Grandma May said with a smile, “That’s right. If your day off falls on a weekend, we can invite Serenity and the others along. The more the merrier. Serenity often takes her kids out. She knows the best spots to appreciate the fall.” Sheila responded, “Does Serenity plan for an outing with the kids every weekend? We should ask her to come along on our trip.” Alex chimed in. “Zack and Serenity are often too occupied with work to keep the kids company, so they make time for the kids on the weekend. “I bet nobody knows local hotspots better than they do. “In fact, my cousins and their wives have become quite the experts as well. Ever since they became parents, they are much better at planning activities than when they were single.” During their bachelor days, the York boys’ world only consisted of work, business, and social obligations.With their schedules full, they never had a moment of breather. They did not know the best places to explore in Wiltspoon as they only frequent

“Sounds like a plan, but you should persuade your grandfather to hold a party. You are only eighty once, and not everybody makes it that far in life. I made sure to make a big celebration out of my eightieth.“I’ll have another one on my ninetieth. Well, you know what’s going to happen if I do live to a hundred.” Grandma May was not even ninety yet, but she was already planning her hundredth birthday. “With that positive mindset and health of yours, I’m sure you’ll live to be a hundred, Grandma May. When are you having your ninetieth? I hope that’ll be an invitation waiting for me in the mail.” Grandma May uttered with a smile, “Don’t worry. You’ll certainly be expecting one.” The ladies enjoyed a lovely conversation, and Alex barely had a chance to get a word in. He quietly stayed by them, lending an ear. Grandma May was quite the talker, changing the subject now and then. She had no issues carrying a medical-related subject with Sheila for hours. After an hour-long strol

“But Sheila was not into the idea. She didn’t even ask who we had in mind for her. She simply said that she wasn’t interested in dating right now.“Well, she denied it when I asked if she had a crush, but I saw the hesitation in her. You might have an effect on her, but she probably isn’t sure if what she feels for you is love.” Serenity’s few sentences turned Alex’s panic into joy. “Keep it up, Alex. Put in the effort, and I trust that you’ll have the woman of your dreams by next year.” Alex said with a smile, “I thought you’d tell me that I could have her heart by the end of the year.” “Well, the year is nearly over. I doubt you’ll be getting hitched in two to three months. The best you can hope for is to make her your girlfriend. Dating is when she gets to observe your character and your family.”“True. It looks like she hasn’t trusted me completely. Even if I come clean about how I feel, she might not be open to it, given the gap between our families.“I’ll take things s

“Marvin and Enid have figured me out, but they are letting things play out between Sheila and me on their own. Sheila’s brother has met me. I think he could tell as well.” As things stood, the Joneses were not against them being together. “Sheila is sharp. She probably didn’t consider dating you because you guys come from different social classes. You didn’t make your feelings clear either.“But given time, you can tell her how you feel after getting closer to her. Either way, you shouldn’t give up. We are all rooting for you.” Serenity made a cheering motion in encouragement. Alex said, “I won’t give up. Our family is proud of our commitment to love and marriage. Once we fall for someone, we’re in it for life.” “I’ll leave you to your kitchen prepping. I’m taking a nap in the guest bedroom. I got up a little early today. Somehow, the kids always get up early when it isn’t a school day.” Turning on her heel, Serenity walked out of the kitchen. Throughout her presence in

Sheila was amazed. “Alex, you’re full of surprises. The more I know you, the more surprises I find. I can’t believe you made such pastries. They are so appetizing. I bet they are delicious.” Alex passed her a pair of disposable gloves and put on a pair himself. He picked a floral-shaped pastry for Sheila. “Try it.” Sheila took the pastry and took a bite. After savoring it for a moment, she nodded and uttered, “It’s tasty. The sweetness is just right. It’s not too sweet like the ones sold in bakeries, and I get a hint of floral aroma. “It’s delicious. My compliments to the chef.” Alex was relieved. All that mattered was that Sheila enjoyed his food. Sheila ate several pieces all at once, and Alex poured her a drink. “You should start your own bakery, Alex. Your pastries are lovely and delicious. These would give those pastry chefs a run for their money. “There isn’t much money in bakeries. It’s a hobby of mine. I bake for myself when I have the time, but most of the pastri