Chapter 3885

Serenity linked arms with Audrey and offered her a reassuring smile. “Aunt, don’t worry. My second cousin Leland is a good man. When the time is right, he’ll settle down and get married.”

Audrey sighed, her voice a blend of exasperation and affection. “I hope so. He’s not exactly young anymore. Kids—they’re always a source of worry, no matter how old they get.”

Her thoughts shifted as she asked, “Where’s Sonny? Didn’t you come from your sister’s house? Why isn’t he with you?”

“My sister and brother Duncan took Sonny with them to the Civil Affairs Bureau. They said it’s a family matter, so all three of them had to go together,” Serenity explained.

Audrey chuckled. “Duncan doesn’t mind bringing along a little tag-along, huh? That’s good. They’re going to be a family of three from now on.”

The two women walked toward Mr. Jimenez, who sat peacefully in the garden, his warm, gentle smile welcoming them.

To the younger generation, Mr. Jimenez embodied kindness. His love and indulgence for his family were boundless, and they cherished him for it.

“Grandpa Jimenez,” Serenity greeted affectionately, using the term everyone in the family had adopted.

Although it was technically his surname, Mr. Jimenez never corrected them. As long as they addressed him with care, he was content.

“You’re here,” he said, his smile widening. “But where’s Sonny? Didn’t he come along?”

He echoed Audrey’s earlier question, prompting Serenity to explain once more.

Upon hearing this, Mr. Jimenez nodded approvingly. “That’s even better. Duncan, the fourth of the Lewis boys, is a man of loyalty and honor. Back when I was younger, I heard about his…”

When I was younger, I heard stories about his grandmother—an incredible woman whose legacy inspired her grandson. Mr. Jimenez, as a young man, traveled extensively for business, encountering the stories and legacies of families throughout the region. Although he had never met Old Mrs. Lewis, her reputation preceded her.

“Come inside,” Mr. Jimenez urged. “It’s still a bit chilly out here. Seren, you should layer up so you don’t catch a cold.”

“I’m fine, Grandpa Jimenez,” Serenity quickly replied. “I’m bundled up and warm. Plus, with Zachary here, he wouldn’t let me get sick.”

Mr. Jimenez smiled, reassured by her response. The younger generation was thriving, bringing him immense peace.

At the Civil Affairs Bureau, Duncan and Liberty stood side by side, holding their new marriage certificates. The small booklets seemed ordinary, but to them, they were priceless treasures. He opened his certificate, gazing at the photo of himself and Liberty. A wide, genuine grin spread across his face. Finally, the woman he loved was now his wife. Liberty was his in every legal and emotional sense.

Beside them, Sonny looked around, his face a mix of curiosity and confusion. He had accompanied his mother and Uncle Duncan but didn’t quite understand the excitement. Everyone at the bureau had been so cheerful and congratulatory toward his mother and Duncan, yet no one had congratulated him.

“Mom,” Sonny said, tugging at Liberty’s sleeve, “Why is Uncle Duncan smiling so big? What’s so special about that little notebook? Can I see it?”

Liberty knelt down to meet her son’s gaze, smiling at his innocence. His wide eyes were filled with genuine curiosity, and his question drew Duncan’s attention.

“Mom,” Sonny said, tugging at Liberty’s sleeve. “Why is Uncle Duncan smiling so much? What’s so special about that little notebook? Can I see it?”
Liberty knelt to Sonny’s level, smiling at her son’s innocent curiosity. His wide eyes sparkled with genuine interest, prompting a laugh from Duncan.
Duncan leaned in, proudly holding his marriage certificate. “Sonny, this little notebook means that your mom and I are now officially a team—a family. And you are a very important part of that family.”
Sonny tilted his head, still not entirely convinced of the notebook’s significance, but the warmth in Duncan’s voice made him smile back. “Okay, Uncle Duncan. But next time, can we get a notebook for me too?”
Duncan and Liberty both laughed, their joy overflowing as they shared in the happiness.