Chapter 245

"Emily is still at the production team!" The woman clapped her hands. "Oh, and your David was almost kidnapped! You'd better hurry home!"

The men's faces darkened instantly. Grabbing their bags, they sprinted forward.

"Michael, your wife still cares about you," Charles panted. "She didn't leave with her mother."

The words cut through Michael Stone like a knife.

"Let's all head home first," another brother said tactfully. "You two must have a lot to talk about."

They all knew how city folks looked down on villagers. That's why they'd dressed properly for this business trip—to avoid being laughed at.

"Right."

Michael quickened his pace. Fear gnawed at him—fear that his mother-in-law would scorn him as a country bumpkin, fear that his wife might be persuaded to return to the city.

As the sun dipped westward, he pushed open the gate to find David squatting in the yard, playing with pebbles.

"Dad!" The boy's face lit up as he dashed over.

Michael scooped him up and strode toward the house.

"Where's Mom?"

"Reading inside," David said, clinging to his neck. "We didn't disturb her."

After setting his eldest down, Michael pinched Tommy's cheek. "I'm going to see your mother."

Tommy tried to follow but David held him back. "Let them talk."

Inside, Emily had heard everything. She'd deliberately stayed put, but when footsteps paused outside the door, her heart skipped a beat.

"Sweetheart..."

The door swung open. A tall figure, still dusty from travel, rushed in. Before she could react, strong arms enveloped her.

"I missed you," Michael murmured hoarsely, his warm breath brushing her ear.

"Mmm." Pressed against his chest, she inhaled his familiar scent—sunshine mingled with sweat.

This embrace felt like coming home. Her wandering heart had finally found its harbor.

"We made good money this time." Michael released her, eyes shining.

"That's wonderful." Emily smiled.

"I didn't bring you anything." He looked sheepish. "I kept remembering what you said..."

"This is perfect."

Suddenly tense, Michael asked, "I heard... your mother came?"

Ah, so that's what worried him. Emily arched a brow. "Yes. She wanted me to return to the city."

His hands clenched involuntarily.

"I told her," Emily drawled, "if I go, we all go—you and the boys included."

Michael's head snapped up, disbelief written across his face.

"What... what did she say?" His voice trembled. Would her parents, who'd never met him, accept a country son-in-law?

"She said she'd think about it." Emily tilted her head. "Why? Want to meet them?"

Michael shook his head vigorously. "I'll follow your lead."

"Hungry?" Emily changed the subject. "I'll make something."

"Yes! I'll help!" Michael beamed like a child. As long as his wife stood by them, everything would be alright.