Chapter 58
Garth twisted around, making a face. “Uncle, put me down! That hurts p>
Dorothea watched as Latham carried Garth away. She couldn’t help laughing a little, but she still felt bad for the boy. “Latham, go easy on him. He’s just a kid p>
Latham rolled his eyes. “A kid? He’s so chubby, there’s nothing little about him p>
Caught in Latham’s cold stare, Garth forced a grin. “Uncle, you’re the best. I’ve lost weight lately. You can’t spank me now p>
Dorothea watched the two figures disappear down the hall, then quietly slipped back to sit next to Ladd.
Ladd smiled at her. “Don’t let Latham scare you. He’s always teasing Garth. Scott’s busy at work most of the time, so I look after Garth. He really likes following Latham around p>
Dorothea was curious, but she didn’t pry.
No wonder Garth kept asking for his mom. The poor kid was really missing some love.
When Latham came back downstairs with Garth, the boy had a pout on his face but still plopped himself down right next to Dorothea.
He’d already accepted that the woman he’d hoped would be his new mom was actually going to be his aunt.
“Aunt Dorothea, can I sit with you p>
Even though Garth was a little round, he was honestly adorable. His features were beautiful, and you could tell he’d gotten the best genes from his parents.
Dorothea slid a chair out for him. “Of course you can p>
Garth clambered up into the seat with surprising ease for someone his size, then shot a grumpy look at Latham.
By the time dinner was over, Garth and Dorothea had traded numbers. He told her he had a smartwatch and could video call her every day.
Dorothea couldn’t bring herself to say no to him, so she promised she’d answer.
As soon as they finished eating, Latham hurried Dorothea away. He clearly didn’t want to give Garth another chance to work his magic.
Dorothea had to laugh. “Garth is so cute p>
Latham snorted. “Cute? He needs to lose some weight p>
“Don’t say that,” Dorothea scolded. “He’ll take it to heart. What if he gets self- conscious p>
“He won’t,” Latham replied.
“He’s only six p>
Latham let out a short laugh. “You like kids so much. Are you planning to have one someday p>
The room went quiet all at once.
Dorothea had no idea what to say.
Latham hadn’t meant anything by it, and he clearly didn’t know how to pick up the conversation again either.
They walked in silence for a while
They ham finally said, “I wasn’t
before
trying
to pressure you was jus joking p>
Dorothea nodded. “I know p>
When they got home, they each went to their own rooms.
Linda had just gotten off the phone with Ladd. He’d said the two seemed to be getting along pretty well.
But honestly, nothing had changed. If anything, things felt even more distant than before.
Dorothea woke up naturally in the afternoon, sunlight peeking through her curtains.
Her throat felt scratchy as soon as she sat up. Maybe she was coming down with something.
Linda noticed she was finally awake and hurried to warm up some food.
“Dorotheag made you some pear
soup. Drink a little, it’s good for.
throat Lunch will be ready in a minute content
your
Dorothea glanced around the dining room, not seeing Latham anywhere. Linda noticed and smiled. “Latham wen to the office. He asked me not to wake you.”