The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 454

While Suzie was caught in her dilemma, Jamie's gentle voice broke the silence.

"It seems your Mommy doesn't really like having guests for dinner. I actually have some things to take care of, so I should probably get going. How about I take you guys out to a nice restaurant next weekend instead?"

Suzie was stunned. A second ago, he had been utterly shameless, and now he was pulling this?

Zoey immediately pouted, looking deeply disappointed. "But I asked you earlier and you said you weren't busy tonight! You're breaking your promise! Do you not want to stay because our house isn't as big as yours? Mommy is a really good cook, I promise!"

Kids were just kids—complaining one second and desperately trying to make him stay the next.

But these three were exceptionally sharp. Any other kid would have just thrown a tantrum and yelled, "Don't go!"

Zayn spoke up next. "Mommy, please ask him to stay. We didn't take the gifts at the set today, just like you told us. Zoey just wanted to say thank you by buying him dinner. It's my fault. I should have asked Mia to call and check with you first. But you always tell us to repay people who help us, so I thought you'd be happy."

The little guy rattled off a perfectly logical, heartfelt argument. Suzie, already conflicted, couldn't bring herself to crush them.

Swallowing her frustration, she muttered vaguely, "Dinner will be ready soon."

The kids, not hearing a clear "no," kept their brows furrowed, waiting for a definitive answer.

But Jamie was already stepping out from behind the counter. He scooped Zoey up into his arms, looked at Zayn and Zeke, and said warmly, "I'll stay for dinner. Now, who wants to show me the playroom?"

But Mia had quit her secure job at Timefly Studio to follow Suzie, even though Suzie's new studio was barely off the ground and offered no solid guarantees.

On top of that, Mia had shown up early all weekend, spending the entire day at the set managing the kids. While she was technically getting paid through the "Sugar Buddies" campaign, her dedication went lightyears beyond her job description.

Suzie couldn't bring herself to be mad at her over this.

She wiped her hands, turned around with a warm smile, and said gently, "It's fine, Mia. Don't worry about it. You know how thick-skinned he is. Even if you had called me, he would have found a way to weasel his way in."

A look of pure disdain flashed across Suzie's face as she couldn't resist venting.