Ice and Fire novel Chapter 348

Cherry walked to the second floor. She slowly opened the door of Joe's room. Her little boy, Joe was still sleeping. Cherry walked to him and called his name, "Joe, Joe, it's time to get up now."

"Mommy, " called Joe in a small and sleepy voice. Then he pulled himself upright on the bed, rubbing his sleepy eyes. "Have the guests arrived?" asked Joe.

"No, not yet, " Cherry replied with a smile. She helped Joe take his clothes off and said, "Better hurry, breakfast is ready."

"Okay, Mommy, " Joe replied and obediently took the clothes that Cherry picked from his closet.

"Okay, then I will go downstairs first. don't forget to wash your face and teeth before going down to get breakfast." Cherry reminded her son.

"Okay, " Joe nodded.

Joe put on his clothes and made his bed. Satisfied that his bed was neatly made, he then opened his window curtains. The small figure took a moment to admire the garden view outside his window. Finally, he headed to the bathroom to wash up.

As Joe walked down the stairs, he saw his Great-grandpa, his Daddy and as well as his Mommy sitting in the dining room. He immediately ran towards them and greeted them with a lively "Good morning".

"Oh, Joe, slow down, we are waiting for you, " said Andrew as soon as he saw Joe running towards them.

"I slept all night, and I so hungry now, " declared Joe, as he chose a chair beside Andrew.

"Then come and eat your breakfast. Here, have some more, " coaxed Andrew as he smiled. Andrew placed a bowl of porridge before Joe.

"Grandpa, let him do that himself. Please, don't treat him like a baby, " said Cherry. Cherry loved her son very much but she didn't want Joe to develop a habit of relying on others. She wanted him to learn to do things for himself. She wanted Joe to become independent.

"That's okay, that's okay, " Andrew said still focusing his attention to Joe. He always felt happy whenever he saw Joe. He enjoyed seeing his great-grandson having a healthy appetite. "I'm happy to serve our little angel, " declared the old man.

"Grandpa, " Jackson said with a disagreeing tone.

Andrew averted his eyes towards Jackson and Cherry and said, "Jackson, Cherry, I'm alive now and still have time to love Joe. I'm aware that I don't have that much time left to live. I know that you are strict with Joe, but please indulge this old man in front of you and allow me to spoil my great-grandson a bit, okay?"

Hearing what Andrew said, Jackson didn't have the heart to argue. He was left speechless. He then turned his eyes to Cherry. Cherry was actually in charge of Joe's education so she had the final say to this matter. If she agreed, Jackson was not going to oppose it. In fact, he understood his grandfather's feelings. Grandpa Andrew loved Joe so much. After all, Joe was the Chu family's offspring. He was the next generation too, he symbolized the Chu's future. This boy was also the apple of Andrew's eye. So, Jackson was fully aware of Andrew's reason, his eagerness to let Joe feel how special he was to him.

Looking at Grandpa Andrew's expression, Cherry didn't have the heart to say no, she simply nodded.

Andrew was elated when he saw Cherry's approval. He felt that this family got much cozier and warmer with the addition of Cherry and Joe in the family. He remembered that people always said that a family became more prosperous through unions. He now agreed with this old wisdom. If he were to die tomorrow he felt he would have no regrets. He could see that Jackson had a happy and loving family.

Joe suddenly looked up at Andrew and gave him his signature smile, "Great-grandpa, I love you too. I will take care of you when I grow up. I will protect Daddy and Mommy too, " the boy declared.

Hearing Joe's words, Andrew grinned from ear to ear. "Fine, fine, my little Joe, grow up quickly then." said Andrew.

"Hmmm, I can only grow up after I have enough food, " with these words, Joe lowered his head and continued to gobble down his breakfast.

Cherry and Jackson smiled and was happy with what Joe said. Whenever Joe was with them he never fails to make them feel happy. Somehow the boy was always able to make the place full of warmth and happiness without any effort.

After finishing their breakfast, Jackson and Joe headed to the living room with Andrew. The three men walked together and were having a lively conversation. Cherry, stayed behind and helped Lily wash the dishes in the kitchen.

"Mrs. Cherry, please go and sit in the living room. I can handle this myself, " said Lily. She felt sorry and a little embarrassed that Cherry had to help her with breakfast preparation. Now Cherry came again to help her wash the dishes. It was not that she did not appreciate the help. She simply felt that the lady of the house, Cherry had no obligation to be in the kitchen. She was so moved with what Cherry did.

"It's all right. Let's do it quickly. Our guests will be arriving soon, " replied Cherry. "Why don't you prepare some fruits for them. And by the way, I think it would be better if you can prepare lunch earlier, " she added.

Seeing that Cherry had no intention of leaving, Lily gave in. She did as Cherry has suggested, took out the fruits and started to wash and peel them.

After all the cleaning was done Cherry got out of the kitchen and headed towards the living room. She saw Joe sitting on Grandpa Andrew's lap. Jackson sitting on the sofa beside Andrew. The three were still chatting and laughing. Cherry smiled and started to walk towards the trio.

"Joe, what are you guys talking about?" asked Cherry, as she sat next to Jackson. Cherry affectionately placed her hand on top of Jackson's arm.

"Mommy, I'm telling a joke to Daddy and Great-grandpa. I read it on one of my books yesterday, " answered Joe cheerfully.

"Really? No wonder you guys were having such a good time, " said Cherry.

Jackson turned his head to look at Cherry, then he said, "Our son is a gifted comedian. He is a natural. We couldn't help laughing with his jokes."

"That's true. Joe, you are as funny as your Daddy was when he was small, " said Andrew with smile on his face.

"Haha, I just want you all to like me. In this way I can get more love, " said Joe as he looked at his Daddy and Mommy, his irresistible smile covered his adorable face.

Without any notice, the door of the living room suddenly opened. The Butler walked in, looked at Andrew and announced, "Mr. Andrew, Ms. Lucia has arrived."

Just as the Butler finished his words, the four people sitting on the sofa turned their eyes towards the doorway. A happy smile appeared on Andrew's face while Jackson and Cherry's face became stoic. The smile on Joe's lips slowly faded. Looking at the doorway, Joe started to feel annoyed in his heart.