"I told you no one would notice our absence. Look how busy they all are in their own discussions. I could have taken a little more time in carving those beauty marks on you!" whispered Zach in Keira’s ear as they went back to the garden.
Keira could only feel the warmth of a blush crawling up her face. Noticing her cheeks turning pink, Zach turned her face to look at him and said, "In fact, we can still go for another round again. I would like to see some more of my markings on those sweet melons of yours!"
Keira’s eyes widened when he said this and Zach smirked watching her bewildered face.
’Why had I never noticed that my husband was this shameless?’
Keira shook her head as she was left completely speechless by his words. She hit his shoulder and proceeded to walk towards the women’s group.
The men were drinking and talking at a separate table. Josh who was with them kept boasting about his experience with cattle herding and shepherding.
Meanwhile, the women had their own things to talk about. Keira’s mom, together with Zach’s mom and grandma, were still busy discussing things related to the formal wedding ceremony. They also chit-chatted about the childhood of Zach and Keira.
Lyra and Rizie enjoyed their drinks as they listened to the conversations between the Elders.
"You have beautiful daughters who are already in the right age to settle down. Hmm, I can’t believe that you are still single, Lyra. By the way, why don’t you try working at Sy Law Firm?"
Lyra’s eyes brightened upon hearing the name of the firm. It was the Law Firm of every lawyer’s dream, so she commented, "Yes Auntie, I would love to. Actually, I do have plans to apply there and try my luck, but I still want to gain some more experience before I apply there. Sy Law Firm is definitely my target within the next year.."
"Sheila, you are very lucky to have such wonderful daughters and sons. You have given them a good upbringing with high morals and values." Mrs. Chan praised Zach’s mom with sincerity that made both Lyra and Rizie blush. "Thank you, Auntie," answered the two in chorus. Lyra then looked at her mom and added, "We are also lucky to have such a wonderful, patient and loving mother, Auntie."
Grandma Terri was overwhelmed, seeing how good Keira’s family was and how well they have treated them. She was particularly happy to see how her daughter finally felt at ease.
The meeting of the in-laws was a good opportunity for the two families to get to know each other. This kind of meetings would especially be nice, if the other party was as warm and as welcoming as the Chan’s Family.
After a few hours had passed, Grandpa Shen and the rest got up to bid their farewell.
However, because it was already too late to travel back to the province, Keira’s parents suggested for Zach’s Family to stay the night at their mansion.
"Please accept our offer and stay the night..." Mrs. Chan tried to convince them with her warm smile, as she held Sheila’s hands.
"But we have already bothered you all too much already," explained Sheila with a smile.
"What are you saying, Sheila? Please don’t think like that... we are all one family now, and a family is never a bother to each other This is nothing, to be honest. We want you to feel comfortable with us. As I said before, we see you as family now, so we hope that you would also see us the same way." Field Marshal Chan interrupted with a smile.
Sheila felt a bit timid, so Grandpa Shen answered for her, "Hmm, it wouldn’t be good to refuse this good offer, then." Then he looked at Sheila and Zach as he said, "Alright, we’ll stay for the night."
"Yes!" exclaimed Josh out of the blue as he bashfully smiled, bit his lip and scratched his head, when he noticed that all eyes were on him.
"Uhm, I just feel like I’m on a vacation with all the amenities available inside your mansion. I feel like it’s even better than a hotel," murmured Josh nonchalantly. He almost bit his tongue when he saw Rizie’s sharp gaze at him.
So he added stuttering, "Uhmm, I mean it’s not good to refuse a good offer from family..."
His awkward stutter made the rest laugh and Josh’s face reddened with embarrassment.
It was then decided that Zach’s family would stay overnight and Mrs. Chan excitedly showed them to their respective rooms. However, it’s still too early to sleep, so Mrs. Chan toured Zach’s family inside the mansion and took the older ladies for a treat at the spa, while the youngsters played games like bowling and enjoyed the night.
Meanwhile, Zach and Keira walked outside in the garden hand in hand, staring at the night sky...
He was grinning teasingly at Keira as he said, "So what about us? Should we head back inside the room?"
Keira creased her forehead and pause. She noticed that Zach was becoming too clingy, sweet and mushy, lately. Not that she complained but she was not used to it.
"Are you really like that?" asked Keira that made Zach furrow his forehead.
"Like what?" asked Zach a bit confused.
"You’re acting differently than your usual cold demeanor and blank face. You even pout and wink often now..." Keira asserted with an arched brow.
Zach laughed and held Keira’s shoulders. Then he said, "You mean this?" with pouted lips followed by a wink.
Keira gave him a weary look as she said, "Yeah, that!"
"Keira, these all are reactions from being in love with you, and they have come naturally to me. Being with a cheerful and sweet girl like you, if I don’t sweet-talk you, won’t you just run away from me?"
Zach pursed his lips when he saw Keira open her mouth in awe, so he added, "I’m reacting instinctively at you. You don’t like it? Alright, let me go back to my blank and expressionless face."
Zach suddenly turned sulky as he sighed and murmured, "I’m like this only when I am with you... Cheesy and mushy... I should perhaps stop... If it bothers you..."
This time Keira chuckled and hugged her husband as she said, "Just be yourself. This falling star likes and loves you just the way you are, my General..."