You More Than Anything In The World

“We're at the hospital,” Benjamin informed Kingsley.

Suddenly, Kingsley's exclamation sounded from the other end of the line. “If you two are at the hospital, does that mean the kids are there too? Why is everyone there?”

“My wife is unwell,” Benjamin responded concisely before promptly hanging up the phone. His priority was to feed his wife.

Arissa wanted to eat by herself, but he dodged her hand. “It's not convenient for you to eat on your own. Be good, and let me feed you!”

She blushed slightly and stole a glance at the energetic scene where the children were engrossed. It seemed that no one was paying attention to the couple.

She shot her husband a look. “Be more mindful of the setting before you speak next time!”

How embarrassing would it be for the elders to hear this?

The corners of Benjamin's mouth curled up in a mischievous smile as he whispered back, “They won't hear us.”

Arissa was left speechless, her mouth twitching slightly at his response.

When Kingsley finally arrived, the children had already eaten half of their meal.

He expressed his concern for Arissa, greeted Benjamin, and then sought the help of the kids. “Sweethearts, I'm taking you guys to my house for a feast. Come on!”

“We don't want to go!” Gavin objected, looking at the man with a determined expression. He didn't want to leave Arissa's side and preferred to stay with her.

Kingsley squeezed Gavin's cheek lightly and clasped his hands together, pleading, “Please, it's an emergency! As long as you all come home with me for tonight, I promise I'll buy anything you ask for in return.”

Seeing the spark of interest in the kids' eyes, he seized the opportunity and continued coaxing, “I'll even give you gift cards! With a significant value!”

“But we want to stay with Mommy!” Jesse voiced everyone's thoughts. Kingsley had proposed a strong temptation, but when faced with the choice between him and Arissa, they still chose their mother without hesitation.

“Your mommy is already being taken care of by your daddy. If you miss her, I promise to bring you back here after dinner!” Kingsley was determined to pull out all the stops to convince them.

“What are you taking them to your house for?” Shaun was puzzled.

Kingsley smiled sheepishly, feeling a bit awkward.

“Is it because your grandpa wants to introduce someone to you?” Darius hit the nail on the head right away, his close friendship with the patriarch of the Wattses, Victor Watts, giving him valuable insights into Kingsley's current dilemma.

Kingsley smiled wryly. “Don't poke fun at me anymore, Mr. Graham. Had you not been provoking my grandpa from time to time, he wouldn't be acting like this!”

Darius and Victor were of the same generation. By right, Kingsley should address Darius as “Old Mr. Graham,” but to appease the elder, he regarded Darius more casually, following Benjamin's lead.

“If your grandpa hears you, he'll definitely give you a good beating!” Darius laughed.

“Mr. Graham, please don't go complaining to him. I'll be taking the kids with me now!”

Kingsley brought the conversation back to the main subject. Victor had been calling Kingsley repeatedly, but the latter didn't dare answer the phone until he had the kids with him.

“Go back with Mr. Watts, then!” Arissa encouraged, understanding Kingsley's urgency.

“Mommy, are you really okay with us going?” Zachary looked at her with a hint of concern in his eyes. Although he was excited about the invitation from Kingsley, he couldn't help but worry about leaving his mother.