The next morning, bright and early, Mirabe and Nick were off to the airport. Their flight was at nine, but since their small town didn''t have a direct flight option, they had to catch an intercity bus from the city at eleven.


    Once theynded, Mirabe, phone in hand, was pondering whether to grab a shuttle back home or maybe rent a car. That''s when Nick chimed in.


    "Mirabe, got a ride waiting outside for us."


    Lifting her gaze, Mirabe blinked in surprise. "A ride?"


    Nick nodded as he grabbed her suitcase and started toward the parking lot. "Yeah, rented a car."


    Mirabe hurried after him, silently impressed. Trust Nick to have everything nned out to the T.


    They quickly made their way out of the airport, and Nick scanned the area before heading towards a Jeep parked not too far away. Leaning against the Jeep was a man, head bowed, focusing on something on the ground. Sensing their approach, he suddenly looked up. His eyes sparkled with recognition at the sight of Nick, and a flicker of excitement passed briefly when his gaze shifted to Mirabe.


    He straightened up and strode towards them. He was about to shout something that started with ''big'', but a stern look from Nick stopped him short.


    Catching the hint, As quickly corrected himself, "...Mr. Davis, you''ve arrived."


    Nick hummed in response, cing their two suitcases and a few boxes of prepared gifts in front of the car.


    Mirabe, walking beside him, gave their ''rental driver'' a curious nce. The man''s initial reaction seemed familiar, almost as if he knew them. And did he start to say ''big''?


    After loading the luggage, Nick turned to find his sister with a thoughtful expression and coughed lightly, "Sis?"


    Mirabe met Nick''s gaze and pressed her lips together, shaking her head slightly.


    As had already opened the back door of the car, his actions exuding an almost subconscious respect. Seeing this, Mirabe felt even more intrigued. Once inside the car, she whispered, “Nick, where did you find this car?"


    The car''s heater was on, and Nick took off his down jacket. "Hmm? What about it?"


    Mirabe slightly raised an eyebrow. "The service is pretty good."


    Nick just smiled at that, softly saying, "Yeah, we''ll rent from him again on the way back."


    In the driver''s seat, As was over the moon: "!!!"


    Soon, the car started its journey. The highway from the city to their town would take about an hour and a half. Halfway there, Catherine called Mirabe to check where they were. Even through the phone, her happiness was palpable.


    Nick sat quietly, listening to Mirabe''s conversation with Catherine, feeling quite moved. Although there was little information avable about Mirabe, her achievements were undoubtedly thanks to Catherine. After all, for Catherine, with her modest education, to raise Mirabe to be so sensible and grounded was truly admirable.


    Meanwhile, Catherine was keeping an eye on the time, knowing Mirabe would be home soon. Unable to contain her excitement, she stood up and announced to everyone, "James, I''m going out to wait for them."


    With that, she made her way to the front yard, her steps eager but steady, until


    she reached the entrance of the alley. There, she stopped and stared unwaveringly at the road outside, as if her beloved granddaughter would appear the next second.


    After about twenty minutes of waiting, the car finally arrived.