Hampton the Second couldn't help but stare at the girls, wondering what they had endured at such a young age. He then turned to Bella and expressed his gratitude for the delicious meal.
"Thank you for the meals," he said. "I must say, you're very creative in cooking. I look forward to eating more of your meals."
Bella smiled and replied, "Thank you, sir."
Hampton the Second smiled and said, "Call me Dad from now on."
The evening passed warmly, with Jr escorting Joshua and Alex out. As they stood outside, they couldn't stop raving about Bella's cooking and unique foods.
"Jr, you're a lucky man," Alex said. "We can't wait to attend your wedding."
Jr chuckled and teased, "You both talk too much. Do you want to test my punishment?"
Joshua and Alex quickly ran to their cars, knowing that Jr might send them on solo business trips as punishment.
As they drove away, they called out, "See you on Monday in the office, sir!"
Jr returned indoors, finding his father engaged in conversation with the girls. Old Mrs. Hampton, however, was trying to plait Bella's rough Afro hair, seemingly ignored by the others.
Bella, feeling a bit uncomfortable, tried to intervene, but Old Mrs. Hampton insisted, saying, "Let me fix this beautiful hair of yours, dear."
Hampton the Second, noticing the scene, smiled and said, "Mother, let Bella be. She's perfect just the way she is."
Old Mrs. Hampton looked up, slightly surprised, but eventually nodded in agreement. The evening continued, filled with warmth and laughter, as the Hampton family grew closer together.