HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 369

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 369**

“Mom!” Josh exclaimed, his voice echoing through the house as he hurried down the staircase, a large sketchbook clutched under one arm and a box of vibrant crayons under the other. His excitement was palpable, a whirlwind of energy that seemed to bounce off the walls. “What are you making for dinner?”

As he reached the kitchen, he snuck up behind Althea, who was diligently seasoning chicken, and planted a quick kiss on her cheek. It was a gesture filled with affection, as if he believed that this simple act could charm her into revealing the evening’s culinary surprise.

With a soft smile gracing her lips, Althea replied, “Your favorite—roasted chicken.”

Josh’s face scrunched up in mock dismay. “Ugh, great! Don’t forget to make some orange juice too, okay?”

Althea nodded without hesitation, already envisioning the fresh juice bursting with flavor.

From the dining table, Grace’s voice chimed in, filled with impatience. “Make some for me too, Mom!” She had been waiting eagerly, her excitement bubbling over like a pot on the stove.

“Yes, sweetheart. I’ll make yours as well,” Althea assured her, her heart swelling with warmth at their enthusiasm.

Just then, Lydia appeared, holding up a chilled container she had retrieved from the fridge. “Aunt Lydia made fruit pudding. Who wants some?”

Grace’s hand shot up in the air, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Me! Me!” she squealed, practically bouncing on her seat.

Josh stepped forward, his own eyes glinting with anticipation at the sight of the pudding. “You’re not forgetting about me, right, Aunt Lydia? I could eat the whole thing, I swear!”

Grace, not wanting to be outshone, rushed over to stand beside Josh, her small frame barely containing her eagerness. She wanted to make sure Lydia knew she deserved a share too.

The atmosphere in the house that evening was unusually vibrant. The aromatic scent of rosemary-infused chicken and creamy mashed potatoes wafted through the kitchen, creating an inviting ambiance. The warm yellow glow from the hanging lamps enveloped the room, wrapping everything in a cocoon of comfort. After indulging in her children’s antics for a moment, Althea returned to her culinary tasks, her heart lightened by their joy.

Nearby, Grace was busy sorting through crayons with Josh, who was beaming with pride as he showcased his colorful masterpiece—a castle set against a dark ocean and a midnight sky. Grace had been persistently whining for several minutes, pleading for him to teach her his artistic secrets.

“I made this for my art assignment, Grace. I want to get a perfect score from Mr. Paulo,” Josh declared, his grin wide and infectious. “Do you want me to teach you?”

“Of course I do!” Grace exclaimed, puffing out her cheeks in frustration. “But you’ve been ignoring me since earlier!”

Josh chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. “I wasn’t ignoring you—I was just making sure my assignment looked good. And besides, you’ve been helping me anyway.”

“I have?” Grace asked, her brows furrowing in confusion.

Josh nodded, his expression earnest. “This time, I’ll make one for you. You can color one side, and I’ll color the other. Deal?”

“Yes! I want that!” Grace squealed, her excitement palpable.

Althea’s heart swelled with tenderness as she listened to her children chatter away. There was something profoundly comforting about their laughter; it was a balm for her soul. Even when they squabbled, the age difference between them often led to amusing exchanges. Josh frequently admitted that seeing Grace get annoyed with him felt like a unique form of affection.

“Hard to believe Josh is this grown already, isn’t it?” Lydia remarked, her voice drawing Althea’s attention. She was busy squeezing oranges for the juice they would enjoy later.

“Yes… I never imagined I would have the privilege of being by their side for this long,” Althea replied, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

“We’ll keep being here for them, Althea. Maybe… even until they get married someday?” Lydia suggested, a playful glint in her eye.

Althea chuckled softly. “Maybe even until they have children of their own?”

Lydia burst into laughter, her eyes sparkling. “You’re right. That way, I can show off my grandkids to my staff in the Bahamas.”

“Of course, I am. I love him,” Lydia replied, her voice softening, filled with sincerity. “And I know he loves me. I just want to respect his pace, just like he respects mine.”

Before Althea could respond, the front door swung open, and heavy footsteps echoed through the hallway, followed by Josh’s enthusiastic shout:

“Daddy!”

Daven appeared in the doorway, his suit slightly rumpled, tie loosened, and fatigue etched across his face. Yet, the moment his eyes landed on his children, a tired but genuine smile broke through his weariness.

“Come here, buddy!” he called out, his arms open wide.

He pulled Josh into a warm embrace, exchanging their signature high-five, before effortlessly lifting Grace into the air, showering her with loud, silly kisses until her giggles filled the room.

“What did I miss?” Daven asked, glancing around with curiosity.

Grace pointed proudly at the crayon set and the drawing she had created with Josh. “Josh drew this for me. It’s cute!”

“Oh yeah?” Daven leaned closer to inspect the artwork. “Wow. That’s amazing, champ. You’re getting better every day!”

Althea watched the interaction, feeling a small bloom of warmth in her chest. Despite the weight Daven carried on his shoulders, it was evident that his children always managed to bring a smile to his face.

“Dinner’s almost ready,” she announced, her voice filled with warmth.

Daven gently set Grace down, smoothing her hair with a loving hand before making his way toward Althea. He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her temple, murmuring, “Thanks, Althea. And… what did you make for dinner this time?”