just gently patted her head.
Finally, he said, "Let's go to sleep."
But that night, sleep was elusive. He kept thinking about Haven.
In the dark, Nancy reached out and touched his lips.
She whispered, "If you want to see her, just go. She won't bite you."
Grant turned to look at her.
After a while, Nancy's face flushed, and she muttered, "What's so interesting to look at?"
Grant replied seriously, "You're beautiful."
In the quiet of the night, those words were more sincere and touching than any sweet talk.
The Devereux Group project wasn't in Syeattel.
When Grant initially applied, he didn't care much, but now that he got it, he had to travel between Copenhegan and Syeattel.
Nancy noticed he was hesitant.
She wouldn't let him give up this opportunity, even though it was a Devereux Group project. She encouraged him to go for it.
"Connections are secondary. If you succeed, it's your achievement."
"I have Benjamin with me."
"Besides, I can hire a helper. The house is small; we can use my money to get a bigger place. We'll have to move eventually anyway."
Benjamin nodded, "I'll take care of Nancy."
Nancy glanced at him.
Grant was reluctant. She was already burdened with the pregnancy, and now there was another child.
But Nancy had made up her mind.
She handed Grant a card, asking him to withdraw $100,000 for expenses.
"A $5,000 monthly rent for six months is $30,000. The rest can be for household expenses. A helper's salary shouldn't be less than $4,000 a month. I wouldn't trust someone cheaper."
She looked down at Benjamin, "His tuition isn't cheap either. It's all expenses."
Benjamin lowered his head.
He clenched his small fists, determined to grow up and earn money to support Nancy and the baby.
Grant thought it over for two days and agreed.
He acted quickly, finding a new place and moving within two days.
It was a three-bedroom apartment, not as grand as their old villa but much better than the previous rundown apartment. The neighborhood was nice too.
The live-in helper had experience with children, so her salary was $6,000 a month.
Grant paid two months' salary in advance.
The house was cozy and comfortable. The helper, Octavia Fuller, seemed reliable after just two days of observation.
Grant felt reassured enough to leave for Copenhegan.
The night before he left, he held Nancy close.
Since they moved, this was only their second time being intimate.
It was gentle, likely because of her pregnancy and his own concerns. They both quietly enjoyed the physical connection.
Afterward, Grant went downstairs to smoke two cigarettes.
When he returned, Octavia was taking out the trash. She greeted him with a smile, "Mr. McCall, smoking outside? You're a good man, knowing Mrs. McCall can't stand the smell."
Grant smiled faintly, "Not really a good man."
Octavia praised him a bit more before going back to work.
Grant returned to the bedroom. Nancy was half-asleep. He leaned against the headboard, talking to her.
With his upcoming trip, he had many concerns about her managing the household alone.
Eventually, she fell asleep listening.
Grant chuckled softly. Nancy was in her thirties, not naive.
She was actually very strong.
The next day, he drove to Copenhegan.
Before leaving, he made a detour to The Devereux Mansion early in the morning.
He knew Haven had been staying there, cared for by Gavin and his wife.
The Devereux Mansion was a standalone luxury home with a beautiful environment.
Grant parked at the gate. Before he could ask the guard to announce him, a black car drove out.
It was Gavin's car, taking his kids to school.
Haven was in the car too.
She had been having some nasal allergies. Gavin planned to take her to the company later to see a specialist.
As the car exited the ornate gate, Gavin immediately saw Grant.
Gavin smiled silently.
He patted Haven's head gently, "Mr. McCall is here to see you."
Haven blushed.
The car stopped, and Gavin stepped out.
At nearly forty, Gavin was well-maintained, still looking young and handsome, much like Andrew in his prime.
Gavin lifted Haven out of the car.
He glanced at Grant's car, "Do you have a child seat in there?"
Grant was momentarily stunned. He did have one, installed just yesterday by someone Nancy had arranged.
He nodded and then took Haven from Gavin.
Gavin knew Grant was heading to Copenhegan. He said calmly, "I'm taking Leopold and Mercy to school now. I can pick up Haven later."
"Meet me at the breakfast place near my office at eight. Haven can't have red beans or peanuts; she's allergic. Also, keep her away from pollen; her nose has been acting up."
Hearing this, Haven wrinkled her nose.
She was quite delicate.
Grant nodded, acknowledging Gavin's instructions. He held Haven with one arm and placed her in the car seat. He smiled, "I'll take you to breakfast."
Haven didn't seem interested in talking to him.
Grant felt a warmth in his heart. He gently pinched her soft cheek and repeated, "Daddy will take you to breakfast, okay?"
Haven reluctantly agreed.
On the way, she sang songs she learned in kindergarten, though she was tone-deaf and off-key. Grant found it endearing.
After singing, Haven started sneezing and tearing up.
Grant pulled over, wiped her tears, and gave her allergy medicine. It took a while.
He sighed, "Such a delicate child!"
Haven was annoyed.
Her small face tightened, and she pouted, "Then take me back!"
After saying that, she looked dejected.
Grant's heart softened. He asked quietly, "Are you upset because I haven't visited you?"
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