All Novel Sweet
Chapter 2294
Two days later, the whole family, a lively bunch spanning three generations, split up into seven vehicles and set forth from Moonlit Lake with great fanfare.
Along the way, they traversed numerous towns and faced their fair share of setbacks, including severe weather and a blown tire. Yet, nothing could dampen the genuine joy that bubbled within them. On the brighter days, every evening at the campsite, the adults would help the kids set up bug zappers, attracting a spectacle of insects of all colors and sizes.
Even Felix, who had a notorious fear of creepy-crawlies, mustered the courage to hunt for beautiful butterflies for his daughter.
Molly had her principles. She cherished the beauty of butterflies but forbade the capture and harm of the living creatures.
Thus, whenever Felix spotted an exquisite butterfly, he would watch over it like a hawk, waiting. The moment the butterfly passed naturally, he would delicately collect it with his tools.d2
On one of their strolls, Rosalynn and Wayne came across Felix, crouched in the bushes, stalking his winged prey. Rosalynn remarked with a sense of awe, "It's like finding the beauty in the beast, isn't it?" Nearly two years had passed since Felix transformed from a man who lived for the thrill of the hunt to one who wouldn't dare harm a butterfly because of his daughter's wish. It was a change that could move anyone to reflection.
Ever since the trip began, Paige inexplicably blended in with the kids' group.
She joined them in their educational exploration of creek life, her enthusiasm outshining even the children's.
When it came to the nighttime insect-watching, Paige was at the forefront, her delight at discovering unique bugs surpassing that of the youngsters.
Throughout the trip, everyone naturally shared the task of looking after baby Trista, though the child spent most of her time in the arms of her dad and uncle.
Jaime, watching Paige act so unlike a mother, let slip a teasing comment.
In response, Baillie seriously explained, "Her childhood was brief; she never got to play like this. Consider it making up for lost time."
The profundity of Baillie's words struck Jaime to the core, improving his already favorable opinion of the man and solidifying his views on love.
The next day, Jaime confessed to Rosalynn, "Sis, when I'm ready to settle down, I want to be a perfect husband, just like Baillie."
His respect for the way Baillie loved
Paige was total, allowing her the freedom to live as she wished.
without constraint or reproach, always finding the perfect
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justification for her actions.
The idea of making up for a lost childhood resonated with Jaime for a long time.
On the ninth day of the trip, they arrived at Butterfly Valley a day later than planned.
Felix nearly fainted at the sight of three furry caterpillars upon exiting his car. No depth of paternal love could get him back out there.
But for Molly, it was sheer bliss.
Her camera's shutter fluttered nonstop as she captured the beauty around her.
Ivy was equally thrilled, her eyes reflecting the dazzling array of colors bestowed upon the butterflies by nature.
Inspired by the magnificence of Butterfly Valley, Ivy later composed a large oil painting that earned her a prestigious art award the following year.
Rosalynn and Wayne, meanwhile, participated less in the activities, often relaxing in their outdoor chairs, sipping drinks, and basking in their family's happiness.
Wayne, watching his daughter
surrounded by a swarm of iridescentCòntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
blue butterflies, felt a surge of
patemal warmth. But then he turned
to Rosalynn with a puzzled look.
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"Honey, I don't recall planning a stop at Butterfly Valley," Wayne said. "Was this your idea?"
"Cory added it," Rosalynn replied. "He
wanted to include a trek in other regions too, but some seemed a bit risky for the little ones. I suggested we wait until they're older.
"Cory sure knows his sister's tastes," Wayne said, intertwining his fingers with Rosalynn's. "He's a good kid."
Rosalynn glanced at Wayne with a speechless expression before breaking into laughter.
"What's so funny?" Wayne asked, puzzled.
"Nothing," Rosalynn shook her head, still smiling.