Chapter 872 With Clayton Around, She Feels at Ease!
Natalie finished speaking.
Clayton gently held her hands, not saying a word, just looking into her eyes in the dim light.
Sometimes silence speaks louder than words.
Outside, the sound of rain pattered softly, each drop audible.
Later, Clayton stretched out his arm, letting Natalie rest her head on it.
Meanwhile, Haven, with her little hands against her cheeks, snuggled sweetly in his embrace.
Since giving birth, Natalie had struggled with insomnia, but tonight, with the sound of rain outside and the steady breathing of those beside her, she finally had a good night's sleep.
When she woke up, it was already eight in the morning.
Outside, she could hear Haven playing with Mercy, their voices hushed, "My mom is sleeping!"
A smile played on Natalie's lips.
She lay on the soft pillow, her eyes falling on Clayton, who was holding Chance and feeding him milk.
Feeling a bit swollen and uncomfortable, she asked Clayton to bring Chance over, "Let me feed him. He doesn't really like milk."
Clayton rocked Chance gently, smiling, "Chance, even if you don't like it, you still need to drink some! Your mom needs her rest!"
Natalie gave him a look.
Clayton quickly handed Chance to her, saying eagerly, "I'll wait outside. Just call me when you're done."
Natalie nodded, "Okay."
Once Clayton left, she unbuttoned her shirt to feed Chance. At a few months old, he fed eagerly but was well-behaved, his little hands holding onto Natalie, his big eyes looking up at her.
His forehead was particularly full, much like Chloe's.
Natalie bent down and kissed him.
Her heart overflowed with love, feeling soft and tender.
Since giving birth to Chance, she hadn't suffered much; Clayton had taken on most of the childcare duties. It was rare for a man to handle it so well and still keep himself looking sharp.
Thinking of this, Natalie couldn't help but smile.
So childish!
When Clayton came back in, he saw her smiling softly, looking gentle.
He couldn't help but sit beside her, reaching out to touch Chance's little head, asking, "What are you smiling about?"
Natalie lowered her eyes and said softly, "Didn't you say you'd stay out?"
Clayton laughed, "Do I need to leave now?"
Natalie didn't insist. There was no need, after all. During her time in the hospital, Clayton had taken care of almost everything.
She lifted her chin slightly, "Bring me a warm towel. I want to apply some heat."
Clayton understood immediately, "Did Chance hurt you?"
She nodded, "Yes."
Clayton gently pinched Chance's cheek, saying, "Not even teething yet, and already so strong! Next time, we'll stick to milk!"
Chance looked at him briefly before focusing on feeding again.
While Natalie applied the warm towel, Clayton held Chance, patting him gently. He felt a pang of sympathy and suggested, "Maybe we should wean him. Milk is just as nutritious!"
Natalie disagreed, "There's no such thing as painless! It's nothing."
Clayton lightly patted Chance's bottom as a mild reprimand.
Their relationship had deepened, but they hadn't made it public. After all, they were living their own lives.
The day after bringing Haven back, Gavin's family returned to Syeattel.
Clayton's company was busy, but he planned to stay for another four or five days. He wanted to spend more time with Natalie and the kids.
Besides, he didn't feel comfortable leaving such a big house without a man around.
Andrew had urged him twice, but he still hadn't left.
Late at night, when the kids were asleep, Clayton was working on his laptop in his room. Natalie brought in a cup of hot coffee, placing it gently on his desk.
Clayton glanced up, then continued looking at his screen, smiling slightly, "Did you make this for me?"
Natalie sat on the sofa across from him, speaking softly, "Clayton, you don't need to stay in Copenhegan with me all the time. You should focus on your own work."
Clayton typed another key.
Taking a break, he held the hot coffee, smiling faintly at Natalie, "Aren't I busy right now? Natalie, are you planning to settle in Copenhegan? Have you thought about our future? We agreed to live together... didn't we?"
Natalie thought for a moment, then said softly, "I have considered it. Clayton, don't..."
"I haven't overthought it!"
Clayton didn't avoid the topic. He said softly, "I didn't misunderstand you and Grant! Love can make people lose their minds. I used to be insecure about your love for me and hurt you... I won't do that anymore!"
"I just think, if you want to settle down here, I need to be prepared! I might not be able to be with you every day for the next two years, but I want to be with you and the kids at least three days a week."
"With the elderly and kids at home... there's always some illness. I don't want you to handle it alone! Gavin is capable, but he has heavy responsibilities and can't just drop everything..."
"Natalie, since we're together, the responsibilities ahead should be mine to bear for you."
His words moved Natalie.
She lowered her eyes, gently tracing the desk with her fingers. After a long time, she said softly, "Clayton, we missed out on several years. We should have been happy."
Clayton's gaze deepened.
After a moment, he put down the coffee and walked over to her, gently embracing her, comforting her softly, "It's my fault! It won't happen again!"
Natalie leaned into his embrace.
The night was quiet, and they listened to the rain and wind outside, holding each other.
Just then, a servant knocked on the door, "Ms. Devereux, Mr. Percy, Mr. Andrew Devereux isn't feeling well. He has a fever... we're preparing to take him to the hospital!"
Natalie was startled.
Clayton gently pressed her hand, turning to the door, "I'll be right there!"
Time was urgent. He spoke softly to Natalie, "Let's go out together! But I'll go to the hospital with Mom, and you stay home with the kids. I'll call you with any updates... okay?"
Natalie looked up at him.
After about two seconds, she nodded softly. Clayton wiped her tears and led her out.
The night was chilly.
Clayton and Natalie hurried to the black car in the courtyard. Clayton opened the door and said to Chloe, "I'll go with you. Natalie will stay home."
Chloe remained calm, agreeing and reminding Natalie to be careful not to catch a cold.
After speaking, Clayton nodded to Natalie outside, then closed the door and told the driver, "Drive!"
Natalie stood in the dark.
After a while, she walked back to her bedroom, unable to stop worrying about Andrew's condition.
But she wasn't too afraid... because Clayton was there!
Gavin called her, "How's Dad? Did he go to the hospital?"
Natalie nodded, "Just left!"
Gavin understood and asked, "Is Clayton with them?"
Natalie replied, "Yes."
Gavin was silent for a long time before saying softly, "The family does need someone. Thank him for me."
He wasn't ungrateful. Clayton staying in Copenhegan wasn't just about romance; it was about responsibility.
He wanted to make up for Natalie, so much.
If Clayton weren't there, Gavin would have rushed back to Copenhegan overnight to ensure Chloe and Natalie felt secure.
But with Clayton there... he felt much more at ease, knowing that when decisions needed to be made, Clayton wouldn't hesitate.
Natalie waited until dawn when Clayton called her, "It's acute gastritis. He's on an IV now! Everything's fine, Natalie. Get some rest... I'll be back by morning!"
Natalie held the phone.
After a long time, she softly said, "Okay."
The night was gentle, and even through the phone line, Clayton could feel it.
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