Chapter 923

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the toy store, casting golden pools across the colorful displays. A cluster of teddy bear balloons swayed gently in the breeze, their cheerful faces bobbing like childhood memories.

Evelyn's gaze lingered on a particular blue bear balloon. For a fleeting moment, she was six years old again, watching her father walk through the door with yet another whimsical balloon creature.

Andrew Anderson had always found ways to bring magic home, even during lean years. The memory warmed her chest with bittersweet tenderness.

This time, she didn't refuse Alexander's offer. "That one," she said, pointing to the azure bear.

A costumed employee cheerfully handed over the balloon. As Evelyn carefully untangled the ribbon, her fingers brushed against Alexander's knuckles—an accidental touch that sent static dancing up her wrist.

Inside, plush animals of every imaginable variety lined the shelves. Evelyn lifted a backpack-shaped stuffed toy, then froze. Alexander's left hand gripped a thermos and popcorn bucket with whitened knuckles, his fingers strained from maintaining perfect balance.

"Let me." She took the thermos, her fingertips grazing his chilled palm.

Alexander flexed his stiff fingers discreetly before following her deeper into the store. Three plush companions were chosen: a backpack for Baby Chloe, plus bears for Vivian and Emily.

Two days later, outside the Dempsey estate.

Alexander maneuvered the stroller with one hand while carrying gift baskets of tonics with the other. Evelyn cradled Vivian's bear, watching as he knelt to fasten Chloe's tiny shoes.

Grandma Dempsey's eyes lit up when they entered. "What a blessed child," she murmured from her armchair, hands trembling slightly with age.

Vivian accepted her bear with a knowing glance. "Adorable. Where'd you find this?"

Before Evelyn could answer, Alexander lifted Chloe's hand. "Her name's Easy. Would you like to hold her, Grandma?"

The elderly woman hesitated. "These old arms..."

Then a miracle happened. Chloe reached out and grasped Grandma Dempsey's wrinkled finger. Sunlight haloed their intergenerational handclasp—youth and wisdom connected by an invisible thread.

Vivian's eyes glistened. Evelyn quickly steered her upstairs, leaving Alexander to work his magic with the elders.

Behind closed doors, Vivian's composure shattered. Evelyn handed her a tissue. "Seeing Grandma's hands... I thought of Dad too."

Through the window floated Chloe's giggles and Alexander's soothing baritone. Evelyn watched as he animatedly recounted Chloe's first steps to the delighted grandmother, whose laughter seemed to erase years from her face.

Golden light painted the trio below, their shadows merging into one warm silhouette on the hardwood floor. For the first time, Evelyn understood: Alexander Hamilton possessed the rare gift of making elders feel cherished.