Chapter 252 The Whole Family Goes to the Old House
Mother Howard had worn the same outfit without taking it off, and she remembered an important thing she had not told Madison. She was looking for Madison in the Villa when she came across Quentin and Hannah. They sweetly complimented her dress with their little mouths, which made Mother Howard even happier.
Mother Howard eventually found Madison in the garden on the ground floor, attentively watering the flowers and plants. Although a gardener tended to them regularly, Madison wanted to ensure they were sufficiently watered before her departure. As Mother Howard neared, Madison set aside the watering can and greeted her with a warm "Mom."
Taking Madison by the hand, Mother Howard guided her to a bench nestled among the greenery. "Madison," she began, her voice carrying a mix of affection and seriousness, "I've had a word with your father, and we would like to pay a visit to Matthew's grandfather before our journey home. We're uncertain about the timing, so please check with Matthew to see if it would be convenient. Your father has chosen a fine purple clay plate, a prized piece from his collection acquired in Emerald Isle City, as a token of our appreciation. Remember the exquisite painting Matthew's grandfather gifted us last time? It's only proper etiquette that we reciprocate with a personal visit and presents our regards."
"Of course, that sounds great. I'm sure Matthew won't mind. I'll talk to him right away, and I'll also call Grandpa to let him know we'll be having dinner at the old house tonight." Madison stood up, pleased with her parents' thoughtfulness. She was about to go find Matthew when she turned back to Mother Howard and said earnestly, "Mom, thank you and Dad, as well as my brother."
Mother Howard smiled as she watched Madison's retreating figure and said, "Silly child."
When Madison ran back to her room, she saw Quentin and Hannah sitting on her luggage while Matthew pushed them around the room, having a great time. Madison reminded them to be careful and did not stop them. Then she directly asked Matthew, "Matthew, Mom and Dad want to visit Grandpa. Since we have time tonight, can we go to the old house?"
"Sure, let's go to my Great-grandfather's house for dinner. I love going to my Great-grandfather's house. My roller skates are still there," Hannah exclaimed with excitement upon hearing about the visit. The Young Girl always considered anything she liked her 'most favorite.' Quentin joined in, clapping his hands and cheering along with his sister. The siblings sat on the luggage, dancing with joy.
Madison looked at the two siblings and noticed how much they had changed in the past six months; they had grown taller and older. Especially Quentin was less mature than before. After all, despite being precocious, he was just a child who had always been surrounded by people who loved him. His childlike innocence was now more evident, although he still behaved well and had become more lively and cheerful. Sometimes, he even acted a bit spoiled toward Madison, which made her very happy. In the past, Son worried about her and always said he wanted to grow up quickly, become a man, and protect their mother and sister. He had put a lot of pressure on himself from a young age. But now everything was fine. He finally seemed like a child.
"Wife, did you just say we're going to Grandpa's house tonight?" Matthew walked up to Madison. Madison turned around and smiled. "Yes, what do you think?"
Matthew stood in front of her, slightly lowering his eyes to meet hers. The tenderness in his eyes seemed to overflow as if they could produce water. "Whatever you want," he said softly. Madison clapped her hands. "My parents wanted me to ask if it's convenient for you, but I told them you definitely wouldn't mind. I'll call Grandpa first and let him know." Madison took out her phone from her pocket as she spoke and searched for her grandpa's number.
Matthew lifted the two children from the luggage and told them to wash their hands. He then said to Madison, "Next time, tell your parents that in our home, you're the boss; there's no need to ask for my opinion."
Madison held the phone to her ear and looked at him, annoyed. "I won't tell them that, or else they'll think I'm bullying you."
"How is that bullying? It's what I willingly choose," Matthew said, tilting his mouth slightly with a playful look in his eyes. A low laugh resonated from the depths of his throat. He really looked handsome when he smiled, and his smile seemed to make the surrounding sunlight gentler. Madison was almost captivated by his smile, staring at him dumbfounded until she heard her grandpa's voice on the other end of the call, snapping her back to reality.
Madison informed Matthew about the plans to have dinner at the old house with her parents after the call with her grandpa. Old Master was overjoyed, and even on the phone, his voice conveyed his eagerness for Valerie to hurry up and prepare the food and fruit.
After the phone call with her grandpa, Madison immediately told her parents. When it was time to leave, everyone gathered in the living room, and Madison was truly amazed by her parents and Matthew.
Mother Howard was wearing a dress made by her daughter. Father Howard and Hank had deliberately changed into shirts and suits, looking very vibrant. Madison looked at her parents in their formal attire and smiled. "Mom and Dad, you guys are too fancy." She then turned to see Hank standing behind her, dressed formally, and looking at their family of four in casual clothes. She began to consider whether they should also change their clothes seriously.
"Matthew, should we also change our clothes?" Mother Howard said, linking arms with Father Howard. Both of them had good figures and looked very classy together.
Mother Howard's smile was gentle as she reassured Madison, "We're the guests, and it's only proper to present ourselves well on our first visit. Your family's attire is perfectly fine as it is." Her words effortlessly eased Madison's fleeting urge to have everyone change their outfits.
Madison's gaze then fell upon Hank, clad in his suit, and memories of their first encounter flooded back. She couldn't resist complimenting, "Hank, you do look dashing in that suit."
Matthew responded quickly, laced with a playful pout, "Not as dashing as your husband, though." His remark sent Father Howard and Mother Howard into a fit of laughter, with Mother Howard playfully conceding, "Indeed, our son-in-law does cut a fine figure in a suit."
Hank rolled his eyes and said, "I knew it. Little sister, how do you tolerate your husband being so jealous?" Matthew remained calm and unaffected, without any embarrassment or blushing.
Mother Howard continued to smile and said, "But if it were a police uniform, your brother would definitely be the most handsome."
Matthew smirked slightly and raised an eyebrow. He knew that his mother-in-law treated everyone equally. When wearing a police uniform, Hank, who protects the people, would be more handsome than anyone else.
Father Howard carried the prepared wellness pot for Matthew, and the family rushed to the old house for dinner.
Grandfather was still the same as before, calling them in advance to ask where they were and then waiting at the gate with Uncle Tristan. The two little ones, Quentin and Hannah, were just like every time they came to the old house. They would see Great-grandfather standing at the gate from afar and roll down the car window to shout, "Great-grandfather, we're here." This road leading to the old house was private, and no other vehicles would pass by, so Madison let them be.