Chapter 627

Andrew Anderson rubbed his nose, his ears turning slightly pink. "Just wanted to see you happy."

The usually reserved man rarely spoke such tender words.

Grace Anderson's cheeks flushed as she fiddled with her sleeve. "At our age, hiking seems too much. I saw kites and fishing rods at the campsite. Let's try something new like the youngsters."

"I'll borrow them." Andrew stood abruptly.

They exchanged awkward glances.

Alexander Hamilton smoothly intervened. "Uncle, Auntie, please rest. I'll handle the arrangements."

Evelyn Carter frowned. "Fishing gear from the hotel is easy, but kites might be hard to find."

"I'll check the children's area," Alexander mused. "If necessary, we'll buy one."

"At this hour, there may not be kids playing. Even if there are, parents might not sell." Evelyn bit her lip. "I'll get the fishing gear. You arrange for a kite from the city."

"Agreed."

Margaret Hamilton watched their seamless coordination, laugh lines crinkling at her eyes. "No rush. Take your time."

Evelyn clenched her fists. With her father's limited time, how could she not hurry?

Emily Anderson poked listlessly at her breakfast. As she rose to help, Andrew discreetly pressed her wrist down.

Grace gazed at her daughter and Alexander walking away together, her expression softening. Emily quickly gathered dishes, avoiding her mother's perceptive gaze.

"The children have grown more thoughtful lately," Grace murmured.

Andrew swallowed painkillers, his gaze distant. "Our girls have always been good."

Evelyn soon returned with fishing gear. Alexander arrived breathless, holding a kite aloft.

Grace fumbled with the kite string while Margaret fluttered around trying to assist. The kite wobbled drunkenly in the air.

"Let me." Andrew took over, jogging alongside his wife. Within steps, sweat beaded on his forehead, yet he refused to stop.

Evelyn watched her father's unsteady figure, nails digging into her palms.

"I brought a camera," Alexander said quietly. "Let's take photos for Uncle and Auntie. And a family portrait with Emily."

He always knew the perfect thing to say.

Mountain winds rustled the trees as the kite soared steadily against the blue sky. Andrew and Grace sat side by side on the grass, their silhouettes leaning together like young lovers.

"Let's fish by the stream," Andrew said, brushing off his pants. "We can picnic there."

Margaret eagerly prepared lunch while Alexander made multiple trips carrying picnic supplies.

Emily accepted the camera with red-rimmed eyes. Evelyn squeezed her sister's hand. "Take more photos of Mom and Dad."

The babbling stream reflected sunlight, illuminating every smiling face. Grace and Margaret posed on rocks with silk scarves. Andrew, who usually avoided cameras, now stood willingly before the lens.

"Is this spot okay?" he asked his wife with a smile.

Before Grace could answer, she gasped. Andrew slipped, swaying unsteadily.

"What's wrong?" Grace rushed to steady him. "You've been distracted these past days."

Evelyn watched from afar, her throat tight. Alexander silently draped a cardigan over her shoulders, its comforting weight grounding her.

"Dad used to hate photos," she whispered. "Now he poses however Mom wants."

The stream mirrored the sky's radiance, making every smile glow. Evelyn wished time could freeze this moment forever.