Chapter 87
Katherine paused, casting a brief glance at Gabriel and then Teresa, simply smiling without a word.
"Right, if you two showed up together, you'd probably steal the spotlight from Cynthia's birthday. Better not to arrive as a pair," Mason quickly threw his support behind Teresa and Gabriel. With that, Katherine had no further comment then.
"Thanks, Mason, Katherine. I'll go with my brother," Teresa said with a polite smile.
"Mommy, have some meat!" the little one, done wiping his hands, deftly picked up a piece of beef, specially cut into bite-sized pieces for him, and held it up to Teresa's mouth.
"Thank you, sweetheart. Delicious!" Teresa took a bite of the beef, her smile now clearly different from before.
"Now, since you aren't planning to make a public appearance together just yet, shouldn't we start planning the wedding?" Katherine pressed, not quite ready to let it go. Ever since Teresa had joined the family, it seemed like everyone was on her side.
"Mom, there's no rush. Teresa's dad is still in the hospital. Let's wait for him to fully recover," Gabriel was quick to shield Teresa once again.
"Exactly, let’s wait for Teresa's dad to recover. A wedding isn’t something you can prepare overnight," Raymond chimed in with his agreement.
"Since the wedding is on hold, and you're not going public together, Teresa, you and Gabriel can't keep living separately, can you? That doesn’t look like a married couple. I suggest you move in with Michael tomorrow," Katherine's tone was a bit sharp, fueled by sour feelings as she heard her husband also supporting Teresa's side.
"Mom..."
Just as Gabriel was about to defend Teresa again, she kicked him under the table.
Gabriel stopped mid-sentence and looked at her.
"Mom, if you miss Michael and want him around, I can bring him by during the day. But moving in right now might be a bit difficult," Teresa said, looking directly at Katherine, her voice firm yet respectful.
"Difficult?! What's so difficult?" Katherine, clearly more irritated now, pressed, "You and Gabriel are legally married. Not living together as a couple — that seems not proper!"
"Mom, the only reason Gabriel and I rushed to get our marriage license was for Michael's sake — nothing more," Teresa responded, neither aggressive nor submissive. She knew that giving in this time might mean having to do so again and again in the future.
"So, you're saying you don't exactly care for my boy, thinking he's... not good enough for you?"
"Enough!"
"Crash!" "Hmpf! Mean Grandma, Grandma's picking on Mommy. Mommy, let's go. We're not eating with Grandma!"
Mason had barely let out his low growl of frustration when the little tyke in the booster seat grabbed the small bowl in front of him and slammed it onto the floor. Puffing up his chubby cheeks indignantly, he vented his complaints and then reached out to grasp Teresa's hand, which was resting on his seat.
Protecting his mother like a little boss – he was just too adorable for words.
Katherine looked at the little kid, and immediately, the intensity waned and her anger was relieved.
"Mom, there is no need for Teresa to move into the mansion? Our family of three can live on the outside. The world's got plenty of space." With his son standing out like this, it was time for Gabriel to speak up too, or it would be a bad look for him.
"Katherine, let the young folks sort out their own business. You love your grandson. You just enjoy your time with him," Mason said, taking a glance at Croissant, and gently persuaded Katherine.
This fiery great-grandson of his, discerning right from wrong at such a young age, was growing more endearing by the day.
"You see? Even your grandson thinks you're being too much, look how upset he is," Raymond commented with a smile, then cooed to the little guy, "Michael, if you won't eat with grandma, will you eat with your great-grandpa and me?"
"I'll eat with Daddy, Mommy, and Great-Grandpa. Grandpa eats with Grandma," the little guy replied sharply, his small hand still gripping Teresa's.
Raymond chuckled, "And why's that, buddy? Grandpa didn't make you mad."
"Because Grandpa is the husband, and Grandma is the wife. Husband and wife should be together," he replied in his baby voice.
"Right, my little angel, aren't you being biased? Doesn't that mean daddy and mommy should also be together?" Katherine said, taking his logic seriously.
Now, looking at her adorable grandson, she couldn't be mad at all.
"Hmph! I love Mommy and want to stay with Mommy. Anyone who picks on Mommy, I don’t like them," the little guy declared, wrapping his arms around Teresa, fully embodying the "Mommy and me against the world" attitude.
Katherine watched the little guy, speechless.
Teresa looked down at her lovely tyke, couldn’t help but sniggered.
Having a son like this, she didn't feel hard done by at all.
"Mom, rest assured, and I promise I'll move in as quickly as I can." Although Teresa was happy at heart, she knew she couldn't take her favored status for granted. As the new daughter-in-law of the Garcia family, she understood the importance of respecting her in-laws.
"Alright, I suppose I can't really get involved between you kids anymore. I just want to enjoy time with my precious grandson," Katherine sighed, gracefully conceding, then picked up a rib from the platter before her and passed it to Croissant. She cooed with a cheery smile, "Come on, little buddy, don't be mad. Grandma apologize, okay?"
The little guy gave her a look, his face a picture of feigned indifference, turning away with an air of dignified coolness.
Mason and Raymond couldn't help but laugh at this.
"Sweetie, Grandma admitted she was wrong. And she loves you so much, shouldn't you forgive her?" Teresa immediately stepped in to soothe the child.
"Is Mommy still mad?" the little one asked with his big, shining eyes, looking so endearingly innocent and kind.
Teresa shook her head, "Mommy's not mad anymore. Come on, sweetie, will you try the rib Grandma picked out for you?"
"Okay, I will have it with Mommy," he replied, immediately brightening up.
