Chapter 216 Joy And Melancholy

However, Nancy seemed to be in a good mood.

"Kids, I'm home!" she called out as she entered.

It was a first for her in a long time to come back home early. The kids jumped in surprise at the sound of her voice. "Mommy's back!" they yelled gleefully as they ran to her.

"Hey, sweeties," Nancy bent and opened her arms as she saw their small figures scramble to her.

Bobby and Nadia looked at up at her with expectant faces.

Gathering them in her arms, she peppered their faces with small kisses.

"Someone's in a good mood," Charles commented as he laid the dishes on the table. "Has the problem been solved?"

"Ye of little faith," Nancy answered. "You should give me a little more credit," she pouted.

"Sure, sure. Whatever you say," Charles jabbed back, unable to resist teasing her even more. "So, who was it?" he asked.

"Before that, dinner first. I'll tell you about it later. I'm starving," she deflected. If it were up to her, she didn't want to involve Charles in the matter.

"You two, let go of mommy now. Go and wash your hands," he said to the kids.

The two children released Nancy but held her hands. "Mommy, let's go wash our hands," they said,

nstead, okay?" Bobby picked up a stack of books and asked, "Which one will it be tonight?" He grinned.

Nadia pondered for a moment before deciding, "I want to hear the story of Snow White. Can you read that one for me?" Nadia asked, hugging her teddy bear in her arms.

"Sure." Bobby opened the book and started reading.

When Charles came out of the bathroom, he heard murmurs from Nadia's bedroom.

He opened the bedroom carefully, not wanting to unwittingly disturb his daughter. His eyes brightened slightly at the sight he arrived to, and then his face softened as a smile broke from his lips. "Nancy, listen!" he whispered urgently, holding Nancy's hand and showing her the gap in the door.

Bobby was sitting on Nadia's bed, reading her a story as Nadia snuggled up to him.

"Look at him. He's all grown up now," Nancy said, unable to help smiling as well.

"Yes," Charles agreed, sighing softly.

It was one of those conflicting discoveries that came with fatherhood. He felt his heart swell with a joy laced with melancholy. Time indeed passed by without notice. In the blink of an eye, Bobby was no longer the child who clung to his mother. He was growing up fast.