Henry pouted for more food, his little mouth munching away, drawing adoring looks from the older folks in the Byrne family, who saw him as the epitome of cuteness.
Grandpa Elmer and Grandma Aubree stood nearby, hands clasped behind their backs, their eyes filled with warmth and affection.
Seeing the joy in their eyes, Molly laughed and asked, "Hey Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, how about I have a kid for you too?"
Coleen replied, "You're still young, no rush. Just bring Henry over now and then for us to enjoy."
Henry was too focused on the feast in front of him to care about his mom's video call.
Mia hung up and called her husband. "Hey, when you're off work, swing by the Byrnes and pick up your little foodie."
"Why's the little foodie over there again?" he asked.
Mia, munching on some popcorn, said, "His aunt felt sorry for him and whisked him away."
Andre, amused, asked, "And how's my big foodie doing?"
"Snacking on popcorn and waiting for you! Oh, and honey, don't show up at the Byrnes empty-handed."
Andre's heart warmed at his wife's thoughtful reminder. He smiled, hung up, and got back to work.
Being in a good mood seemed to make everything go smoother. Since getting hitched to Mia, Andre's overseas business ventures had really taken off, meaning more trips to stabilize the market.
"The boss, should we book your flight to Australia for next week?"
Andre paused, "Nah, let me check if Mia wants to tag along." Then he instructed, "Hey, prep some gifts for my trunk. I'm picking up the kid from the Byrnes later."
"Why's Henry at the Byrnes again?" Even Noah was puzzled by Henry's whereabouts.
"Molly took him," Andre clarified.
After work, Andre showed up at the Byrne place, arms full of thoughtful gifts.
Though he was just there to pick up his son, he also represented his sister's family, so he made sure to follow the proper etiquette, just as Mia had advised.
"Andre, you're here! You didn't have to bring anything," Coleen greeted him warmly.
After the pleasantries, Andre called out to his son playing on the floor, "Henry, let's head home, buddy."
Seeing his dad, Henry crawled over at lightning speed, climbing onto Andre's shoes, "Ah da ba ba."
Andre picked up Henry, straightened his clothes, and asked, "Did you have fun at your aunt's place today?"
Henry responded by planting a slobbery kiss on his dad's cheek.
"Alright, Coleen, we'll get going," Andre said.
Coleen tried to persuade them to stay, "Why not stick around for dinner?"
Andre politely declined, "Mia's waiting at home for him. He's been away all afternoon, and she's been anxious." Turning to his sister, he asked, "You coming?"
Molly grabbed her purse, "Mom, I'm heading out too. If Chad comes back, let him stay here. I'm off to meet my friends."
Chad arrived home late, hands full of street food, "Molly?"
Coleen informed him, "She's gone back to the Cedillos. You're flying solo tonight."
Chad, setting down his food, announced, "I'm gonna fetch her from the Cedillos."
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