Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

“I told Mrs. Lewis not to worry about picking you up at the airport.

Zachary and I will come get you ourselves.” Serenity then turned, smiling warmly at Duncan in greeting.

Duncan, usually gruff and no-nonsense, looked noticeably softer.

Love had a way of changing people.

Liberty was finally back.

She set Sonny down gently.

Though he’d shed a few tears, Sonny still clung tightly to Liberty.

Even Duncan, standing close by, couldn't get him to let go.

All Duncan could do was reach out to gently stroke Sonny’s little face.

The boy pouted, clearly upset.

He looked up at Duncan and complained, “Uncle Duncan, you went to find Mom without waiting for me.” Duncan knelt down and said, “You told me you'd be playing for a while, so I thought I'd go ahead.

But now we're both back, aren't we? Next time, I'll make sure to ask you first, okay? Don't stay mad at me—I even bought you lots of new toys.

here, let me hug

missed you.” sonny crossed his arms,

Uncle Duncan, you didn’t

You only missed Mom.

Sonny had been having fun while Liberty was away, seeing her now brought all his feelings rushing

abandoned, like she’d been gone

the same, especially since they

only call late

son’s sadness, Liberty bent down and

until you start

sometimes it means I can't be with you as much

most important

and everything I do is to give you a better life.” sonny returned the kiss and murmured, “I know,

I just missed you.

gone

you, but now that you're here, I feel like crying.” Liberty held him close, letting him settle against

a gentle hand on Sonny’s head and said, “Sonny, why don’t you

her rest.” Liberty

“I’m fine.