Chapter 574
It was that chilly time of the year again.
Little Betty was five and a half.
Over at Leanne's Castle, the garage boasted a section painted in vibrant pink, marking exclusive parking spots for an assortment of kiddie vehicles-ranging from miniature cars and motorbikes to balance bikes. Even at her tender age, Betty's collection of rides was the envy of many.
Joy and Selina, absolutely adored this spot. They'd drive their cars and zip around the garden, giggling like teenagers.
As the year wound down, Curtis decided to take Betty to the Northwood Ski Resort, keen on teaching her how to ski.
No sooner had they arrived than Joy showed up, practically thrusting her two-year-old, Danny, into Curtis' arms with a plea, "Sign him up."
Curtis' patience was wearing thin, "What do I look like, a free winter daycare? No teaching."
"But he's your godson," Joy tried.
"When did I agree to that? I must've missed the memo," Curtis refused to bite.
"Anne agreed. If he's her godson, and her godson is yours, doesn't that make us one big happy family? Why split hairs!" Joy argued with impeccable logic. Curtis chuckled, using her logic against her, "Well, if that's the case, your wealth should be considered mine too. Might as well transfer it over now." Outmaneuvered, Joy pouted at Leanne, who was busy fitting Betty with protective gear. Leanne looked up, persuading, "Oh, come on, just help out." Dealing with a spouse who could twist his arm like this left Curtis no choice.
Casting a glance at the tiny
two-year-old barely larger than aThis text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
snowball even in his smallest
snowsuit, Curtis quipped, "With
those short legs, you think he needs skiing lessons? I could kick him down the slope."
Joy was speechless.
Leanne glared, "You wouldn't dare."
"Of course not," Curtis sighed, preemptively declaring, "Just so we're clear, if he gets lost in the snow because you dressed him in white, don't blame me." Joy, fully trusting Curtis with her son, sprawled out on the couch, spreading out like a starfish, "No worries. If we lose him, I'll just 'borrow' another." Austin, the real dad, was at a loss for words.
Austin, picking up his son for a wardrobe change into something more colorful, said, "Let's still try to keep an eye on him. Wasn't easy raising him this far."
Betty, adoring little Danny, stood tall, "Don't worry. I'll look after him."
After getting Betty ready, Leanne approached Curtis, planted a kiss on his cheek, and whispered, "Thanks, love. You're the best."
The snowy mountainscape
remained untouched by the sun, and
Curtis, clad in his sleek black ski
gear, seemed to soften under her kiss, a visible layer of gentleness enveloping his usually sharpo features.
He glanced at Leanne, "You sure know how to work me. She's got you and her wrapped around her little finger, and somehow, I end up working for you all."
Joy, unable to contain her laughter, cackled in the background, only for Austin to quickly cover her mouth, "Shh... Don't get too cocky, or you'll get in trouble."
With Curtis leading the little ones to
in
ski, Leanne and Joy stayed back, cozy and warm, nibbling on pastries and watching the skiing lessons through the glass. Austin, not one to sit idle, got roped into preparing lunch for the crew.