A Healer’s Journey

Chapter 271 Casanova

“Everyone’s hard work is appreciated, but it’s just a birthday, after all. Nancy, let’s not do this again, okay? Everyone’s really busy, and I’m not too fussed about birthdays!” Bennett remarked as he and Nancy joined the rest of the party at the riverside pavilion.

Bennett looked resigned, gently chiding Nancy.

Rhiannon interjected, “Mr. Sanchez, Nancy’s gesture is her way of showing her respect and love. Please don’t be too hard on her. Plus, we have to dine anyway. Getting to celebrate your birthday while enjoying the great meal you’ve prepared is a treat for us all.”

Shaun and the others, despite this being their first encounter with Bennett, echoed this sentiment respectfully.

Bennett, with a reluctant smile, said, “Well, if everyone insists. Give me a moment, I’ll bring out my three- year-old pineapple wine for you all to try.”

As Bennett turned and noticed Finnegan, he nodded in acknowledgment before walking away.

Finnegan, taking a seat, queried, “Nancy, is this the first time you’ve celebrated your dad’s birthday?”

Nancy explained, “Dad’s never told me his birthday, and he avoids the question whenever I ask. I’ve never celebrated it before! I only found out today because I stumbled upon his ID while doing laundry. Otherwise, he probably would’ve never told me.”

This elicited a laughter from Shaun, who remarked, “It’s not unusual. I always forget my parents’ and grandparents’ birthdays until the last minute.”

“That’s pretty cold, man. I always remember my family’s birthdays. It’s a good chance to act nice and score some extra pocket money!” Zephyr chimed in.

Their banter continued until Bennett reappeared with a clay pot.

The chatter subsided as he placed the pot down and broke its wax seal. A tantalizing scent of pineapple and alcohol filled the air. “Brewed this three years ago,” Bennett explained. “Used almost ripe pineapples and double-distilled corn wine. By now, it should be smooth with a slightly sour, sweet undertone.”

Shaun sniffed the aroma. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think this was some kind of fruit juice.”

cautioning, “It’s mild and not too strong to taste. But it packs a punch later on, so go easy on

for the first time and probably aren’t aware of how much we can drink. This batch

off.” Witnessing Jaxon slipping back into his old ways of overconfidence and showboating, Finnegan lightly tapped his head, reprimanding, “You should realize that Mr. Sanchez’s homemade wine isn’t

his head and jested, “Go easy on me next time, Finnegan. It really hurt! And by the way, we all address him respectfully as ‘Mr. Sanchez. When you call him ‘Bennett,’ it sort of

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Doesn’t that seem

help but giggle. “Considering Finnegan is my grandfather’s

quickly agreed, “Absolutely, everyone should stick to their roles. I definitely don’t want to be

uproarious laughter throughout the room, effectively marking the start of the

dinner.

here tonight for joining

came to live with you when I was nine, and you weren’t a part of my earliest childhood memories, you’ve always been the dad I cherished the most. After Mom passed away, you single-handedly raised me for twelve years, sparing no effort to provide the best for me and shielding me from any hardships. You assumed the roles of both father

Dad, as a gesture of my gratitude for all that you’ve done for me!” With that, Nancy raised her glass and emptied

noticeably redder than usual. “You, my dear, should drink less of this; it packs a punch later

joined in the toast, emptying

corners of his slightly wet eyes, complained, “Do we have to get so emotional? Now you’ve got me missing my parents. Can’t we just focus on enjoying our drinks?”

as

the meal. “Let’s dig in. The

from the earlier sentimentality to a more jovial tone. Everyone

Bennett’s warning, the pineapple wine, though delightful to sip, had a potent kick.

slightly tipsy, on the verge of

Shaun, usually a seasoned drinker, was visibly affected, his face flushed and sweating lightly, a testament to the strength of Bennett’s