With concern etched on his face, Kyson inquired, âDid she cause you any harm?â
Lucinda waved off his worries.
âItâs fine.
Sheâs not a match for me.
How could she harm me?â
Seeing Lucindaâs characteristic flamboyance, Kyson couldnât help but smile knowingly.
âIndeed, no one can walk over you.
â
Lucinda narrowed her eyes at him and retorted, âIâll take that as a compliment.
â
He chuckled, affirming, âIt absolutely is a compliment.
â After all, she was the only woman he held dear.
Kyson sighed and changed the subject.
âWhen your father passed away, I recall seeing another obituary for the Simmons family in the newspaper.
That girl also passed away, didnât she?â
Lucinda nodded.
As if thinking of something, she stated firmly, âWhether sheâs dead or alive, the Simmons family wonât protect her.
I wonât allow her to cause trouble again.
â
Kyson wore a serious expression at her words.
He realized that this matter might hold deeper complexities he wasnât privy to.
As he was about to seek further details, the roomâs door swung open.
Immediately Sonny and Luisa walked in, they caught sight of Lucinda and Kyson playing with the babies.
It was a touching sight.
If Nathan were to see this, heâd likely be quite displeased.
âWeâve come to visit the babies.
Hope weâre not interrupting anything.
â
Sonny covered his mouth with his fist and coughed.
He gently tapped Luisa who was behind him on the shoulder.
Understanding his signal, she entered the room, pulled up a chair, and settled herself between Lucinda and Kyson, creating some space between them.
The four grown-ups entertained the babies, engaging in conversation and sharing laughter.
Thirty minutes later, dinner was set and served.
Lucinda uncorked several bottles of quality wine, and they all enjoyed a few glasses.
They put on a facade of happiness and enthusiasm.
After the meal, since Kyson didnât have a car, Lucinda requested Rickey to give him a ride back to the Shawsâ house.
For the first time, Nathan felt the need to drive Sonny home after he had had too much to drink.
Lucinda offered no objection and retreated upstairs to take a shower.