Chapter 40

Seeing that his great-grandpa and daddy were both laughing, the little boy dissolved into giggles. He then threw himself into the arms of Grandpa. While raising his head to look up at his white beard, he asked. “Great-grandpa, what long beard you have! May I touch it?”

Grandpa had not held a child in his arms for a long time. He stretched his arms to lift the little boy up. At his side, Gabriel said with worry, “Grandpa, you don’t have to carry him.”

“Why? You’re worried that I won’t be able to carry my great-grandson?” Grandpa then gazed fondly at the little fellow in his arms. He doted on his grandson, Gabriel, the most. This affection naturally extended to this little boy as well.

Gabriel relented. He had been filled with apprehension on their way here but now he felt himself loosen up. It seemed that this little fellow had his own charm — everyone could not help but adore him.

“Tell me, how have you been all these years? Did you have a hard time?” Grandpa