Chapter 3871
After sharing a lighthearted moment with her third son, Mrs. Lewis shifted her focus back to Duncan and Liberty. With a warm smile, she inquired, “Duncan, Liberty, when do you plan to obtain the marriage certificate? Perhaps tomorrow? The Civil Affairs Bureau will close soon for the holiday, so it would be ideal to get it done within the next two days.”
Securing the marriage certificate would provide Duncan with peace of mind, knowing they would be legally married even if they postponed the wedding. For Mrs. Lewis, the marriage certificate also represented the hope that Duncan could finally enjoy a loving home, and—she hoped—a grandchild on the way by the time the wedding arrived.
While Mrs. Lewis would be thrilled if Liberty decided to have a child with Duncan, she respected Liberty’s wishes. After all, she had witnessed how well Duncan treated Sonny, and with Sonny being raised with strong values, he would likely support Duncan in his old age. However, Mrs. Lewis secretly hoped that Liberty might consider it.
Duncan gently nudged Liberty to respond, and she readily replied, “Tomorrow works for us. We’ll go to the Civil Affairs Bureau in the morning, have lunch together, and then head to my aunt’s for dinner. My aunt and Grandpa Jimenez have been asking when we’ll visit.”
Mrs. Lewis beamed. “Wonderful,” she said. “We’ll have a family dinner tomorrow to celebrate, so everyone can meet you.”
With that, she turned to her husband and requested that he fetch a red brocade box from her dressing table upstairs. When he returned, Mrs. Lewis carefully opened the box, revealing a stunning set of jade jewelry. The deep green jade was of the finest quality, a true treasure meant for special occasions.
“Tet is my wedding gift to you, Liberty,” Mrs. Lewis said, holding it out to her.
Mrs. Lewis said, extending the box toward Liberty. “Although the wedding is still a few months away, obtaining the marriage certificate is a significant milestone, and we want to celebrate it. Tomorrow, we’ll host a family dinner to officially introduce you to our friends and relatives.
“I gave each of my daughters-in-law a set of jade jewelry when they joined the family,” she continued with a smile. “Your eldest sister-in-law’s set is a bit more elaborate since she is the eldest. However, yours, like those of the other two, is equally meaningful and given with love.”
She presented the jewelry box to Liberty, who glanced at Duncan, feeling uncertain. He nodded reassuringly. “It’s a tradition in our family, so please accept it. Mom did the same for my sisters-in-law.”
Duncan knew that his mother’s jewelry collection was extensive. She had always been generous, sharing beautiful pieces she had collected over the years with her daughters-in-law and granddaughters. Although he hadn’t received any heirlooms himself—at least not until he got married—he remembered his mother’s words: she had reserved her most treasured pieces for her daughters-in-law and granddaughters, as she never had a daughter of her own.
Liberty smiled, her heart filled with gratitude. She accepted the box, realizing that it was more than just a gift; it was a heartfelt gesture.
Welcome to the Thewis family!