Chapter 74
"Thank you, sir! Thank you, ma'am! Thank you, Young Master and Teresa, and even the little one. Teresa and the little one are our big fortune!" The crowd gathered on the steps burst into grins as they received four months' wages in one go. The old butler nodded happily, his face lighting up with joy.
"Come on, my little treasure, say hello to everyone. Tell them who you are!" Katherine encouraged, gently waving Michael's tiny hand in the air.
Giggling, Michael declared, "Hi, I'm Michael! Hello, everyone!" The tot faced everyone without a trace of shyness or stage fright, speaking each word with clear enunciation.
The sight of the adorable child made everyone happy heartily, and, at last, the big mansion that had been rather somber was filled with life and cheer.
Once everyone had gotten acquainted with Teresa and Michael, the butler took the time to introduce Teresa to all the household staff. When that was done, Gabriel, like an excited big kid, grabbed Teresa's hand and they ran off towards the stables.
The pristine white stables housed a prestigious collection of horses from around the world, all tall and majestic with glossy fur, and surprisingly, the stables were free of any unpleasant odors.
"I'll take you for a ride around the gardens," Gabriel said, instructing someone to bring out a tall, pure black thoroughbred. He smiled at Teresa.
Arching an eyebrow, Teresa replied, "I don't know how to ride a horse."
"That's okay," Gabriel said, moving closer to embrace her.
Nimbly, Teresa stepped aside, "Oh, right, you know I'm not employed yet. I don't have money, and about the bonus for everyone..."
"Everything that's mine is yours," Gabriel interrupted before she could finish, then, taking her hand, he pulled her into his arms with a gentle tug, enfolded her, and lowered his head to nuzzle her neck, his warm breath teasing her as he assured her, "It's okay if my wife can't ride a horse — I'll hold you while we ride, and I won't let you fall."
Teresa found herself enveloped by his long arms, and after a brief struggle that went nowhere, she swiftly dodged to one side as his head came down, her face emerging displeasure. "Please, can you not call me wife for a while?"
Having just gotten married today, she wasn't used to being called "wife" — it gave her the discomfort.
"Not used to it?" Gabriel chuckled, seizing a moment when she was off guard to peck her on the cheek. "No matter, you'll get used to it with time."
"I won't get used to it, call me by my name," Teresa insisted, standing her ground with a firm tone.
Looking at her, Gabriel's attractive brows quirked in amusement as he conceded, "Alright.
Gabriel released her. Without any warning, he leaned forward and swept her off her feet into a sideways carry.
"Ah!" Teresa exclaimed, "Hey, Gabriel, what are you doing?" — her body lifted into the air, her voice filled with both shock and protest.
"I'm whisking you away to the gardens for a stroll."
"I can walk on my own," Teresa protested, kicking her legs in his arms.
"Aren't you the one who can't ride?" Gabriel retorted, holding her tight as he walked toward his sleek black thoroughbred.
"I can now, okay?"
She could almost say she was as skilled a rider as Croissant at this point.
He smiled and nodded, "Sure, but it's safer with me holding you."
Teresa fell silent. Despite her verbal protests, once Gabriel had her securely on the horse, she stopped struggling. After all, she had to maintain some dignity for him in front of the many servants of the Garcia family; she couldn't let it go around that Gabriel's new bride was a shrew.
With Teresa in his arms, Gabriel swiftly mounted the horse. One hand held her close while the other took the reins, his legs gently kicking the horse's flanks. The horse obediently responded to his command, heading towards the flower garden.
Riding the thoroughbred, a creature of considerable stature, provided a grand view. The scenery of the gardens unfolded beneath them, a panoramic treat for the eyes.
Gabriel wrapped his arms around Teresa, steering the horse with ease while showing her around the estate, and every now and then, when she wasn’t looking, he'd steal a quick kiss on her cheek.
At first, Teresa would shy away, but gradually, she couldn’t be bothered to dodge anymore.
Truth be told, three years had passed since Gabriel cornered her by the front door, confessing his desire to marry her. He was still head over heels for her, and when they got their marriage license, he didn’t even ask for a prenup, which was a sure sign of his genuine affection.
As for how long this affection would last, Teresa didn’t know, nor did she care.
But no matter what the future held for her and Gabriel, at least her son was now legitimate — that was what mattered most.
The grounds were indeed sprawling; they had been riding for a good half hour and still hadn't seen it all. It was the housekeeper who caught up to inform them that dinner was nearly ready, prompting Gabriel to guide Teresa back.
"Daddy, Mommy!" Their little guy, spotting them returning, scurried over on his stubby legs.
Gabriel bent down and scooped up the munchkin, planting a big kiss on him which promptly elicited giggles before the tyke lunged into Teresa's arms.
Embracing him, Teresa kissed his chubby cheek as he wrapped his arms around her neck, giving her a loud smooch back, exclaiming, "Daddy, Mommy, dinner time! I’m so hungry, look at my tummy!”
"Little foodie," Teresa smiled, patting his round belly. "Are you hungry, or just craving a treat?"
" It's Mama who’s hungry, so I wanna eat!" The tot grinned joyfully, full of delight.
"Sir, Madam, dinner is ready," the butler announced respectfully.
"Thank you," Gabriel nodded, drawing Teresa close. "Come on, let's wash hands and have dinner."
"Yay, let's wash up before dinner!" The little one cheered, his voice as crisp and melodious as a jingling bell.
Not far away, Mason and Raymond couldn't help but smile at the child's cheerful voice.
"It’s been so long since it was this lively around here. Michael's voice is such a joy to hear," Mason said warmly.
"Indeed, if you love kids that much, we should encourage Gabriel and Teresa to have another one," Raymond suggested, helping Mason towards the dining room.
"Just keep it to yourself, and let them figure it out on their own," Mason cautioned Raymond with a glance.
Having lived past eighty, Mason had seen things with a sharp, transparent understanding.
"You’re right."
...
