C203 Mike Did Not Discuss It

Mary looked at Alicia in confusion. "You don't know?" Quinton became even more puzzled. He looked from his wife to Alicia before asking, "Wife... will someone please tell me what's going on?" Alicia couldn't help laughing at his bewildered expression. She smiled warmly before saying, "Father-in-law..." "I'm pregnant." "You'll soon become a grandfather."

Quinton froze. His mouth slowly fell open. "...Really?" He stared at Alicia, as if trying to confirm he hadn't misheard. A broad smile gradually spread across his face. "I never thought Mike would bless me with a grandchild this early!" He laughed happily before continuing, "Wonderful! This is wonderful!" "That means you two have to hold your wedding ceremony as soon as possible." "I want to spend as much time as possible with my grandchild."

He pointed excitedly toward Alicia's stomach. "Our little grandchild will carry the Smith family surname." "Since you've already inherited our family's heirloom..." "Our grandchild will inherit your family's heirloom." His excitement infected everyone in the room. Even Peter couldn't help smiling. Seeing everyone's cheerful mood, he felt it was finally the perfect opportunity to bring up the matter that had been on his mind since the previous evening.

He cleared his throat. "Regarding that..." Before he could continue. Mary suddenly interrupted him. "Alicia." She looked curiously at her daughter-in-law. "Yesterday, when I came to visit you, I went to the reception desk and asked for Alicia Mooney's room." "They told me there wasn't anyone admitted under that name." "Luckily Valeria was nearby and brought me here." She tilted her head. "How did you get admitted without registering?"

Peter sighed helplessly before chuckling. Interrupted again... Alicia smiled shyly. "Aunt..." "After Mike and I received our marriage certificate..." "...my surname officially changed." She glanced at Mary before smiling even more brightly. "I'm no longer Alicia Mooney." "I'm Alicia Smith." The room suddenly became quiet. Mary stared at her daughter-in-law for several seconds. Then tears slowly welled up in her eyes. "My child..."

She covered her mouth as tears rolled freely down her cheeks. "The heavens have truly blessed our family." She hurried to Alicia's bedside and hugged her gently. "My daughter..." "I finally have a daughter." Alicia's own eyes became moist. She carefully returned the embrace. "Aunt..." Quinton stood quietly beside them. Although he wasn't as emotional as Mary, his smile was just as bright. "My son..." Peter smiled at the touching scene before clearing his throat once more. "Ahem..." This time... No one interrupted him.

He looked first at Mary and Quinton before speaking calmly. "A few days ago..." "I asked Mike to discuss something important with the two of you." "I'd like to know whether you've reached a decision." Alicia suddenly remembered. Before she had collapsed... They had been walking around the mansion looking for a suitable room. She had asked Mike whether he had already spoken to his parents. He had admitted that I hadn't.

She smiled helplessly before looking at Peter. "Grandpa..." "Mike never got the chance to tell them." Quinton looked completely confused. "What exactly is there to discuss?" Peter folded his hands together before speaking slowly. "In that case..." "I'll explain it myself." He glanced briefly at Georgia before continuing. "The Georgia, Mark and I have been discussing this for quite some time." "We believe it would be best if our two families became one household."

Mary and Quinton exchanged surprised glances. Peter continued gently, "Our mansion is large." "Far larger than the four of us need." "Before Alicia got engaged..." "It never really felt empty." "But after watching her prepare to start her own family..." "We suddenly realised something." He smiled bitterly. "If she moved out..." "Only us two old people and our son would remain in that enormous house."

His gaze slowly shifted toward Alicia. "Now we've learned she's expecting a child." "That changes everything." His expression became serious. "The doctor clearly told us that she needs proper rest." "She must avoid unnecessary stress." "And after what happened yesterday..." "We cannot ignore the possibility of miscarriage." The atmosphere inside the room immediately became solemn. Peter continued. "We were fortunate this time." "But..." "What about next time?"

He looked toward Quinton kindly. "Mike loves Alicia very much." "We all know that." "But there are some things a young husband simply won't notice." "If Alicia suddenly feels unwell while they are both alone..." "They might not immediately understand what's happening." He smiled toward Georgia and Mary. "But with experienced mothers nearby..." "They'll notice even the smallest changes." "They'll know exactly what to do." "That alone gives us peace of mind."

Mary listened thoughtfully. Quinton remained silent. Peter continued in a sincere tone. "We're not trying to take Mike away from the Smith family." "Nor are we asking you to give up your place as his parents." "You'll always be the elders of the Smith family." "The only thing that changes..." "...is where we'll all live." "We hope you'll move into the Mooney residence with us." "That way, our families can look after Alicia together until the baby is safely born."

As Peter finished speaking, Alicia lowered her head, hiding a smile. Grandpa really knows how to persuade people, she thought. He's using me and the baby as his strongest argument. Georgia smiled warmly, noticing that Peter had already said most of what was on her mind. She gently reached over and held Mary's hand. "Peter is right. You have already raised a wonderful son, and now Alicia is carrying your grandchild. Pregnancy is never as easy as people think.

Some days she will laugh for no reason, and other days she may cry over the smallest thing. There will be morning sickness, sleepless nights, strange food cravings, mood swings, and moments when even Mike won't know what he has done wrong." Everyone laughed softly. She continued with a gentle smile. "Both Mike and Alicia are now carrying the burden of Lucia Goods on their shoulders. Once they return to work, they will leave early and come back late.

There will be meetings, reports, inspections, and endless decisions to make. By the time they return home, they will already be exhausted. Do you really think they will still have the strength to cook, clean, and take proper care of themselves every single day?" Mary slowly lowered her eyes, thoughtfully listening. Georgia squeezed her hand reassuringly. "But if our two families live together, things become much easier. While they focus on work, we can focus on the home.

We can make sure Alicia eats on time, gets enough rest, and never skips her medication. Whenever she becomes emotional or loses her temper. Which every pregnant woman does. We elders can calm the situation before it grows into unnecessary arguments. A house filled with family has fewer misunderstandings and far more laughter. I truly believe our grandchild deserves to grow up surrounded by all of us, not divided between two homes."

Mary and Quinton exchanged another glance. Neither spoke immediately. After a long moment... Both slowly turned to look at Alicia, their expressions filled with affection as they silently considered Peter's heartfelt proposal.