Albert had brought loads of gifts but the most touching ones were for Lettie.

Once a wealthy woman, Lettie hesitated at the pricey gifts, murmuring to Jessie, "These must've cost a fortune, Jessie... I can't accept them."

Jessie, busy organizing Albert's stuff, paused at Lettie's words.

Albert had urgent matters to attend to at the company following his return, so Jessie was handling things at home.

She still held one of Albert's shirts, straightening up at Lettie's words.

After a moment's thought, she replied, "Mom, you should just take them!"

Lettie still felt uneasy. "They're too much. We can't repay such kindness with our current situation."

Jessie wanted to argue but held back, biting her lip.

Lettie knew her daughter well. Seeing Jessie's hesitation, she sensed something and cautiously asked, “Are you planning to tie the knot? What happened? Did he propose? And what's your take?"

Jessie carefully tucked the shirt into the laundry bag.

Initially uncertain, she grew resolute. Leaning close to her mom, she confessed, "Mom, I worry you'll disapprove! I know his past actions were awful. They still rile me up sometimes. Every girl's feelings matter and shouldn't be treated lightly. But I really dig him... And he's treating me right now. I don't wanna dwell on the past. I have a life ahead of me and I wanna give him another shot."

Her eyes welled up a bit, feeling a tad awkward.

Lettie had seen this coming and had already come to terms with it...

Without a word, she took the laundry bag from her daughter's grip to lend a hand. After a pause, she asked, "What about kids? Have you two talked about it? What's the little one's take? Before you think about expanding the family you need to chat with her. Your situation's unique, after all."

Jessie nodded, saying, “Yep, I've been pondering! He's keen on waiting a bit, but I'm leaning towards sooner rather than later for another baby!"

Lettie nodded back. “Sooner sounds wiser. He's not getting any younger."

They chatted a while.

Come evening, Albert bustled in from work, even bringing his secretary along.

Lettie served dinner herself.

She aimed to be kinder to Albert, her future son-in-law.