Ophelia turned around quickly. "Dad, you and Claire are back?"
Padgett frowned at her. "Why are you doing that? It's not good for your eyes."
Ophelia shrugged, a ball of yarn in her hands. She always had something to do, but if she could spare a moment to knit, why not? "I saw Claire was home, so I thought I'd make her a sweater."
Work was always waiting for her anyway. Sometimes it felt nice to just do something different, something with her hands. Drawing up design plans could drive her up the wall, but knitting for Claire was almost soothing, like a little adventure.
Phil sat nearby, peeling an orange. “Mom, remember when Norris and I were kids? We wanted a panda sweater, one you made yourself. Do you remember what you told us?"
Norris chimed in, dead serious. "I don't have time. Here's some money, go buy one at the mall.""
Ophelia paused, not sure whether to laugh or defend herself. "I'd just started my business back then. I was swamped."
Phil and Norris exchanged a knowing look.
"It's fine, Mom. We get it. But you better finish Claire's sweater this time," Phil said as he handed her a slice of orange.
Ophelia rolled her eyes at him. "I know. I'm not quitting halfway."
It wasn't like she'd never finished a sweater before.
Claire looked touched, finally realizing that Ophelia was doing all this for her. "Thank you, Ophelia."
Ophelia's face softened as she turned to Claire. "Do you like this color for your sweater?" She held up a skein of yarn, a deep, elegant red that was richer than bright crimson.
Claire smiled. "I'm sure whatever you make will look amazing, Ophelia." Honestly, she had no idea how it would turn out, but she trusted Ophelia completely.
Ophelia's concern shifted. "How was your visit to the Green family today?"
Claire grinned. "We ran into Grandpa's arch-nemesis."
Ophelia blinked in surprise. "Which one?"
Claire raised her eyebrows. “Grandpa has more than one?"
Ophelia hesitated, realizing her slip. "Well... not that many. Maybe just a few in Cabinda."
Claire nodded. "The guy we saw was named Franklin."
Ophelia immediately understood. "Achilles."
She knew all about Achilles. He always looked down on Padgett for being too focused on money, and
8D
Radgett always called him a hypocrite. Those two had been at odds forever.
"They start arguing the moment they see each other You get used to it
Cont said, comney
Claire nodded. "Okay."
Ophelia was about to say something else, but Padgett wandered into the living room
just then.
"Oh, by the way," he said, "Claire and Dane's engagement is still on."
He didn't look thrilled about it.
Ophelia looked surprised. That
explained why it took them so long
to get home, and why Padgett
looked so gloomy So they really had
locked the wedding plans.