Dinner time arrived, and the dining room was filled with the delicious aromas of the meal the maids had prepared. Ellen, Mason, Ronald, and Colleen took their seats around the table, the soft clinking of cutlery and murmur of conversation filled the room.
Ronald turned to Mason, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "So, Mason, how’s work going? Everything running smoothly?"
Mason nodded, his demeanor calm and collected. "Yes, everything is going well, as usual. We’ve managed to secure a few new contracts recently."
Ronald nodded approvingly. "That’s good to hear. New contracts mean more growth, right?"
"Exactly," Mason agreed, his voice steady. "We’re planning to expand our operations by the end of the year."
While Ronald and Mason delved into work-related talk, Ellen and Colleen exchanged playful smiles. The business discussions weren’t all that exciting for them, and they found silent amusement in their shared boredom. Occasionally, Colleen would raise an eyebrow or make a funny face, causing Ellen to stifle a giggle.
As the conversation continued, Colleen seemed eager to join in. "Mason," she said, leaning forward slightly, "what’s been the most challenging part of these new contracts?"
Mason turned his attention to Colleen, his expression softening. "Probably negotiating the terms. Every client has different expectations, and meeting those while ensuring our interests are protected can be tricky."
Colleen nodded, her eyes wide with interest. "That sounds tough. But it seems like you’re handling it well."
Ellen munched on her food, impressed by how talkative Mason was with her father and sister. It was a side of him she hadn’t seen often, and it was amusing to witness. At one point, Mason even initiated a conversation with Ronald, discussing potential strategies for the upcoming business quarter.
Ronald beamed at his son-in-law. "I’m glad to see you’re so invested in your work, Mason. It’s good to have a clear vision."
Mason smiled, a rare, genuine smile that softened his usual stoic expression. "Thank you, Mr. Winters. Your support means a lot."
As they continued eating, Mason spoke up again, his tone filled with gratitude. "I wanted to thank you again for the honeymoon trip to Bali. It was a wonderful wedding gift."
Ronald’s face lit up with a proud smile. "I’m glad you both enjoyed it. How was Bali, Ellen?"
Ellen paused, a fond smile playing on her lips. "Bali was great. You did a fantastic job choosing that place for our honeymoon. We really loved it."
Ronald nodded, clearly pleased with himself. "I knew you’d like it."
Just as Ellen took a sip of her water, Ronald’s next words caught her completely off guard. "I can’t wait to have grandsons and granddaughters running around this house."
Ellen choked on her water, coughing hard as she struggled to regain her composure. His words sent her head spinning.
Children? She hadn’t even managed to keep Aubrey at bay or secure Mason’s full attention, and now her father was talking about grandchildren?
As she continued to cough, she felt a gentle tap on her back. She didn’t need to look to know it was Mason; he was the only one sitting beside her. Ellen glanced at Mason, who was looking down at his plate, a small, vague smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
After what felt like an eternity, Ellen’s coughing fit subsided. Colleen chuckled, shaking her head. "Dad, stop teasing Ellen like that."
Ellen was nodding like crazy, feeling her cheeks burn with embarrassment. "Yeah, Dad, that’s...um...a bit too soon."
Ronald laughed heartily, clearly enjoying himself. "Alright, alright. I’ll ease up on the teasing."
The rest of the dinner passed without any more mentions of babies or grandchildren, much to Ellen’s relief. She focused on finishing her meal, grateful for the break. Mason and Ronald resumed their conversation about business, while Colleen occasionally chimed in with her own insights.
After dinner, they moved to the living room. Ronald sat in his favorite armchair, Colleen and Ellen took the couch, and Mason settled into a chair opposite Ronald.
Ronald looked at Mason and Ellen, his expression thoughtful. "You know," he began, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "it’s getting pretty late. You two should stay the night. No need to drive back at this hour."
Ellen glanced at the clock on the wall, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion. It was only 8 p.m. She opened her mouth to object, fully expecting Mason to do the same. Mason usually worked late into the night and seldom came home before 10 p.m. She was almost certain he would decline the offer.
But to her surprise, Mason replied in no time. "Fine," he said, his tone agreeable.
Ellen’s eyes widened in disbelief. She turned to look at him, her mind racing. Mason didn’t seem fazed at all. He just accepted the suggestion without a second thought. What was happening with him?
With the night dragging on, it was finally time to call it a day. Everyone decided to head to their respective rooms. Ellen then found herself standing in front of her room door, her hand hesitating on the knob. She was deep in thought, trying to process the day’s events and Mason’s unexpected behavior.
Ellen took a deep breath, reminding herself that Mason was just being polite. Of course, he wouldn’t want to be seen as rude to her family. He was her father-in-law now, and respect was important. Mason was a considerate man, and this was simply his way of showing that consideration.
She didn’t need to overthink it. There was no hidden agenda, no deeper meaning. He didn’t want to create any unnecessary tension by refusing her father’s request.
She was jolted back to reality by Mason’s voice behind her. "What are you waiting for?" he asked, his tone gentle but curious.
Ellen blinked, coming back to reality. She turned to look at Mason, who was standing close behind her. His expression was neutral, but she could see a hint of curiosity in his eyes. She glanced back at the door, the realization hitting her like a ton of bricks.
Wait, this means we have to share a room?And a bed?!