The group strolled toward the parking lot,ughing and chatting as they went.


    Duncan and Liberty got into one car with Sonny, while Zachary and Serenity took another. With several bodyguard vehicles escorting them, the two luxury cars exited the airport and headed downtown. Once they reached the city, Liberty decided to head to her own home first to settle in. After dropping off her luggage and rxing for a bit, she joined Serenity and Zachary at Wildridge Manor.


    That evening, they all enjoyed dinner together at the York residence. They spent hours catching up, sharing stories about Jensburg, and chatting with the family elders until most of the day had slipped by. Since Liberty was back, Sonny nned to stay with her at her home. After lunch, he eagerly dashed upstairs to pack his things and gather his favorite toys.


    As the adults continued their conversation, Sonny came downstairs, dragging a small suitcase and clutching two stuffed animals.


    "Is Sonny leaving?" Tania asked, noticing him heading downstairs with his suitcase. She rose and walked over, her voice soft. "Won''t you stay a couple more days? We''ll miss you so much." Having Sonny around always brought extra warmth and energy to the house, and the York family elders adored him.


    Tania took Sonny''s little suitcase, freeing her other hand to hold his. They made their way downstairs together.


    "Grandma Tania," Sonny exined, "I''lle see you every day. Aunt Seren and Uncle Zack are on break, so whenever I can, I''lle y and keep youpany. But now that my mom''s back, I want to be with her." It had been a long time since Sonny had been able to live with Liberty.


    "And I want to y with Uncle Rowan too," Sonny added. "Grandma Tania, tell Uncle Rowan to finish his homework fast so he can take me to set off fireworks at New Year."


    Fireworks weren''t allowed in the city, but Wildridge Manor was in the suburbs, with a bigwn that made it safe to set them off. The Yorks had already stocked up on plenty of fireworks for the New Year festivities. What kid doesn''t love fireworks? Sonny could hardly wait and even wanted to light some himself. Rowan had bought some smaller, safer ones just for him, and Sonny had been looking forward to them for a while.


    At the bottom of the hill, other kids had already started ying with their small fireworks, but Serenity was strict about safety and didn''t let Sonny y on his own. He was only allowed with Rowan nearby. Rowan''s mother chuckled, adding, "Rowan already finished his homework and is working on more assignments. His brothers gave him several sets of practice papers as New Year''s presents." Sonny shook his head with a sympathetic smile. "Good thing I don''t have so many brothers. No one''s going to give me a bunch of papers for New Year!"


    Even at his young age, Sonny understood that getting extra homework as a holiday gift was hardly a treat. He felt sorry for Uncle Rowan, thinking it might be better not to have too many brothers. Eight sets of papers for the holiday? That sounded exhausting! The familyughed at his earnest expression.


    The family''s matriarch then beckoned Sonny over, and he nestled into her arms as she lifted him up.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    "Sonny," she said with a gentle smile, "go home and spend time with your mom, bute back for New Year''s. Your great-grandmother will miss you."


    Liberty''s return was a brief chance for mother and son to be together again. After the New Year, she would need to return to Jensburg, and it might be months-maybe even half a year-before she''d be back. Until things settled down there, Liberty and Sonny would have to endure another long separation.