Ch. 2151..2160
Chapter 2151 Chapter 2151 After taking a few steps up the staircase, Josh Batton let go of Annabeth Cates to retrace his steps down to the woman.
Feeling overwhelmed, she stood still and covered her mouth, trembling visibly. "Did you come back for me?"
"Who else? Is there anyone else around here?" he asked in amusement.
The woman held her breath. "How can I help you?"
"It's nothing out of the ordinary. I'm only hoping that you'll keep my presence a secret. Can you do that? I'm willing to give you my autograph in exchange," he said.
She nodded without hesitation, unable to believe she was getting his autograph. She'd been a fan of his for many years.
"All right, Josh. Please sign on my back. I love you so much," she declared as she eagerly turned around. "Do you have a pen? I can go home and get one if you don't." "I've got one," he replied calmly, retrieving a pen from his pocket and then signing on her back.
His autograph consisted of his full name.
He put his pen away when he was done. "All right. I'll be leaving now. Thank you, and remember to keep this a secret."
The woman watched him leave after that, feeling so excited that she started to tear up. "Thank you, Josh!"
He didn't reply further, silently hugging Annabeth as they walked away.
The woman became even wilder when they were gone, instantly removing her coat to study his autograph.
Then, hugging it tightly as if holding a rare treasure, she mumbled to herself, "Oh my god! I have Josh's autograph! Did I just win the lottery?"
She felt even more excited about this than if she were to win the lottery.
His signature seemed to glow before her eyes.
"I have to go home and put this away," she uttered to herself.
"Yeah, I have to keep it in a safety that nobody could steal it."
With that, she quickly turned around and returned home with the coatzin hand, removing her shoes hastily as soon as she entered her house. Then, she placed the precious coat in a safety vault.
as Meanwhile, Josh and Annabeth carried two suitcases out from the helicopter.
They contained gifts from them and the Battons for Bobby Cates and Peggy Howards.
Josh carried a suitcase in each hand before leading his wife downstairs.
"Do you need help?"
"No, just stay behind me," he declined with a shake of his head.
Annabeth nodded with a smile.
They soon brought the suitcases into mehouse, where her p entered.
"What's going on? Do these both contain gifts you've brought us?" her father asked.
"Are you serious?" Peggy was stunned by the two large suitcases.
Annabeth chuckled as she nodded. "Yes."
Bobby was speechless.
Chapter 2152 Chapter 2152 Peggy Howards was also speechless.
Right then, both parents appeared to be dumbfounded.
"What's all this? Do you always spend so frivolously? You could save up the money," Bobby Cates said.
Annabeth Cates' parents led a frugal lifestyle, rarely spending on anything deemed unnecessary.
Although their daughter had married into a wealthy family and the Cates family had also amassed a small fortune, they still weren't used to the lavish lifestyle.
Josh Batton grinned politely. "How can buying gifts for our parents be considered frivolous? This white suitcase contains things from us while the black one contains gifts from my parents," he told them as he carried the suitcases to the living room.
He then placed them on the floor and opened them up.
Meanwhile, Annabeth gently held her parents' hands and walked up to Josh from behind.
They could see that the suitcases were full of supplements from various expensive brands unavailable locally and solely imported.
Bobby and Peggy were astounded again.
Peggy couldn't resist nagging. "Next time, please don't buy so many supplements for us. We haven't even finished the ones you bought last time."
"The expiry dates are still a considerable time away, anyway. You have ample time to consume them slowly," Josh voiced.
"There's no need to worry about us. Save some for yourselves. We can buy our own supplements," Peggy insisted. "Would you do so? Would you spend money on such things?" Annabeth asked, shaking her head helplessly. Her mother had no retort.
"Josh knows that you won't spend on these things if we don't. That's why we brought these for you," she said knowingly. Her parents seemed embarrassed, exchanging glances and smiling as they turned to gaze at their considerate son-in-law.
"Thank you, Josh, and thank your parents for us, too. You're very vel.net thful, but please don't give us anything else next time. We have more than we need."
He chuckled. "Don't worry about it. I'll keep these in your room for now."
Bobby nodded, prompting Josh to close the suitcases, bringing them to their room.
Meanwhile, Annabeth affectionately held their hands before settling down on the couch.
Peggy then whispered into her ear, "Why didn't you try to stop them? It's such a waste of money."
"Don't you think I've tried? It's pointless," she shrugged helplessly. "Josh and his parents only want the best for the two of you."
They were overjoyed to hear that, despite not wanting the Battons to spend money on them. It certainly reflected how Annabeth was regarded by the family. They wn vel.net obviously adored her and treated her well.
Annabeth's parents were glad to know they weren't misled at all.
"Annabeth they are a wonderful family. You must appreciate them and never do anything you'll regret. Do you understand?" her mother said, feeling fond of everyone in the Batton family.
She couldn't think of anyone better than them as in-laws.
Annabeth nodded in agreement, beaming with joy when the Battons were brought up. "Yeah, I'll be good to them."
"These must cost several hundred thousand, right?" Bobby asked.
"Probably up to a million," she answered calmly.
Chapter 2153 Chapter 2153 Bobby Cates and Peggy Howards gasped when they heard this. They were taken aback by how wealthy the Batton family was. They felt even more remorseful about the money spent.
They didn't expect these supplements would cost so much.
Annabeth Cates smiled and hugged them both. "They insisted on such lavish gifts, and I couldn't stop them."
"Annabeth, there's no way you'll find a better family," her father said incredulously.
"You have to be thankful to them," Peggy stated.
She nodded in agreement, feeling embarrassed when she thought about it, too. "Yeah, you're right."
Chuckling, her mother ruffled her hair. "Your father and I are so happy that you get to live such a good life, Annabeth."
They never dreamed that their daughter, who looked ordinary at best, could marry into an ultra-wealthy family like the Battons or that they could one day cross paths with a family that they only heard from myths.
"I'm very happy too," she declared softly with a contented smile. "You two should eat or drink whatever you like and spend the money I give you as you wish. Don't worry about me. I have everything I need. Just make sure you look after yourselves."
Her parents nodded.
They might appear to agree, but they didn't think so in their hearts.
Annabeth could be living very well right now, but they still wanted to prepare for a rainy day, so they decided to save up on her behalf.
That way, if she ever found herself unhappy in the Batton family, she could still return to them.
By then, they would've saved enough for their daughter to live luxuriously for the rest of her life. Even if they weren't as wealthy as the Battons, they'd at least never have to suffer.
"We've been seeing Josh appear on television very often. He's doing so well. Our neighbors would always look at us enviously whenever the subject came up. I do feel proud of him," Peggy expressed with pride.
Right then, Josh walked out of the room to sit next to her, resting his hand on her shoulder. "I'm happy that I could make you proud."
Peggy couldn't stop smiling when she heard this, feeling joyful whenever she saw him.
Peggy was very pleased with her son-in-law.
"I'm so delighted to become your mother-in-law," she told him fondly. "Josh, don't exhaust yourself and rest more often when you can. I feel that you've lost weight recently." en.swhovels.net "Yeah, I will. I have gotten thinner, but it's not because of exhaustion. I'm intentionally trying to lose weight."
"You're already thin! Why are you still trying to lose weight?" she questioned sternly.
"I'll look better on camera."
"You look good enough on camera as you are. How much better could you ask for?" she asked, unable to think of any other looked better than Josh so far.
looked better than Josto "Slightly better," he replied.
Bobby shook his head helplessly. "You look good enough. Take care of your health."
"Yeah, I know. Don't worry about me, Dad, Mom."
"Where's your luggage? Aren't you going to stay here for a few days?" Bobby queried.
He and his wife were overjoyed when Annabeth said they were staying for a few days.
However, when he didn't see their luggage, he was worried they might leave after only a short visit. He felt disconcerted.
Chapter 2154 Chapter 2154 "We realized there were already a lot of things for you while we were packing. That's why we didn't want to bring any clothes. We were planning to buy what we need here once we arrived. Don't worry, we'll be staying here," Josh Batton explained immediately, knowing very well what was on their mind.
Naturally, Annabeth Cates' parents were hoping their daughter would stay for a prolonged visit as they hadn't seen her for a long time.
"My schedule is all sorted out, too. We'll be here with the two of you for some time," he added.
Bobby Cates and Peggy Howards instantly relaxed upon hearing that.
"We were thinking of taking you both out on a trip somewhere. Is there anywhere you'd like to go in particular?" Annabeth asked.
"We can go somewhere nearby. Traveling is a waste of money," her father said.
"No, it's not, Dad. It'll be an eye-opening experience to go somewhere further," she said.
"How is that not a waste of money? We could eat lots of good food at home with the money," Peggy told her.
Hearing them, Josh was touched by their sensible approach to money as usual.
"It's not the same," he let out a chuckle. "Everyone should go out exploring now and then. If you won't tell us where you want to go, then we'll make the decision."
"I really can't think of a place," Bobby said after a moment's consideration.
"What about City L?" Annabeth suggested. "I heard there's an outdoor hot spring that's pretty fun. We can explore the hot spring before walking around. What do you think?"
She knew that her parents enjoyed hot springs immensely and could see how tempted they were by the idea.
"It's been decided, then. That's where we'll go." Josh instantly made the call after seeing their facial expressions.
They didn't voice any objections upon observing how determined the younger couple seemed. Their notion of how traveling was a waste of money came from being frugal their entire lives.
"I'll find the accommodation and plan our travel itinerary," Annabeth spoke up eagerly. "Josh, this is what I'm best at."
"Call me Honey," he reminded her, making her laugh.
"Honey..."
Her parents were contented when they saw how loving she and Josh were with each other.
He let out a chuckle as well. "Okay, good. I'll plan everything out. You don't have to do anything."
"I can still plan the itinerary. I have to do something, at least. I need to feel like I'm contributing," she insisted.
Josh was already purchasing tickets to some tourist attractions online as they spoke. "You're already the top contributor in my eyes without doing anything else."
"I feel like you're making me completely dependent on you," she argued. "I might not be able to look after myself after a while."
"That's actually pretty good. Nobody else would want you if you can't look after yourself. Then nobody will compete against me for you if that's the case," he replied with a cheeky grin.
Her heart raced when she heard this, her face turning red.
Meanwhile, Bobby and Peggy exchanged glances and smiled.
"She's such an ordinary girl. Who would want to steal her away?" Peggy joked.
"My wife isn't ordinary at all," Josh dwhile ruffling her hair the affectionately. "In my eyes, shool net ens.net prettiest woman in the world."
Annabeth immediately felt embarrassed. "I'm such an ordinary person. How am I good-looking?"
"You are, to me," he said. He would never get bored of looking at Annabeth.
She might not have looked stunning at first glance, but she gradually grew prettier over time.
Chapter 2155 Chapter 2155 Perhaps, beauty truly lies in the eyes of its beholder.
There were all sorts of beautiful women in the entertainment industry, but Josh Batton only had eyes for Annabeth Cates.
He was willing to do anything for her.
Her face turned impossibly red upon hearing her husband's compliments in front of her parents. "You're so annoying. Please stop talking."
Josh merely grinned and stared at her without saying anything further. The look in his eyes was far more affectionate than it ever seemed when he acted in movies. His tender gaze made her want to give Josh her heart.
Seeing how shy Annabeth seemed, he couldn't resist lifting his hand to caress her hair gently, feeling like she was an obedient kitten whenever he touched her like that. It was an addictive feeling.
Bobby Cates and Peggy Howards were beginning to feel a little self-conscious by their affectionate interaction. At the same time, they were also happy for them.
Unsure of what to say, Annabeth immediately stood up. "Let's get ready to go out to buy some daily necessities."
Her husband instantly nodded and stood up, retrieving a pair of sunglasses and a mask before putting them on. Then, he removed two black caps from Annabeth's backpack before putting one on her head, followed by his own. The caps had the same design that gave off a romantic vibe.
He pressed his cap down low, blocking his face entirely in addition to the sunglasses and a mask. Despite the disguise, he was still shockingly handsome as his perfect physique was still evident.
At that moment, Annabeth felt charmed by him again.
She quickly looked away, putting her own mask and sunglasses on before pressing down her cap.
After saying goodbye to her parents, the couple held hands while walking out the door, oblivious to Bobby and Peggy's matching grins as they watched them leave.
There were satisfied with how their marriage was going.
"Our daughter has truly married into a great family. I can't help thinking that she got very lucky," Bobby told his wife.
"An astrologist once said Annabeth has great luck in romance, remember? I didn't think so in the past because I've always felt that she's a commoner and can't possibly marry into a wealthy family. I can't believe it actually happened," Peggy said.
"Exactly. Life is mysterious sometimes," he replied.
"I hope they can stay together forever. I like Josh very much," she sighed.
***
To maintain a low profile, Annabeth called for a taxi instead of using the helicopter when they left the house.
Soon, their taxi was headed to the best shopping mall in the area.
Of course, shopping malls in this city were incomparable to the ones in Atlantis in terms of size or atmosphere, but they still enjoyed themselves.
Josh was usually very down-to-earth and didn't mind using ordinary products despite being used to high-end brands.
They walked from the jewelry section on the first floor to the female clothing section on the third floor.
He was stunned by how affordable the items were and was already holding several shopping bags of various sizes after only walking around for a short while.
Meanwhile, numerous women were staring at him with looks of admiration in their eyes.
Chapter 2155
Chapter 2156 Chapter 2156 The women didn't recognize Josh Batton as the renowned celebrity he was, but they were still attracted to his impressive physique and charisma. Annabeth Cates and Josh found themselves at the center of attention. It often happened regardless of when or where as long as he was around. She shone just as brightly as her celebrity husband.
Josh was very decisive throughout the shopping process and would buy whatever caught her eyes.
It made several women envious.
Two people began talking behind them- "That guy must be filthy rich! Is that his girlfriend? He's so good to her."
"She doesn't even need to try anything on and he'd buy everything she sees. Is he from a wealthy family?"
"That girl is so lucky. I'm so envious."
"I can sense that the guy is very good-looking. He must look handsome if he takes off his mask."
"He looks like a celebrity to me, but I can't remember who exactly."
Hearing their conversations, Annabeth and Josh hastened their way to the fourth floor to avoid being recognized.
The fourth floor had shops selling men's clothes, and they still attracted attention even there.
She led him into a store selling casual apparel where he followed her around, carrying all the shopping bags they'd bought as she continuously held some clothes up against him for a once over. Josh just did whatever Annabeth wanted and bought six different outfits she picked out for him.
The clothes seemed to suit him well with superior quality despite the relatively smaller brand.
She held his hand as they exited the store. "Why did you agree to everything I chose? Don't you have any opinion?" "You're the one who will be looking at me when I wear them. I'm fine as long as you think I look good," he replied.
She grinned, feeling warm in her heart.
Right then, the two people behind them began talking again— "Don't you think the man looks so much like Josh Batton? And that woman looks like Annabeth Cates!"
"I remember Annabeth is from around here, isn't she? Could she have brought Josh here to visit her parents?"
"D*mn, how did you know they're Josh and Annabeth? I don't celebrities like them would cont a place like this."
"I'm Josh's loyal fan. I think that's him no tell fromter how I look at it. I the back of his head swnoet neck."
The couple in question exchanged glances as they heard what they said and began to pick up the speed as they walked.
Seeing this, the people behind also quickened their pace, intending to get to the bottom of their identities.
To avoid being recognized and trapped in the mall, Josh handed the bags in his left hand to Annabeth and proceeded to pick her up with one arm, hurrying down the escalator.
She held onto the bags with one hand, wrapping the other hand around his neck as they worked together seamlessly.
The faster the two of them moved, the more those people suspected who they might be.
Suddenly, the crowd went wild.
Chapter 2157 Chapter 2157 Josh Batton carried Annabeth Cates and quickly ran down the escalator right when the people behind them had already recognized them, screaming as they chased after them. "Josh, don't leave! We love you!"
"We love you, Josh! Ahh! Wait, Josh!"
"Josh! Josh!"
"Josh Batton? It's Josh Batton!"
With screams erupting all around them, people on the first floor began to notice and started joining the crowd who ran after them.
Josh had encountered something like this countless times.
He remained calm and continued running out of the mall with Annabeth in his arms.
She could see the crowd charging toward them like a swarm of flies. They were about to be surrounded by a shockingly large number of people. "They're catching up! We have to hurry," she exclaimed, clutching Josh tightly.
In front of them, several people who had just walked through the entrance started to notice them as well and ran frantically toward them. Fortunately, there weren't as many people.
After looking around, he chose to confront them directly.
People were running haphazardly down from the second, third, and fourth floors, looking like zombies in movies.
Annabeth had witnessed situations like this numerous times before, so she wasn't exactly shocked.
She was only worried that they might get trapped within the crowd.
They were now surrounded by screams and cheers, as well as flashing lights.
A few minutes later, Josh managed to escape from the shopping mall but Pe continued to run forward a 1/4 people were still pursuing them.
His strides were long, and he regularly exercised, so he had the stamina to outrun them all.
Even as the people behind him were already gasping for breath, Josh still seemed to be breathing normally. Other passersby joined the crowd when they saw this scene and heard his voice, creating a snowball effect.
It seemed as if Josh and Annabeth nearly caused a riot with everyone from the nearby streets running after them.
Worried that her husband might not be able to handle it physically, she asked, "Josh, how are you doing?" "Yeah, I'm fine. How about you?" Josh answered as he continued to run.
"I'm fine, too."
"Also, call me Honey," he insisted, managing to hold his breath steady and sounding like his usual self despite carrying her while holding all the clothes they bought and@unning for so long.
She nodded. "Okay, Honey."
Then, she noticed an alley nearby. "Go in from Pere. I'm very familiar the path. We'll be able to get them once we go in."
belongs to FindNovel wit Josh did as she instructed and turned into the alley, taking directions from her.
Ten minutes later, they ran into the backyard of a barbeque restaurant within the alley.
Chapter 2158 Chapter 2158 Seeing nobody behind them then, Josh Batton instantly closed the door.
They could still hear people screaming outside.
Soon, the sounds faded along with their footsteps until they were completely gone, making Josh and Annabeth Cates heave sighs of relief while exchanging glances.
Josh seemed exhausted as he leaned against the door, out of breath.
After putting her and the numerous shopping bags down, he peeked through the gaps in the door. "Phew, they're finally gone."
Annabeth was still in a state of shock. "Yeah."
Frowning slightly, he removed his sunglasses. "I'm sorry that you can't even shop peacefully. People always end up recognizing me," he sighed apologetically, feeling genuinely sorry about this.
His wife had been robbed of an ordinary life by being married to him. They always lived their lives in front of the camera.
They would be photographed whenever they went out shopping or going to the movies, even merely walking on the streets. They also had to constantly adorn disguises to avoid recognition by their fans.
They couldn't live like normal couples to go shopping leisurely without a disguise, and always needed to be on their toes.
They'd have to run for their lives as soon as their fans discovered their identities.
Annabeth pulled her mask down, smiling and appearing to be unconcerned while she stood on tiptoes to caress his face. "I don't mind, Honey. I'm willing to go through anything as long as I can be with you. "Besides, I honestly don't think there's anything bad about this," she added.
She truly didn't mind these inconveniences and was willing to do anything to have Josh as her husband.
She wouldn't mind even if she had to stay at home and never go shopping again.
His heart swelled with joy upon hearing her words.
His hand lifted to ruffle her hair gently. "I'm so lucky to have you as my wife."
Josh knew very well how stressful it was to be married to a celebrity.
Apart from being verbally attacked by his fans, Annabeth couldn't live normally or do anything she wanted.
They had to be careful whatever they did.
But she had never once complained and was always gentle and agreeable.
His wife was a good person, and he loved her more and more for it.
Josh instantly felt much better after removing his mask.
"Who are you? Why are you here?"
Suddenly, the restaurant owner walked over and pointed at them.
They hastily put their masks back on when they heard the voice, looking at each other. They then simultaneously picked up the bags on the floor and left.
The alley was now empty. Their hands interlocked as they strolled along, carrying the shopping bags.
It seemed peaceful and wonderful once more without fans chasing after them. They gradually slowed down their pace to enjoy the peaceful scenery in the alley taking in the plants and trees around them.
It was relaxing enough to pay attention to the intricate stores along the way.
Once they were out of the alley, they hailed Woo fines arrivixi and returned h a long sigh of relief upon They were fortunate to have returned home in such a peaceful manner.
Chapter 2159 Chapter 2159 The living room was empty, but Josh Batton and Annabeth Cates could hear the sound of chopping of meat coming from the kitchen.
They could also hear Bobby Cates and Peggy Howards laughing.
It felt very warm in the house. Coupled with the vibrant noises, the two of them felt extremely at ease.
They placed everything they bought by the main door before washing their hands in the bathroom.
Then, they entered the kitchen together to find Annabeth's parents chatting as her father chopped meat with two knives while Peggy diced onions.
It was a heart-warming scene.
The pot next to them was already boiling, with steam rising from it to fill the room and making it seem a little smokey.
Peggy immediately smiled when she saw them enter. "Why did you two come in? We're fine on our own."
Smiling, Josh walked to stand in between Peggy and Bobby. "What are you cooking? Let me help."
He reached for one of the knives, intending to start helping, but Bobby leaned slightly sideways to block his way before continuing what he was doing.
"Annabeth, you like meatballs, don't you? I'll make you some from scratch. The handmade ones taste significantly better than store-bought ones," her father said.
"Josh, go out and spend time with Annabeth. As our guests, we aren't putting you to work. Aren't you tired enough at home? You better get some rest while you're here," he added.
However, Josh swiftly snatched the knives away from him, gently pushing him aside while swiftly removing his apron and putting it on himself. He then began chopping the meat with the knives the way it was done earlier.
His knife technique seemed precise and cool, too.
The lighting in the kitchen was just about right.
It was as if Annabeth was watching an idol drama with culinary arts as its central theme.
Meanwhile, Josh was like the male protagonist capable of producing countless delicious dishes in the drama.
Her heart was racing again.
However, Bobby seemed embarrassed. "What are you doing? I told you to have fun outside."
"He's right. It's so rare for you to come here, so how could you be doing all these things?" Peggy felt a little embarrassed, too.
However, Josh had a nonchalant expression on his face. "I'm not here often enough to help, so I wanted to do what can while I am here. You two should go outside and rest I'll be fine on my own. I know how to make meatballs, too."
Peggy rejected his offer, though. "No way. I want to stay and help out. Besides, I want to personally cook some good food for you both It's what I want to do most right?
now."
He nodded obediently. "Fine. We'll stay here and let Dad spend time with Annabeth outside."
Annabeth was glad that her husband could get along fine with her mother.
Smiling softly, she stepped forward and carefully adjusted his apron. "I'll stay and help out, too. Dad can wait outside."
"No, you don't. This is no place for a pregnant woman, so hurry up and wait out there," Josh insisted sternly before turning to address her father.
"Dad, please take her outside. It's too crowded in here, it's beginning to feel a little cramped."
Seeing that he was determined to help out in the kitchen, Bobby nodded and then led Annabeth out to the living room, leaving Josh' and Peggy the only ones who remained in the kitchen.
Chapter 2159 Chapter 2159 The living room was empty, but Josh Batton and Annabeth Cates could hear the sound of chopping of meat coming from the kitchen.
They could also hear Bobby Cates and Peggy Howards laughing.
It felt very warm in the house. Coupled with the vibrant noises, the two of them felt extremely at ease.
They placed everything they bought by the main door before washing their hands in the bathroom.
Then, they entered the kitchen together to find Annabeth's parents chatting as her father chopped meat with two knives while Peggy diced onions.
It was a heart-warming scene.
The pot next to them was already boiling, with steam rising from it to fill the room and making it seem a little smokey.
Peggy immediately smiled when she saw them enter. "Why did you two come in? We're fine on our own."
Smiling, Josh walked to stand in between Peggy and Bobby. "What are you cooking? Let me help."
He reached for one of the knives, intending to start helping, but Bobby leaned slightly sideways to block his way before continuing what he was doing.
"Annabeth, you like meatballs, don't you? I'll make you some from scratch. The handmade ones taste significantly better than store-bought ones," her father said.
"Josh, go out and spend time with Annabeth. As our guests, we aren't putting you to work. Aren't you tired enough at home? You better get some rest while you're here," he added.
However, Josh swiftly snatched the knives away from him, gently pushing him aside while swiftly removing his apron and putting it on himself. He then began chopping the meat with the knives the way it was done earlier.
His knife technique seemed precise and cool, too.
The lighting in the kitchen was just about right.
It was as if Annabeth was watching an idol drama with culinary arts as its central theme.
Meanwhile, Josh was like the male protagonist capable of producing countless delicious dishes in the drama.
Her heart was racing again.
However, Bobby seemed embarrassed. "What are you doing? I told you to have fun outside."
"He's right. It's so rare for you to come here, so how could you be doing all these things?" Peggy felt a little embarrassed, too.
However, Josh had a nonchalant expression on his face. "I'm not here often enough to help, so I wanted to do what can while I am here. You two should go outside and rest I'll be fine on my own. I know how to make meatballs, too."
Peggy rejected his offer, though. "No way. I want to stay and help out. Besides, I want to personally cook some good food for you both It's what I want to do most right?
now."
He nodded obediently. "Fine. We'll stay here and let Dad spend time with Annabeth outside."
Annabeth was glad that her husband could get along fine with her mother.
Smiling softly, she stepped forward and carefully adjusted his apron. "I'll stay and help out, too. Dad can wait outside."
"No, you don't. This is no place for a pregnant woman, so hurry up and wait out there," Josh insisted sternly before turning to address her father.
"Dad, please take her outside. It's too crowded in here, it's beginning to feel a little cramped."
Seeing that he was determined to help out in the kitchen, Bobby nodded and then led Annabeth out to the living room, leaving Josh' and Peggy the only ones who remained in the kitchen.
Chapter 2160 Chapter 2160 Peggy Howards continued to dice onions while gazing at Josh Batton. "I'm really fond of you, Josh. You have an even more wonderful personality than your appearance suggests. My daughter is very lucky to have found you.
"Annabeth is a kind-hearted person, but she can be a little reckless with her words sometimes. I hope you won't mind if she says anything to annoy you. Please try to bear with her.
"Of course, you can always come to me if there's anything you can't handle with her. I can speak to her about it," she added.
Josh nodded gently. "There's nothing about Annabeth that I have a problem with because I think she's great in every aspect. Besides, men are supposed to be tolerant toward their wives. As long as she doesn't cross any lines, I'd be more than fine with it."
She felt even more assured when she heard this.
"You're truly wonderful. Thank you," she said, smiling in contentment.
"Annabeth is even more wonderful. You and Dad have raised her well," he complimented.
"How's her temperament lately? Pregnant women can get upset easily sometimes."
"She's been great and hasn't thrown any tantrums," he said, chuckling. "Don't worry, I can tolerate it even if she does. My parents taught me that men are doomed if they aren't good to their wives." Peggy chuckled at this. "Your parents' teachings are unique indeed."
Previously, she'd heard about the Battons' teachings from her daughter and Sharon Lindt.
She genuinely found it unique. Other families would educate their young ones to behave in a certain way, but they only had one rule; the men in the family should always be good to their wives.
In her mind, a family like theirs was uncommon.
"Yeah, I think so too," Josh laughed.
After that, they both started joking around, invoking laughter in the kitchen with him entertaining his mother-in-law with endless jokes.
They got along famously, like mother and son, creating a heartwarming scene.
Over an hour later, they had yet prepared a tableful of dishes with Peggy as the head chef since she wanted to cook personally, while he was merely her assistant.
He placed the completed dishes on the dining table one at a time.
There were a total of five sides and one soup, including marinated meatballs, stir-fried cauliflower braised prawns, sour-and-spicy shredded potatoes, pan-fried squid, and chicken soup with ginseng.
Although the dishes weren't served with exquisite plating, they still looked and smelled appetizing.
Annabeth was pleased to have the chance to eat her mother's home-cooked food, not realizing that she'd finished over a bowl and a half of rice.
She ate quickly due to hunger, so by the time she was done, the others were still eating.
She then excused herself to play with her phone next to them silently while Josh continued to eat, chatting with Bobby and Peggy.