Chapter 108

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Teresa had managed to stay married to Jonathan for two years , largely because his cooking was incredible – especially his honey garlic pork chops . They were so good , he could’ve won the Nareigh celebrity chef contest .
But now the pork chops were gone or so she thought .
“ Here’s another plate , especially for you ,” Jonathan announced , appearing suddenly with a fresh serving . He placed it right in front of her .
Unable to resist , Teresa picked up a piece and took a bite . Jonathan smiled slightly , thinking . ‘ She still loves pork chops so much .’
Cheryl , sitting nearby , covered her eyes dramatically . “ Oh my , you kept a plate just for her ? It’s so cringe – worthy to watch . ”
Miriam smirked . “ Let’s go cut some fruit and give them some space . ”
Cheryl chuckled . “ Sure thing , Miriam . I’ll help . ”
The two , both full and satisfied , got up to prepare fruit . Teresa continued eating , stealing a glance at Michael , who had already cleared his plate .
Rubbing his round belly , Michael grinned . “ I’m so full !
Teresa scolded lightly , “ You shouldn’t eat so much . You just recovered from a cold . The doctor said you shouldn’t overeat . ”
Michael shook his head , defending himself . “ I didn’t eat that much ! It’s just that Mr. Lime’s cooking is too good . ” He leaned toward Jonathan with a playful grin . “ Mr. Daddy Lime , you’re amazing ! I wish you could cook for me every day . ”
Jonathan patted Michael’s head but didn’t make any promises . His gaze lingered on Teresa for a moment as a thought crossed his mind , ‘ Her reaction to Michael was … ” He shook it off , deciding he might overthinking things .
Miriam returned with a platter of fresh fruit . “ Here’s the fruit . Have some , everyone . ”
Cheryl handed Jonathan a slice of orange . “ Here , Jonathan . You’ve worked hard tonight . ”
Miriam added , “ Thanks , Mr. Lynn , for cooking today . Your skills haven’t changed a bit . I miss the days when I used to come over and mooch food from you . ”
Cheryl nodded enthusiastically . “ Jonathan’s cooking is unbeatable . During our family’s New Year’s Eve dinners , it’s always him who cooks . It’s honestly the best day of the year for me . ”
Successfully unlocked !
Miriam laughed . “ Mr. Lynn , if you’re free , you should come cook for my New Year’s Ever dinner . I’ll even pay you ! ”
Jonathan replied politely but noncommittally , “ We’ll see . ”
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Teresa sighed , holding her forehead . ‘ So much for trying to manipulate this man . Now he’s cooked a meal and has us all wrapped around his finger , she thought .
Miriam grinned mischievously . “ Teresa’s birthday is coming up . Let’s not eat out this time ; the restaurants aren’t any good anyway . How about Jonathan cooks instead ? ” Teresa quickly nudged Miriam with her elbow , trying to shut her up . Only then did Miriam cover her mouth .
Jonathan glanced at Teresa thoughtfully . ‘ Right , her birthday’s on the 16th of January ! He’d been back in Nareigh since early fall , and now , deep winter had set in . He realized he’d barely had chances like this to sit and share meals with her .
Changing the subject , he asked Michael , who was perched in his arms , “ Mike , when’s your birthday ? ”
Teresa froze for a moment before looking at Michael . The boy , munching on an apple slice , shook his head sadly . “ My mommy doesn’t celebrate my birthday . ”
Jonathan frowned , patting Michael’s head gently . “ Maybe your mom and dad are just too busy . ”
Teresa lowered her head , guilt washing over her . It wasn’t that she didn’t want to celebrate Michael’s birthday , but family traditions dictated otherwise . After her grandparents passed , it was considered bad luck to celebrate a child’s birthday within three years .
At first , Teresa had dismissed these superstitions , but after Michael was born , she became more cautious . Even Miriam , his godmother , was chosen after consulting horoscope compatibility . She had gone out of her way to protect Michael .
His second birthday had passed quietly , but when he turned three , she planned to celebrate fully .
Jonathan’s voice broke her thoughts . “ For your next birthday , Mike , I’ll celebrate with you . How about it ? ”
Michael’s face lit up , and he threw his arms wide . “ Yay ! Mr. Lime , you’re the best ! “ He turned to Teresa and asked sweetly , “ Ms. Johnston , when is my birthday ? ”
Teresa shook her head . “ I don’t know . I’ll ask your mom next time . ”
Miriam knew the real reason Teresa didn’t celebrate his birthday and tried to lighten the mood . “ Mike , I’ll celebrate your next birthday with you too ! ”
Cheryl added , “ Me too ! ”
Michael , now bubbling with excitement , stretched his arms out again . “ Yay ! Then I’ll grow up quickly so I can have my birthday sooner ! ”
Jonathan stroked Michael’s cheek , his voice soft . “ It’s better to grow up slowly . ” “ The world of adults is tough , he thought .
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As the night deepened , Jonathan left , taking only Cheryl with him . Michael had already fallen asleep . Miriam , ever the peacemaker , suggested not taking Michael outside , lest he catch another cold . Jonathan agreed , though as he left , he gave Teresa one last glance .
When the door closed , Miriam sighed . “ Your ex – husband seems like he’s got his eyes glued to you . It’s either you or Mike he’s looking at . ”
Teresa didn’t reply . Instead , she helped Miriam clean up the kitchen . Most of the plates were spotless from how thoroughly everyone had eaten .
“ Mommy ! Mommy ! ” Michael’s voice called from the bedroom .
Hearing this , Teresa hurried to his side . “ What’s wrong ? ” she asked .
He rubbed his eyes and sat up , wrapping his arms around her waist . “ Did Mr. Lime leave already ? ”
Teresa nodded . “ He’s already left . ”
Michael pouted . “ Why didn’t you wake me ? I didn’t get to say goodbye … ”
Her heart softened as she stroked his hair . “ Go back to.sleep , ” she said gently .
Michael snuggled into her arms and drifted off again . Teresa tucked him in and sat beside him , her thoughts conflicted . If Michael were with Jonathan , she knew he would take good care of him .
Recalling the beer she’d bought but hadn’t had the chance to open yet , Teresa poured herself and Miriam a glass of beer before joining the latter at the table . “ Miriam , do you think … I made a mistake ? ”
Miriam looked at her , confused . “ A mistake ? What do you mean ? ”
Teresa sighed deeply . “ I feel like I shouldn’t have kept Mike’s situation a secret , but I’m scared of losing him . If it comes down to it , I might not stand a chance of keeping him . ”
Miriam raised an eyebrow . “ You and Jonathan are bound to fight over Michael . The only way to avoid it is if you tw
get back together . ”
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