The More the Merrier

Chapter 109 Stay Over

Even though she was reluctant to part with Gavin, she felt guilty of making the other four kids starve if she were to let Benjamin and Gavin stay any longer.

"Yes, Mommy. I like it here. I like you. I like my brothers," Gavin said. He muttered the last part rather softly.

"Mommy likes you too!"

Arissa was overjoyed to hear him say that. She kissed him over and over again.

As Benjamin watched them exchange goodbye kisses, he felt a pang of jealousy.

Arissa ushered Gavin to the living room. She said to Benjamin, "Mr. Graham, Gavin's done with his meal!"

In other words, it was time for them to leave.

Benjamin shot her and Gavin a glance before beckoning the latter over.

"Come over here, Gavin!"

Gavin obediently complied.

Arissa's gaze remained on her son as he approached Benjamin.

Noticing her relentless gaze, Benjamin snorted inwardly at her doting attitude toward Gavin.

"Do you like it here?" Benjamin asked Gavin.

The boy's eyes lit up. He nodded fervently. "Yes!"

"Then we shall stay for a little while longer!" Benjamin patted Gavin's head and suggested.

Arissa was taken aback. Benjamin's suggestion had put her in a tight spot, as it would seem impolite if she forced them to leave. "Gavin, have some fruits!"

Arissa had no choice but to sit next to Benjamin. She scooped Gavin up and had him sit on her lap as she offered him fruits. "Mommy, I want to stay here!"

Gavin clung to Arissa and pleaded. Holding him tightly in her arms, Arissa, more than anything, would love for him to stay longer too. Yet, she figured Benjamin would most probably not allow that.

"Daddy, can I stay over? I don't want to go home. I want to spend a little bit longer with Mommy!" Gavin pleaded.

Benjamin looked at Gavin, then at Arissa.

His handsome face was apathetic. When he spoke, it was in an authoritative tone.

"Gavin, I can let you stay for a little bit longer, but you ought not cause trouble."

Gavin pursed his lips at Benjamin's words.

Sensing Gavin's disappointment, Arissa frowned slightly.

"Mr. Graham, I'm glad Gavin likes it here. I don't mind if he stays over for the night. I can send him to school tomorrow."

Benjamin gazed at her intently. "Why do you want him to stay over?"

Arissa was stumped by his question.

Benjamin did not know that Gavin was her son as well. As far as he knew, Gavin was his son, not hers.

"Because I like him!" Arissa promptly replied.

"Do you just let anyone you like stay over?"

Benjamin let out an unnoticeable snort. There was a hint of annoyance in his tone.

Puzzled by Benjamin's reaction, Arissa opened her mouth in an attempt to refute, "Why not? Should I rather have people I hate stay over?"

Arissa shot him a glance, only to notice that his expression was as gloomy as the night. He was glaring at her.

How dare you!

Gavin observed the two and let out a sigh. "Mommy, I think it's better for me to go home. I'll come over again tomorrow!"

"All right!" Arissa gave him another hug and kiss him dotingly.

Benjamin knitted his brows. He was upset by the fact that Arissa treated his son in such a tender manner but acted so disagreeably toward him as if he was her enemy. With that, he was no longer in the mood to discuss the matter regarding the kids with her.

"Gavin, let's go!"

Getting to his feet, Benjamin beckoned his son over.

Gavin was reluctant to part. Arissa tousled his hair gently. She carried him in her arms and approached Benjamin.

"Don't forget to call me when you get home!"

"All right, Mommy!"

Arissa smiled as she bent down with Gavin still in her arms.

She seated Gavin on her lap and helped him put his shoes on.

Benjamin could tell that her patience and affection toward Gavin were genuine, unlike Danna, who behaved quite pretentiously toward the boy.

Arissa genuinely wanted the best for him. He was her son by blood, after all.

"Gavin, stand up!" Benjamin chided.

After putting on Gavin's shoes, Arissa finally set him down.

"Bye, Mommy."

"Bye, Sweetheart!"

Arissa leaned down and kissed Gavin goodbye for one last time.

Gavin's cheeks reddened from both embarrassment and joy.

Benjamin shot Gavin a glance before taking the boy's hand. "We're leaving now," he said to Arissa.

"Drive safe, Mr. Graham."

Arissa finally heaved a sigh of relief as she sent him off with a huge grin.

Benjamin was rendered speechless by her eagerness to do so.