You More Than Anything In The World

Arissa nodded. “Get something to eat, Sweethearts. We'll be heading back soon.”

“Yes, Mommy.”

The five children hurried over to join Kingsley's table.

“What happened to Jasper earlier?” Shaun asked with concern.

Arissa laughed. “He must have been afraid I would leave him behind.”

“No wonder Jasper runs so fast!” Ethen laughed.

Arissa sat next to the children and helped herself to one of the pastries. She also brought some for Mary.

She only managed a few bites before the bodyguards informed them they were ready to depart.

“I'm not done yet!” Kingsley protested before glancing at the time. Sure enough, they have been seated for less than ten minutes.

“We'll pack it up and eat on the journey,” Arissa instructed before leaving to procure some containers with Bradley and Ethen lending a hand.

“We're going to help you up the plane, Mdm. Mary.”

Draining his tea in a gulp, Kingsley got up to push Mary's wheelchair.

“All right.” The old lady looked at Arissa and the children. “I'm boarding the plane now, Issa.”

“All right. We'll be ready soon,” Arissa responded as she apportioned the food before her. “There's no need to pack these. We saved these for you, Bradley. Take care of yourself while you're here!”

Bradley nodded at her words. “Don't worry.”

After hesitating for a moment, he cleared his throat. “Mr. Graham asked me to oversee the construction of Mary's new house, Boss. It may be impossible for me to return to Dellmoor for a while.”

Arissa nodded in relief.

“All right. Keep up the hard work of supervising here.”

Bradley seemed to sink with defeat. “Can't you at least pretend to be reluctant to part with me, Boss?”

Ethen laughed. “You would be in big trouble if Mr. Graham heard that, Bradley.”

Bradley attempted a weak smile. “Don't you rat on me. When is the person you'd arranged for going to be here, anyway?”

“Tomorrow at the earliest. I'll call you then!” Ethen patted him on the shoulder. “Thank you for keeping an eye out over here!”

Bradley walked them out.

The five children said goodbye to him one after another. “Bye, Mr. Hinton! We are going home!”

“See you, children!” Bradley smiled dotingly. “Give me a call when you think of me!”

“We will!” Zachary promised at once.

“Let us know if you ever need anything. We'll mail it to you!”

Bradley was moved. “That's very kind, children. Send me snacks when you get back, will you? There's nothing delicious in the canteen here!”

Arissa glanced at him. “Have you been to the grocery store?”

Bradley cursed to himself. D*mn! I'd underestimated the boss' observational skills again.

“I was there earlier today when I received your call, Boss.”

Arissa merely stared at him. Instead of responding, she decided to beckon the children onto the plane.

“We're off, then. Give me a call if something happens!”

At that final instruction, she followed the children up the plane.