Mommy，We Got a Husband

Stellan was sitting in the car, feeling all kinds of jittery. She kept peeking out the window and saw Tommy stroll out of the airport first. His face was a total mystery-couldn't tell if it was good news or bad. Then Alaric showed up. Once they were both in the car, Alaric saw Stellan's worried face and chuckled. "What's with the long face? Think we had a brawl or something?"

"Even if you didn't throw punches, the vibe was off. What did you guys talk about?" Stellan asked.

"Not much, just told him to watch his back around Ambrose," Alaric said, starting the car.

"Ambrose is a snake. He'll do anything to get what he wants. If Tommy's as clueless as he looks, hanging with Ambrose will mess him up," Stellan said, still feeling a bit sorry for Tommy.

"If he's clueless, then no one's got a clue in this world," Alaric said, looking serious. "Galatea, I'm not trying to dig up old wounds. Just stating facts."

"Some folks are real good at hiding their true selves, like Ambrose back then. You were with him for years, and before the whole Storm Family mess, you didn't see his true colors at all." "Honestly, you trust Tommy 'cause he's Josep's kin, but a relative Josep hasn't talked to in years is basically a stranger."

"Galatea, trust me, my gut's never wrong. Tommy's not as simple as he seems. Now that he's gone, don't reach out to him, and definitely don't meet him alone."

Stellan still had chills from the last time she got kidnapped. Alaric was sure Tommy was tied to the shady group that framed the Storm Family, so he wasn't about to let Stellan near Tommy. "Got it," Stellan said, though she thought Alaric might be overthinking. But between Tommy and Alaric, she'd pick Alaric any day.

Even if Tommy got a raw deal, Alaric had made up his mind. If it came down to it, Stellan would ditch Tommy.

"He's out of Nexus Innovations, so he's out of our lives. I know what to do. Don't worry, I won't meet him alone," Stellan promised.

"Good," Alaric said, then grinned at her. "How about we catch a movie tonight? We've never done that, just the two of us."

"A movie?" Stellan asked.

Thinking about it, they really hadn't gone to a movie together since they started dating.

"But what about the kids? We promised they wouldn't have to stay at school. If we make them stay last minute, they'll be super upset," Stellan said, worried.

"We won't leave them at school. I'll call Cormac and have him take them out for dinner. After the movie, we'll pick them up from his place," Alaric said.

Stellan teased, "Being your friend is tough, huh? Handling work and personal stuff like a PA. Cormac and Rowena are dating too. Making them babysit our kids, is that cool?"

Alaric laughed, "Cormac's been tagging along with me since we were kids. He won't mind."

Stellan gave him a playful punch. "Alaric, you're shameless."

"Just messing with you," Alaric said, then got serious. "But really, Cormac's closer to me than family. And with Aurora back, they won't get much alone time anyway. Watching one kid or four, no biggie." Aurora hadn't been home much since starting high school. Now that she was back, Cormac and Rowena's alone time was already limited.

"Alright, we'll leave the kids with them and catch a movie," Stellan said, pulling out her phone. "Let's see what's playing."

She scrolled through the listings and saw a bunch of options. "Alaric, what kind of movies do you like? Guys don't usually dig romance, right? So, sci-fi, comedy, or horror?"

"I'm good with anything. You pick. I'll call Cormac," Alaric replied.

Cormac was busy in the kitchen with Rowena. Since Aurora had started boarding school, today was her first day back, so they were making a special meal for her.

After taking Alaric's call, Cormac turned to Rowena. "Rowena, we need to make extra tonight. Caspian, Harry, and Elisa are coming over for dinner."

"Great, I miss them too," Rowena said, checking the time. "Cormac, I'll cook. You go pick them up."

Aurora could get home on her own, but Caspian, Harry, and Elisa needed a ride.

"Okay," Cormac said, changing clothes and grabbing his car keys before heading out.

When Cormac picked the three kids up, they were a bit resigned to the situation.

"Uncle Cormac, do you think it's bad if a couple is too in love?" Harry asked, feeling particularly annoyed. "Dad and Mom are always so lovey-dovey, making us feel like the third wheel. Today, they're going on a date to see a movie and leaving us behind again."

"It's definitely a good thing," Cormac replied. "A loving couple creates a loving family atmosphere, which is good for your mental and emotional health."

"That makes sense. Like Harry and me, even though we grew up in a single-parent family, we're mentally and emotionally healthy. Caspian, on the other hand, even with Dad around, had to deal with a wicked stepmother..." Elisa said. "Elisa!" Caspian interrupted her quickly, giving her a look to stop talking.

"Sorry, Uncle Cormac." Elisa realized she shouldn't have said that.

"It's okay," Cormac said calmly. "Even though she was my sister, I know she didn't do well. But she's gone now, so let's not talk about it anymore, okay?"

Elisa nodded obediently. "Got it, Uncle Cormac."

Harry tapped Elisa on the head. "You always say I talk too much, but you're the one bringing up sad stuff."

"Finally caught me saying something wrong, huh? Now you're taking every chance to complain about me. So petty," Elisa retorted.

"Can't I teach you a lesson?" Harry said. "I'm not only teaching you how to be a better person but also how to speak better. You should be grateful. If it weren't for Uncle Cormac, someone else would have smacked you by now."