Married At First Sight Chapter 3871
Chapter 3871
After a lighthearted moment with her third son, Mrs. Lewis turned her attention back to Duncan and Liberty. With a warm smile, she asked, “Duncan, Liberty, when do you plan on getting the marriage certificate? Tomorrow, perhaps? The Civil Affairs Bureau will be closing soon for the holiday, so it’d be ideal to get it done within the next two days.”
Getting the marriage certificate would give Duncan peace of mind, knowing they’d be legally married even if they waited to have the wedding. For Mrs. Lewis, the marriage certificate also meant that Duncan could finally enjoy a home filled with love, and—she hoped—a grandchild on the way by the time the wedding arrived.
While Mrs. Lewis would be overjoyed if Liberty chose to have a child with Duncan, she also respected her wishes. After all, she’d seen how well Duncan treated Sonny, and Sonny, being raised with good values, would likely support Duncan in his old age. But secretly, Mrs. Lewis did hope Liberty might consider it.
Duncan gently nudged Liberty to respond, and she answered easily, “Tomorrow works for us. We’ll go to the Civil Affairs Bureau in the morning, have lunch together, and then go to my aunt’s for dinner. My aunt and Grandpa Jimenez have been asking when we’ll come over.”
Mrs. Lewis beamed. “Wonderful,” she replied. “We’ll have a family dinner tomorrow to celebrate, so everyone can meet you.”
With that, she turned to her husband and asked him to retrieve a red brocade box from her dressing table upstairs. When he returned, Mrs. Lewis carefully opened the box, revealing an exquisite set of jade jewelry. The deep green jade was of the finest quality, a true treasure meant for special occasions.
“This set is my wedding gift to you, Liberty,” Mrs. Lewis said, holding out the box. “Even though the wedding itself is a few months away, getting the marriage certificate is a huge milestone, and we want to honor it. Tomorrow, we’ll host a family dinner to officially introduce you to our friends and relatives.
“I gave each of my daughters-in-law a set of jade jewelry when they joined the family,” she continued with a smile. “Your eldest sister-in-law’s set is a bit more elaborate, as she’s the eldest. But yours, like the other two, is equally meaningful and given with love.”
She handed the jewelry box to Liberty, who looked to Duncan, hesitant. He nodded, reassuring her. “It’s tradition in our family, so please accept it. Mom did this for my sisters-in-law as well.”
In truth, Duncan knew that his mother’s jewelry collection was vast. She had always been generous with her daughters-in-law and granddaughters, showering them with beautiful pieces she’d collected over the years. Although Duncan hadn’t received any heirlooms himself—at least not until marriage—he remembered his mother’s words clearly: she had set aside her most precious pieces for her daughters-in-law and granddaughters, as she never had a daughter of her own.
Liberty smiled, her heart full of gratitude. She accepted the box, understanding that it was more than a gift—it was a heartfelt welcome into the Lewis family.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3872
Chapter 3872
Although her daughters-in-law weren’t born to her, Mrs. Lewis treated each one with the love of a mother. As long as they joined the Lewis family, supported their husbands, and brought children into the family, she would cherish them as daughters. She gifted each daughter-in-law some treasured jewelry, intending these pieces would one day be passed on to her grandchildren.
The in-laws of the Lewis family were wealthy in their own right, and each daughter-in-law brought a considerable dowry. Jewelry wasn’t something they lacked, but they still cherished Mrs. Lewis’s gifts and promised to hand them down within the family. The young wives of the Lewis family had already begun collecting jewelry for their own daughters, embracing a family culture that treated all children equally, regardless of gender.
Mrs. Lewis had a special fondness for her granddaughters, having had only sons herself. She’d once worried the Lewis home would become too much like the York household, where sons far outnumbered daughters. Fortunately, her family was balanced with granddaughters and grandsons alike: four grandsons and three granddaughters. As for Duncan, whether he and Liberty would have a child was still unknown, but Mrs. Lewis secretly hoped for a granddaughter with Liberty’s gentle features rather than Duncan’s rugged look.
Liberty accepted the set of jade jewelry from Mrs. Lewis with a heartfelt, “Thank you, Mom.”
Mrs. Lewis beamed. “No need to thank me. These are for you, after all.”
Following Mrs. Lewis’s gift, Duncan’s aunts and sisters-in-law each presented Liberty with gifts as well. She hadn’t expected to receive so many gifts at a simple family dinner, but turning them down would seem ungrateful. So, with a warm smile, she accepted them all graciously.
Even Sonny received gifts from the family when he returned from playing with Rocco, who was just as energetic and mischievous as ever. After dinner, Liberty, along with Sonny, Rocco, and Duncan, went out for a walk.
The moment the two boys were out of the house, they tore off like wild horses, quickly disappearing around the corner.
Watching them, Liberty laughed. “Now I understand why Mom and Third Sister-in-law are always worried about Rocco. He’s a little whirlwind! No wonder Sonny talks about him so much. Rocco’s even more of a handful than his uncle Rowan.”
Rowan, soon to be preparing for college, had matured significantly. While he still had his spirited moments and loved taking Sonny on little adventures, he was mostly a responsible companion, even something of a protective nanny to Sonny. Rocco, on the other hand, was at the perfect age for constant play. Whenever he took Sonny with him, he would go full speed—climbing, running, never slowing down.
Duncan chuckled. “Sonny’s still young. Kids should have the freedom to just enjoy themselves while they can. Once he starts school, he’ll have a lot more on his plate, and he might not be able to play as freely as he does now.”
Duncan knew that as smart as Sonny was, his academic path would inevitably add pressures and responsibilities. In time, he’d come to understand the demands of learning, but Duncan also believed in the value of a joyful, carefree childhood—a foundation that would help Sonny thrive in whatever future challenges lay ahead.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3873
Chapter 3873
Though Sonny has the support of several powerful families, everyone hopes he’ll eventually succeed on his own—so he can stand strong without relying on others.
Duncan hadn’t given much thought to Sonny’s future studies, but he knew Liberty had high hopes for her son, and Serenity, as his aunt, was dedicated to guiding and nurturing him.
Sonny may only be in kindergarten, but he’s already started learning piano, chess, poetry, and painting. For now, it’s about laying a good foundation and sparking his curiosity. Since he’s still young, Liberty and Serenity want him to enjoy his childhood, especially during summer and winter breaks. When it’s time to study, he studies hard, and when it’s time to play, he plays just as hard.
Liberty nodded thoughtfully. “While he’s still young, let’s give him a few more years of freedom. Once things are settled in Jensburg, we’ll look at moving Sonny there for school. I just don’t know if he’ll want to go.”
If Sonny wasn’t keen on leaving his family in Wiltspoon, Liberty knew they could always keep him there. Serenity, Audrey, and the Lewis family would help take care of him, putting Liberty’s mind at ease. Yet, being so young, long-term separation could be hard on him.
Moving Sonny to Jensburg meant uprooting him from his familiar world, surrounded by loved ones. The transition would be a challenge.
The distant laughter of Sonny and Rocco drifted through the air, filling the space with joy. Duncan looked around, unable to spot them, but hearing their laughter was enough.
“When the time comes, we’ll ask Sonny what he wants,” Liberty said. “If he chooses Jensburg, he’ll go; if he wants to stay, he’ll stay. After New Year’s, you might end up going to Jensburg alone, and Sonny and I might stay in Wiltspoon.”
Duncan looked down with a hint of guilt, patting his leg. “Even though I can walk now, I’m not fully there yet. If I walk too far, the pain is unbearable, and I have to stop. I still need rehab, but by the second half of the year, I should be back to normal.”
He added, “I know I’m limited right now, but I can stay here, look after Sonny, and keep him safe so you can focus on your work in Jensburg. No matter what happens, you’ll have our support.”
Duncan wanted nothing more than to move with Liberty to Jensburg. When she took over the Farrell family, he’d change his surname to Farrell too, becoming part of her family. All he cared about was being by her side. But with his physical limitations, he knew he’d only make things harder for her there.
He reluctantly accepted that they’d be living in different cities, at least for now.
“Duncan, this is my responsibility, and I’m ready for it,” Liberty replied, her tone firm. “My aunt entrusted this to me, and I believe I can handle it. Don’t blame yourself. Just focus on getting better—that’s all I need. We have our whole lives ahead of us. After New Year’s, I’ll talk to Sonny and see how he feels about moving.”
Duncan nodded in agreement.
Though Sonny was still young, Liberty and Duncan wanted to respect his feelings and let him choose his own path, not push him into anything he wasn’t ready for.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3874
Chapter 3874
After the New Year, Liberty knew she’d be swamped with work. Even if she brought Sonny to Jensburg, she wouldn’t have the time to personally look after him, meaning he’d be left with the nanny. It seemed more sensible to leave him in Wiltspoon, surrounded by family and friends.
Sonny would probably choose to stay in Wiltspoon for now.
“What time should we meet tomorrow?” Duncan asked, changing the topic.
Liberty smiled. “Any time during work hours.”
She paused, then added, “Let’s say nine in the morning. Seren and Zachary will be here, so they can keep an eye on Sonny. I’ll head out, and you can meet me at the entrance to the Civil Affairs Bureau.”
Duncan shook his head. “No, I want to go with you.”
He didn’t want to wait outside; he wanted to walk into the Civil Affairs Bureau together with Liberty.
“Let’s bring Sonny, too. Starting tomorrow, we’re a family of three.”
Tomorrow, Duncan would officially become Sonny’s father, even if only as a stepfather. The thought of it filled him with joy—he hadn’t expected to become a father to the boy he’d grown so fond of.
Liberty considered it, then agreed, “Alright, let’s take Sonny with us.”
“Oh, and after we get married, Sonny will keep his last name. Hank made that a condition during the divorce, and I gave my word. Sonny’s last name will remain Brown.”
Duncan nodded. “I understand. No matter how much I love Sonny, I’m not his biological father. Hank still has a place in Sonny’s life. He pays child support, and when he has time, he visits Sonny and spends time with him. That’s part of being a father.
“Being his biological dad isn’t something you can just step into because you want to. I don’t need Sonny to take my last name—he’ll always be Hank’s son.”
Liberty gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you, Duncan, for understanding.”
“We’re about to be husband and wife; no need to thank me.”
Liberty smiled and stopped pushing the wheelchair.
Duncan looked over his shoulder at her, and just then, she leaned in, planting a soft kiss on his cheek.
He responded instantly, pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly as he kissed her.
When their kiss ended, Duncan spoke in a quiet, heartfelt tone. “Liberty, stay with me tonight?”
He longed to begin their life together. Though they’d be married by tomorrow, he wished tomorrow could arrive just a little sooner.
Liberty’s cheeks flushed slightly. Even though she was a mother, Duncan’s love brought out a shyness in her she hadn’t felt in years. Love feels different when you’re cherished so deeply, held carefully, and looked after—it’s the kind of love that brings out a gentle warmth.
“I should go back tonight,” she replied softly. “But tomorrow night, you can stay with me, or I’ll stay at your place.”
“Deal.” Duncan grinned. “I’ll come to your place tomorrow night. It doesn’t matter where I am, as long as I’m with you.”
Duncan had a home in the same villa community as Liberty.
Anywhere Liberty was—that was home for him.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3875
Chapter 3875
There wasn’t much conversation that night.
The next morning, Liberty was still in bed, just starting to wake when she heard the sound of the front gate opening. Audrey’s voice drifted in as she spoke to the nanny.
“The eldest young lady is here early,” the nanny remarked.
“Yes,” Serenity replied. “My sister’s getting her marriage certificate today, and I couldn’t sleep once I woke up, so I thought I’d come see her.”
Serenity was too excited to rest. Her sister was getting married to Duncan today, and the anticipation kept her wide awake. Zachary had tried to coax her back to sleep, but as soon as dawn broke, Serenity had dreamed of her late parents and woke up again, her mind full of thoughts of family. She decided to head over to her parents’ house first thing.
Zachary, who had just started his New Year break and was looking forward to sleeping in, couldn’t resist Serenity’s excitement. True to form, he was up and by her side, heading out early to join her.
“Miss Hunt hasn’t woken up yet,” the nanny mentioned.
“That’s alright; I won’t disturb her,” Serenity said, her voice soft with affection. She brought plenty with her—nutritional supplements, plus wedding gifts she and Zachary had picked out for Liberty.
Last night, Liberty had messaged her, letting her know that today was the big day for the marriage certificate. They’d planned to hold the wedding itself in early autumn, after Liberty’s baby was born and she was well enough to attend Serenity’s wedding. Although Serenity could attend her sister’s wedding now, Liberty wanted to wait to ensure Serenity’s safety, worried that the crowded event might put her at risk.
While Serenity chatted with the nanny, Zachary carried in the gifts and supplies they’d brought along.
“Miss Hunt went to Mr. Lewis’s for dinner last night,” the nanny mentioned. “She told me she took a lot of the supplements the Lewis family sent her to his house. She says they keep sending so much, but she can’t possibly use it all up. Now she’s just going to laugh when she sees that you brought more!”
Serenity chuckled. “It’s the same with me. I keep telling people I don’t need all these supplements, but every time friends or family stop by, they bring more. I can only send some over to my sister’s.”
Now that Serenity was pregnant, she seemed to have more supplements than anything else. Wiltspoon’s drugstores and department stores must have been emptied by well-wishers, piling her home high with more supplements than any pharmacy. Strangers would probably think she ran a health-food warehouse with the amount she had.
“Auntie,” Serenity said, “I’d like a light breakfast this morning.”
Since she’d left home before breakfast, she’d hoped to enjoy her sister’s cooking. But knowing today was special for Liberty, she settled for a quiet meal at home instead, planning to head to her aunt’s for dinner later.
“Of course.” The nanny smiled. “I’ll get breakfast ready now. Miss Hunt and Sonny will be up soon.”
She headed to the kitchen, while Zachary stepped out to bring in the last of the packages.
Serenity sat on the sofa but felt restless. Within minutes, she stood up, turning to Zachary. “I’m going upstairs to check on Sonny.”
“I’ll come with you,” Zachary replied, smiling as they went up the stairs together.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3876
Chapter 3876
Sonny’s room was next to the guest room—almost as large as the master bedroom Liberty used, though technically designated as a guest room. In reality, though, only Serenity and Zachary ever stayed in it when visiting her.
After a full day of play with Rocco, Sonny had fallen asleep as soon as he got home. Now, he was still deep in a dream, his face relaxed and peaceful.
Serenity sat gently on the edge of his bed, watching him with a warm smile. She reached out to stroke his cheek, feeling the soft, smooth skin beneath her fingers. “Kids have the softest skin,” she said quietly.
“Brother Rocco, come chase me… hehe,” Sonny mumbled in his sleep, laughing as he dreamed of the games he’d played with Rocco. His joy was palpable, even in sleep, as he relived their fun, laughing with every imagined step.
“He’s still caught up in yesterday’s games,” Serenity said, chuckling as she looked at Zachary. She leaned over to kiss Sonny’s forehead, whispering, “You’re a lucky boy, Sonny. You’ve got two fathers now who love you, and that’s double the love. So remember, Auntie just wants you to be happy. Always.”
Though Sonny was far too deep in sleep to respond, Liberty stood in the doorway, watching the scene with eyes full of gratitude and love. She felt so grateful for her sister’s happiness and her coming role as an aunt. Serenity had a loving marriage and a baby on the way, and that filled Liberty’s heart with peace.
Her own life had come full circle, too. After all she had endured—the heartache, betrayal, and years of struggle—she was finally blessed with a new beginning. Duncan, the man she was about to marry, was not only caring and genuine but also deeply committed to her son, treating him as his own. Liberty couldn’t help but think that fate had given her another chance, a better one. Duncan was a far better partner than Hank, not because of money but because of his loyalty and devotion.
Serenity’s voice pulled her back into the moment. “Honey,” she said to Zachary, “imagine if we had a son as sweet as Sonny. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
Zachary smiled, his tone soft and reassuring. “I’d love both a son or a daughter. I’ve told you that a hundred times.” His patience never wavered, understanding the pressure Serenity felt. He knew she wanted to fulfill his family’s hopes for a daughter, but to him, it didn’t matter. What mattered was that she felt supported, and he was determined to ease any pressure she felt.
“I hope my sister and Duncan have another child someday,” Serenity said thoughtfully, “so Sonny has a brother or sister. Being an only child can feel lonely.”
She chuckled, adding, “Even if we don’t have a daughter, maybe my sister and Duncan will.”
Hearing this, Liberty joined the conversation. “Having another child isn’t on my mind right now,” she said, smiling gently. “Seren, don’t put so much pressure on yourself either. Look at Grandma York and your mother-in-law—they hoped for a daughter for years and learned to let go of that wish.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 3877
Chapter 3877
“Sis, you’re up! Auntie said you were still resting, so I didn’t want to wake you,” Serenity greeted with a smile as Liberty walked in.
Liberty replied softly, “I woke up when you got back. Sonny’s still asleep. Want to head downstairs or maybe step outside with me?”
“Sis, what time are you meeting Duncan?” Serenity asked, concerned her sister might be running late.
Liberty chuckled, “Not till nine—plenty of time.”
The two sisters left the children’s room and went downstairs, with Zachary staying behind in the main house. Once outside, Liberty and Serenity strolled through the villa’s yard.
Liberty now lived in a villa that originally belonged to Zachary. He had sold it to her at a discount, respecting her wish to buy it rather than accept it as a gift. Though the villa had a yard, it wasn’t too spacious, perfect for a casual morning walk.
As they walked, Serenity broached a topic close to the Lewis family’s heart. “Sis, after you and Duncan get married, have you thought about having another child?”
Liberty was quiet for a moment before answering. “I’m about to take over the Farrell family. As the family’s matriarch, I’ll need to follow some long-standing traditions, at least at first. One of those is passing down the position to a daughter, not a son. Since I only have Sonny, I’d like a daughter someday, someone who can eventually take on that responsibility.”
Liberty’s aunt, Audrey, had advised her that she could gradually modernize the family’s customs, but it would be a long process. After all, the Farrell traditions were generations old, and even her cousin Clarissa had tried—and struggled—to ease the more rigid rules. Still, one thing remained unchanged: the leadership of the family passed to daughters, not sons.
Liberty shared Clarissa’s outlook. She didn’t feel compelled to upend this tradition, especially since none of Clarissa’s sons were ready to bear the family’s responsibilities. Liberty wasn’t sure yet how her own efforts to reform would turn out, but she didn’t feel pressured to change the rule of succession anytime soon.
“That said, I’m not planning on having another child just yet. This year’s already full, and next year’s shaping up to be just as busy. I may even leave Sonny in Wiltspoon to make things easier,” she added with a sigh.
Serenity nodded in understanding. “Of course, Sis. Focus on getting settled first. You’re still young, and Duncan won’t rush you. He already treats Sonny like his own. As far as he’s concerned, Sonny makes him feel complete.”
Serenity knew the entire Lewis family would be delighted if Liberty and Duncan decided to have a child together, but she wanted her sister to take things at her own pace.
Liberty smiled. “Duncan’s not really interested in having more kids anyway. He always says Sonny is enough for him.”
Duncan’s love for Liberty was sincere, and he valued their family—however it came together—more than anything.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3878
Chapter 3878
If Liberty weren’t set to lead the Farrell family, she might have taken her time—maybe years—to decide whether to have a second child. But knowing how much Duncan loved her, she wanted to give him a biological child, someone they could both cherish together. She couldn’t just think about herself and Sonny; Duncan deserved to be considered, too.
“By the way, there’s something I’d like to ask for your help with,” Liberty said.
“Sis, you don’t have to be so formal! Just tell me what you need,” Serenity replied, smiling.
“After the New Year, I’ll be heading back to Jensburg. For now, I think it’s best to keep Sonny here in Wiltspoon. When things settle down, I’ll ask him if he’d like to come live with me there. But if he prefers to stay, I’d be so grateful if you could keep looking after him. I’ll be busier than ever, and even with nannies, it won’t be the same for him. He’d feel too lonely.”
No amount of care from a nanny could match the love and attention Sonny got from Serenity, his aunt.
Liberty hadn’t yet asked Sonny how he felt about moving, but she was pretty sure he’d choose to stay in Wiltspoon—at least for this year.
“If Sonny goes with you, I’ll miss him so much. He’s grown up with me by his side; he feels like a son to me,” Serenity admitted warmly. “But if he decides to stay, I’ll take care of him, don’t worry. Maybe when he’s closer to starting school and you’re more settled in Jensburg, you can bring him there. You two are family; it’d be hard to be apart forever.”
Serenity already planned to buy a home in Jensburg, so she’d be nearby. Her vegetable company was even expanding into the area. After her baby was born, she intended to rent some land in the towns around Jensburg, set up a fresh produce market, and grow vegetables and fruit there. Her business could thrive anywhere she wanted.
Liberty nodded. “Once Duncan and I make it official, I’ll see what Sonny wants.”
Serenity agreed, “Yes, that sounds good.”
Then, she asked, “Has the Brown family been in touch? Hank knows you and Duncan are getting married soon, and I imagine Sonny still wants to see his dad sometimes.”
Liberty replied, “No, Hank hasn’t reached out. He promised to stay out of my life except when it concerns Sonny. We’ve been divorced for two years, and he’s remarried. Now, he’s just Sonny’s dad. Beyond that, we’re nothing.”
Their divorce had been too messy for any chance at friendship.
“In a few days, I’ll let Sonny stay at the Browns’ for a couple of days, then bring him home for New Year’s Eve. He’s their only grandson, after all, and it’s winter break; he should have time with them,” Liberty added. “Now that work has wound down for the holiday, everything’s quieter. Even Hank has slowed down. Letting Sonny visit will give them some extra father-son time.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 3879
Chapter 3879
“Does Brother Duncan have any objections?” Serenity asked.
“No, not at all. He’s always respected that Hank is Sonny’s biological father, and Sonny’s last name will stay Brown—that was part of our divorce agreement,” Liberty replied. “Since we agreed, it’s settled. Sonny will always be part of the Brown family, and changing his last name wouldn’t change that.”
“Brother Duncan is really understanding,” Serenity remarked.
Just then, Liberty’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen—it was Mrs. Brown.
Liberty whispered to her sister, “Speak of the Browns, and here’s my ex-mother-in-law calling.”
“Liberty, what did you say?” Mrs. Brown’s voice crackled through, having caught part of Liberty’s murmur.
“Nothing, Auntie. I was just talking to my sister,” Liberty replied. “Is something on your mind?”
Mrs. Brown’s voice softened. “Liberty, are you back in town?”
“Yes, I am.”
“I heard you’re back. It’s almost the New Year, and Sonny’s on winter break. We all miss him. Could he stay with us for a few days? You could pick him up on New Year’s Eve, or if he could even stay with us for the holiday… well, he’s our grandson, after all. It just feels empty celebrating without him when we honor our family traditions.”
The Browns had planned to return to their hometown for New Year’s, but Hank had opted to stay in the city, wanting to avoid contact with his sister, Chelsea. Despite staying behind, the family still planned to uphold their hometown’s traditions for the holiday.
Liberty considered this for a moment. “Sonny’s still asleep, but I’ll ask him what he thinks when he wakes up. I do have plans to take him to my aunt’s tonight, though, so I can’t drop him off today. How about tomorrow? I’ll bring him to your community gate, and Hank can pick him up there.”
Mrs. Brown responded gratefully, “Thank you, Liberty. It means a lot to us that Sonny’s coming back, even if just for a few days.”
“Of course, Auntie. Sonny’s part of your family, and going to his dad’s house isn’t out of the ordinary. When Hank and I divorced, we agreed to co-parent him. Hank has every right to see his son.”
Even in Sonny’s presence, Liberty had never spoken poorly about Hank, wanting to preserve his father’s image in Sonny’s mind. As Sonny grew, he’d form his own opinions, and Liberty preferred to let him decide on his own.
“You’re a good woman, Liberty,” Mrs. Brown said with a tinge of regret and sadness in her voice.
She knew how much her family had failed Liberty, and how they had once turned their backs on her and Sonny. Liberty had even been injured protecting Sonny when Jessica had tried to harm him—an act Mrs. Brown still regretted deeply. It was too late to undo what had been done.
“I heard from Sonny that you and Duncan are getting married. Do you know when?” Mrs. Brown asked, trying to keep her tone steady.
Liberty replied calmly, “We’re actually heading to the Civil Affairs Bureau today to make it official.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 3880
Chapter 3880
Mrs. Brown was quiet on the other end of the line for a long moment. Finally, she said, “Oh, today? Well… congratulations, Liberty. I hope you and Duncan have a lifetime of happiness together.”
“Thank you,” Liberty replied simply.
There was so much Mrs. Brown had wanted to say, but now, hearing that Liberty and Duncan were getting their marriage certificate that very day, the words felt pointless. With little else to add, Mrs. Brown ended the call.
As soon as she hung up, Mr. Brown, who had been sitting beside her, leaned in. “So, did Liberty agree to let Sonny stay for a few days?”
Mrs. Brown, lost in thought, didn’t answer immediately. Just then, the master bedroom door opened, and Hank shuffled out in his pajamas. Noticing his parents on the sofa, he yawned. “Morning, Mom. What’s for breakfast?”
Mrs. Brown shook herself out of her daze. “Noodles, but they’re not ready yet. I’ll start cooking soon.” She glanced at him. “Aren’t you driving today?”
“Nah,” Hank said, stretching. “It’s the New Year holiday—hardly anyone’s taking taxis. I figured I’d just relax for a few days. Besides, we’ve already done all the New Year shopping, haven’t we?”
Mrs. Brown nodded. “There’s only three of us, so we didn’t need much. Your dad and I bought couplets. Oh, and Sonny might be coming over tomorrow to stay for a couple of days. Be sure to spend some time with him.”
Hank noticed his mother’s phone and figured she’d called Liberty. “Sonny has to actually want to come back, though. Don’t make Liberty push him into it.”
“Liberty wouldn’t do that. She always lets Sonny make his own choices. She and Serenity have raised him so well,” Mrs. Brown replied with a touch of admiration. “If only Lucas turned out like Sonny.”
Hank chuckled. “Mom, Lucas is spoiled because of you. Liberty keeps Sonny grounded.”
“Mom, I haven’t had a good morning to sleep in for ages. I’m heading back to bed—call me when breakfast is ready.”
Hank was just about to head back to his room when his mother called after him, “Hank.”
He turned, waiting to hear what she wanted to say.
“Liberty’s getting her marriage certificate with Duncan today,” Mrs. Brown told him.
Hank shrugged. “That’s her business. Did you congratulate her?”
“I did,” Mrs. Brown said with a sigh.
“Good. Duncan’s a good guy—she’ll be happy with him. He treats Sonny like his own, so we can rest easy knowing Sonny will have a solid home with them,” Hank said. “Duncan can offer Sonny a better life than what he’d have with us.”
He paused, then added, “Since Sonny’s coming over tomorrow, I’ll stop by to see Jessica later, bring her a few things.”
It was his way of reminding his parents that things had changed—he and Liberty were long in the past. Jessica, despite everything, was his current wife, and Liberty was moving on to become Mrs. Lewis. They were only connected through Sonny now.
“Why are you still visiting her? Her own family doesn’t even bother,” Mrs. Brown snapped, clearly irritated at the mention of Jessica. “She nearly ruined you, Hank. And yet you refused to divorce her and even forgave her! If you’d just gone through with it, she might be facing a longer sentence now. Instead, here we are.”
She shook her head, exasperated. “Sometimes, I don’t know what to do with you.”