Hank was all about the gossip. "So, Jason, who was chasing who? Looks like you were the one making moves."


    "Yeah," Jason admitted, adding quickly, "But keep it to yourself, Hank. I don''t want any rumors about me and Alisa going around again."


    Hank reassured him, "Got it, got it, Jason. I''m just waiting for the day you and Monica start handing out wedding favors."


    "You''ll get your invite when the timees," Jason said, tapping the table, "For today, you handle the wrap-up. I''m heading out early, got some things to do."


    "Date night with Alisa, huh?" Hank chuckled. "Don''t worry, leave the rest to me. And about Julie, she won''t be causing any trouble on our watch. Oh, and Mr. Salstrom from Elysian Technologies called. The Salstroms are pushing for a quick resolution on that case." "Handle it," Jason said shortly.


    After tidying up a bit, Jason left work early.


    He stopped first to pick up some gifts, and a special present for Alisa''s daughter, I, before driving over to the Browns''.


    At precisely six, Jason arrived at the Browns'' home.


    Both Daniel and Malia were there waiting, greeting Jason with smiles. "There he is! Come on in, have a seat."


    Alisa, busy in the kitchen, peeked out at the sound of his arrival, her face lighting up with joy.


    I ran out of her room, eximing, "Papa Jason!"


    "I," Jason greeted her with a smile, handing over the gifts to Malia. "Aunt Malia, Uncle Daniel, I got you some vitamins. Anastasia mentioned you''ve been feeling under the weather. Have you had your check-upstely?"


    Laughing, Malia said, "You shouldn''t have. You''ve done so much for us over the years. Next time, don''t spend anything."


    Daniel joined in warmly, "Had our check-upsst week. Your aunt''s dealing with a bit of high blood pressure, but I''m doing alright. Sit down, Jason, let''s have a drink."


    "Wouldn''t miss it," Jason replied.


    The dinner table already had several dishes as Alisa emerged from the kitchen, "You guys start. I''m just finishing up thest dish."


    "Take your time, Anastasia," Jason said politely.


    They all sat down to eat, with I insisting on sitting next to Jason. Daniel opened a bottle of fine bourbon, pouring them each a ss. "Give this a try. Alisa told me you''ve been swamped with worktely and got a promotion too. Means less time for our get-togethers. Let''s enjoy it while we can."


    "Uncle, anytime you want to have a drink, just let me know," Jason lifted his ss, "Been a while since I''ve visited. Let me take this one for being away."


    After downing his ss, Alisa came out with thest dish, gently chiding, "Don''t rush the drinking. Eat some food first; you don''t want to upset your stomach."


    Sitting next to Jason, their interactions mirrored those of a close-knit family, bringing a warm atmosphere to the room.


    Daniel and Malia watched them with affectionate eyes.


    I happily ate her meal, Daniel and Jason shared drinks like father and son, while Malia and Alisa assisted with serving, creating the picture of an ordinary family evening. Raising his ss, Daniel toasted Jason, "Here''s to climbing higher and achieving more."


    "Thank you, Uncle," Jason replied, respectfully lowering his ss slightly as a gesture of respect.


    Alisa, witnessing this harmonious scene, felt a warmth in her heart.


    Heading to the kitchen to serve soup, Malia joined her,ughing, "Jason''s quite the catch-sessful and kind to I. If he became our son-inw, we couldn''t ask for more." Blushing, Alisa responded, "Mom."


    "Alisa, don''t let a good man like him slip through your fingers. It''s been tough since Will passed, but what you and Jason have done for us, we see it. You''ve been on your own for years now, and we consider you our daughter. If things work out with Jason, nothing would make us happier." Still blushing, Alisa admitted, "Mom, I''m not sure how Jason feels."


    "We''ll have your dad talk to him," Malia suggested, taking spoons out to the table.


    After finishing her meal, I slid off her chair, asking, "Papa Jason, can I y with your phone?"


    "Sure," Jason unlocked his phone and handed it to her.


    Comfortably taking the phone, I went off to her room. Alisa, carrying a bowl of soup, noticed her daughter wasn''t at the table. "This child, always running off after eating so little. I''ll take this soup to her."


    Entering the room, Alisa offered, "I, drink some soup."


    Engrossed in a game on Jason''s phone, I didn''t notice until a WhatsApp message popped up, sent by Monica.


    "Mommy, Papa Jason has a message."


    Curious, Alisa said, "Let me see."