Chapter 627

Chapter 627 Family Portrait

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Maverick raised his hand to rub his nose, appearing a bit sheepish as he admitted, “I just wanted to make you happy, that’s all.” He seldom spoke such soothing words.

At his response, Laura’s face flushed slightly. In an even more bashful tone, she replied, “Let’s forget about hiking. We’re not as young as we used to be. Why don’t we just enjoy ourselves around here? It seems there are kites and fishing rods at the campsite. We could try out these youthful pastimes.”

Maverick immediately stood up, saying, “I’ll go borrow them right away.”

As his words fell into silence, both of Lysander and Josiah were momentarily taken aback, the sudden burst of energy surprising them.

Josiah also came to his senses and said to Lysander, “You chat with your parents for a bit. I’ll go arrange things.

Lysander asked, “The hotel should have fishing equipment, but do they have kites?”

Josiah wasn’t quite sure about this either. “There should be one, right? If not, I could always swing by the children’s playground again and maybe buy one from a kid?”

Lysander voiced her concerns. “It’s uncertain whether there are any children around right now, let alone if they have kites. Even if they do, they might not necessarily agree to sell them to you.”

After some thought, Josiah said, “I could have someone buy it from the town and bring it here. It would take a little over an hour by car, but they could start fishing in the meantime.”

Immediately, Lysander suggested, “Let’s divide the tasks then. I’ll head back to the hotel to purchase the fishing equipment while you arrange for someone to buy the kites.”

“All right.”

Susan watched from the side, assuming their harmony was due to having let bygones be bygones. She felt relieved and teased them, “You two, don’t rush. There’s still plenty of time. Take it slow.”

With a forced smile, Lysander managed to say, “We should probably hurry; I’ll go find the hotel staff first.” Her father’s days were dwindling; she couldn’t afford to take things slow.

Michelle absentmindedly consumed her breakfast, the taste lost to her preoccupation. Recognizing the situation, she yearned to assist. Yet, Maverick subtly halted her, a silent plea not to intrude on the pair’s

interaction.

Laura, observing Lysander and Josiah walking side by side, pondered their compatibility. Contemplating her husband’s improved demeanor, she noted the significant change.

Fearing her inner turmoil would betray her, Michelle busied herself with tasks, seeking solace in productivity. “I’ll tidy up the campsite,” she declared.

Laura’s satisfaction mingled with surprise at her younger daughter’s proactive nature. “The kids have matured a lot these days.”

Having discreetly taken a painkiller, Maverick appeared marginally better than the previous night. Hist gaze distant, he nodded in agreement, acknowledging. “Our daughters have always been sensible.”

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Efficiently, both Lysander and Josiah completed their tasks. Swiftly, Lysander returned with the fishing equipment, soon followed by Josiah, jogging with a kite in hand.

Laura’s last kite–flying experience predated her marriage. Holding the kite reel, confusion clouded her initial attempts. Susan, unfamiliar with such activities since her own wedding, shared her perplexity. Despite their joint efforts, they struggled to elevate the kite beyond the trees.

With a cheerful grin, Maverick stepped forward, offering assistance. “Let me give it a shot,” he volunteered, “you focus on running ahead, I’ll support you from behind. Despite sweat beading on his forehead, he persisted until the kite soared steadily.

Lysander contemplated offering help but hesitated, realizing this might mark their final kite–flying adventure together.

Josiah noticed Lysander lost in thought and gently proposed, “I’ve got a camera. How about a commemorative photo with your parents? Let’s include Michelle too for a family portrait.”

He wasn’t much of a talker, yet behind the scenes, he had everything arranged meticulously, even including things that might only potentially come in handy..

Collecting her thoughts, Lysander nodded slightly. “All right.”

Josiah fetched his camera from the car, capturing moments of Maverick and Laura’s kite–flying excitement.

Laura initially hesitated but couldn’t resist Maverick’s enthusiasm. Josiah snapped numerous photos of the couple flying kites together.

The mountain wind swept in gusts, leaving them breathless as their kite soared. Maverick, securing the spool, sat beside Laura on the grass, their affection evident in their silhouettes that seemed beyond what one would expect from a couple their age.

Rested, Maverick suggested, “Remember wanting to go fishing? There’s a stream nearby, perfect for it. Let’s have a picnic.

The idea garnered unanimous approval.

Susan had been home alone for quite some time, and she hadn’t experienced such excitement in a while. Although she felt a bit tired after flying a kite, her excitement brewed as they prepared for the creek–side. picnic.

Josiah shouldered the task of moving the necessary items, once again.

Michelle wanted to lend a hand but felt unsure of the best way to contribute. Lysander, always the proactive one, took charge and handed her the camera, saying, “Take more pictures of Mom and Dad. I’ll go fetch the fishing equipment.”

“Lysander… Michelle sniffled, the sorrow still evident in her eyes.

Lysander gently embraced her, saying, “Stay strong, at least for these few days, let’s make Mom happy. Your social media posts are always stunning; bring that same level of effort and take a few pictures for Mom and Dad too.”

Michelle nodded vigorously, finding a purpose to strive toward.

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Chapter 627 Family Portrait

Lysander, now empty–handed, stood by the creek. Watching her parents and Susan enthusiastically catching shrimps together filled her with a sense of unprecedented fulfillment.

If only we could stay in this moment forever….

Just then, a soft voice echoed from behind, “The forest is colder than the campsite.”

As Josiah spoke, he draped the cardigan he had brought over her shoulders.

Finished.

Lysander clutched the corner of her clothes, feeling the lingering warmth in her palm as she slowly began to speak. “My dad rarely laughed so heartily before. When my mom used to ask him to take photos and videos of her, he always insisted it was a woman’s game, refusing to cooperate. But now, when she asked him to help her and Susan find the right angles for their scarves, he didn’t object at all.”

The temperature in the mountains was chilly. Laura and Susan had both donned silk scarves. At that moment, they were standing on the rocks by the stream, striking the popular poses seen on short video platforms, guided by the direction of the wind.

After taking a few pictures with Laura, Susan claimed she was tired and returned to the creekside to watch the fishing rod, giving her spot to Maverick.

Laura, overjoyed that her husband agreed to take a photo without her needing to persuade him forcefully, said, “Come on, stand in front of me. Let’s take a creative photo of us holding hands.”

Maverick, particularly cooperative, chuckled, “All right, wherever you want me to stand, I’ll stand.”

He had always been light on his feet, but at that moment, he suddenly slipped. Thankfully, his quick reflexes saved him from falling.

Laura, taken aback, quickly reached out to steady him. “Are you okay?” she asked, concern evident in her voice. “You’ve been seeming rather out of sorts these past few days, haven’t you?”

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