Chapter 997

Hattie's face was glowing with a smile that seemed impossible to erase. She was absolutely on cloud nine! "By this time next year, I'll be holding a grandbaby in my arms. Just thinking about it fills me with joy. You'll have the baby, and we'll be right there to help out. We can even get you a nanny and a night nurse, so it'll feel just like it did before the little one came along."

Holding Josefina's hand tightly, Hattie continued, "Josie, if you're not ready to tie the knot, then don't rush it. We'll handle everything with the baby, so you won't have a thing to worry about."

Hattie went on and on with her plans, and Josefina chimed in every now and then. Their conversation stretched into the wee hours, and little by little, Josefina's worries started to fade.

...

Hattie finally made her way back to her room. Garrett was lounging on the bed, book in hand. Hearing the door, he put it down. "Hey, what were you and our girl talking about for so long? You left me here all by my lonesome, and I was starting to feel a bit neglected."

Hattie sat on the bed, laughing at Garrett's playful pout. "Congrats, Garrett."

"For what? Am I becoming a dad again?"

Hattie just gave him a knowing look. "Come on, spill the beans! What's the big news?"

"You're going to be a granddad. Our darling daughter is expecting."

"What!" Garrett was floored. Instead of jumping for joy, he looked like he might burst with frustration. "Oliver! That cheeky devil! How could he get our sweet Josie into this?"

"Garrett, don't be a hypocrite. Were you any different back then? You were so head over heels, you wouldn't even stay in Westwood to take over the family business."

Garrett chuckled awkwardly, taking Hattie's hand, love undiminished by the years. "Hattie, all I wanted back then was to make you my wife, as soon as possible." His face softened with nostalgia, memories of those days flooding back.

Their eyes met, and Hattie's cheeks flushed a warm pink. "I'm sure Oliver feels just the same. Josie didn't plan this, but since it's happened, they should just go for it. Once her belly starts showing, a wedding dress. won't be as easy. I want my Josie to look gorgeous on her big day."

"Let's have Oliver over tomorrow to sort things out."

Hattie added, "Maybe they can get the paperwork done first. Josie can have the baby, then they can enjoy a proper honeymoon while we look after the little one."

They talked into the night, both wishing for Josefina to have a carefree, peaceful, and joyful life.

...

When Oliver got home, he found Brandon in the living room. "Oliver, why are you so late? Even if you're out with Josie, you should get her home at a decent hour."

Oliver plopped down, yanking off his tie. The room was warm, prompting him to shed his jacket and coat. "Grandpa, congrats."

Brandon looked puzzled. "Congrats for what? The family's falling apart? Or maybe because Rowan's such a letdown?"

Oliver was at a loss for words. He'd meant to share some good news, but Brandon took it the wrong way.

"Grandpa, I mean congratulations because you're going to be a great-grandfather."

Thud. Brandon's cane clattered to the floor as he stared at Oliver in disbelief struggling to wrap his head around the news. Bennett, too was

Coy stunned by the revelation.