Balfour nodded emphatically, âIâve got you, Grandma. No worries at all!â
Only then did Alyssa express her contentment, âAlright, Iâll be expecting you two for dinner. Tell Ivy weâll have her favorites on the table tonight.â
âYeah, letâs ask the cook to whip up an extra soup. She really loved that clam chowder last time.â
Hearing Balfour recall Ivyâs preferences, Alyssa beamed with joy, her smile blossoming like a flower.
Once the call ended, she called over her husband to keep an eye on the dinner preparations in the kitchen.
âItâs quite something. Balfour is finally showing concern for Ivy!â Alyssa remarked, somewhat sentimentally.
Dean, on the other hand, felt she had been worrying too much before, âWhen people meet someone they like, they naturally learn. We shouldnât meddle too much in young folksâ affairs. Besides, too much interference can be bothersome.â
After ending the call, Balfour turned and strode forward with his long legs, commanding, âClear your evening schedule. Weâre having dinner with Grandpa and Grandma.â
âOh,â sighed Ivy, a hint of resignation in her voice. During the contract period, her time was entirely at Balfourâs disposal. Daytime acting followed by evening performances â she wondered when this cycle would ever end.
In the car, they sat opposite each other, and upon arriving home, Balfour instructed Ivy to stay seated.
He got out first, then walked over to her side and opened her door..
âMrs. Howard, are you ready?â Balfour extended his hand, his gaze suddenly softened with a touch of âgentleness.â
Ivy put on a stiff smile, âOf course Iâm ready. Iâm a professional now, Mr. Howard.â
âGrandpa, Grandma! Balfour and I are back to join you for dinner. Whatâs cooking tonight?â
Hand in hand, they entered the door.
Alyssaâs face lit up with an involuntary smile at the sound of Ivyâs voice.
Dean was quite pleased with his granddaughter-in-law as well.
Balfour was perfect in every way, just a bit too reserved. Ivy, with her cheerful and talkative nature, provided a perfect complement.
Seizing the moment, Ivy slipped her hand from Balfourâs and latched onto Alyssaâs arm, âWhatâs for dinner, Grandma? I could smell the deliciousness from the front porch.â
Alyssa playfully flicked her nose, âYour nose is the keenest. Didnât you enjoy that clam chowder last time? Balfour made sure to remind me to prepare it again for you!â
After greeting his grandfather, Balfour joined Ivy and Alyssa who had taken a seat on the couch.
Ivy glanced at the man unintentionally, surprised he remembered her fondness for the clam chowder.
Catching her look, Balfour motioned her over with a beckoning hand.
In the presence of the elders, she couldnât really refuse and moved closer.
âWhatâs up?â Ivy asked, settling beside him.