Chapter 620

Grace Anderson was the last to get ready before the four women stepped into the misty private hot spring.

Wrapped in a towel, Grace tentatively dipped her toes into the water, only to be pulled in by Aunt Margaret. The warmth enveloped her instantly, drawing a contented sigh. "This beats our bathtub at home by miles."

Emily Anderson splashed into the water like an excited fish, immediately dousing Evelyn Carter with droplets that shimmered like rainbows in the sunlight. The sisters' laughter echoed through the space.

"Look how happy they are," Grace murmured, leaning against the stone edge beside Margaret, both wearing maternal smiles.

A wistful gleam flickered in Margaret's eyes. "Youth is such a gift. Twenty years ago, I'd have joined their antics without hesitation."

The two mothers soon fell into easy conversation, reminiscing about their younger days.

"I might have stayed single forever if I hadn't met Andrew," Grace mused, watching flower petals drift across the water's surface.

Margaret perked up. "Engineer Anderson seemed so serious—I'd never have guessed he was the romantic type."

A blush tinted Grace's cheeks. "Back then, we didn't overthink things. After one movie date, he pointed at the sky and said city stars were dull compared to the Milky Way in the mountains."

Both sisters immediately pricked up their ears.

"Did Dad take you?" Emily asked eagerly.

Grace shook her head with a soft smile. "You two came along after we married. Stargazing got lost in diapers and night feeds."

Evelyn's chest tightened. Calculating the timeline of her parents' marriage, she felt sudden heat behind her eyes.

"Mom," she said quietly but firmly, "I'll take you to see the real Milky Way."

Grace waved her off. "Oh, I was just rambling. You're so busy with work—"

"It's no trouble," Margaret interjected, already reaching for her phone. "I'll have Alexander arrange it."

The call connected faster than Grace's protests. Within minutes, camping plans were set.

At dusk, the group assembled by the resort entrance.

Alexander Hamilton explained, "The resort provides professional camping services. Equipment's already been taken up the mountain."

Andrew Anderson looked revitalized. "Never thought I'd go camping at my age." He turned to his wife. "Finally keeping my promise to show you the galaxy."

Grace playfully swatted his arm. "Must you say such things in front of the children?"

"Was I lying?" Andrew boomed with laughter.

Evelyn smiled at her parents' banter—until she felt a gentle nudge against her foot beneath the table. Alexander's shoe had brushed hers.

She looked up to meet his smiling eyes.