You Truly Are My Mother

Alexander Hayes sipped his hot tea as Quentin Lin cocked his head, grinning at him.

Alexander Hayes pulled out a neatly wrapped pastry from his coat and said, "Mother, I just bought some snacks at the East Market. I wanted you and Father to try them first."

Margaret Evans saw the pastries and was delighted. She laughed, "Oh my, our son-in-law is so thoughtful! Quentin, go call your father to come enjoy these snacks."

Quentin Lin responded with a cheerful shout and dashed out like a lively rabbit.

Alexander Hayes asked the maid to bring over a plate, then personally arranged the pastries on it.

Margaret Evans said from the side, "By the way, I made a pair of shoes each for you and Lily. Try them on and see if they fit."

With that, Margaret Evans got up and went into the inner room to fetch the shoes.

Alexander Hayes glanced at the sewing basket beside Margaret Evans, noticing a smaller, unfinished pair of shoes inside—clearly meant for Quentin Lin.

Alexander Hayes remembered how, back when they lived in Haizi Village, Lily Evans wasn’t skilled at sewing and was too busy earning money to make shoes. All the family’s clothes and shoes were made by Margaret Evans.

Later, when the family became well-off and no longer needed to sew their own clothes, Margaret Evans still insisted on making shoes for her daughter and son-in-law by hand, claiming her shoes had thicker soles and were more comfortable to wear.

Alexander Hayes reminisced about the days when the whole family lived together in the village. The memories warmed his heart, as if he were basking in the spring sunshine.

Margaret Evans brought out the shoes, sat on a small stool opposite Alexander Hayes, and held the shoe sole up to his foot, muttering, "The size should be about right. Try them on and see if they fit. If they're too big or small, I'll fix them for you."

Alexander Hayes responded with a hearty "Alright!" He took the shoes from Margaret Evans, turned around to put them on, stood up, stamped his feet, and walked a few steps.

The shoes were sturdy, made with fine leather inside, perfect for winter—warm, durable, and comfortable.

And the size was just right!

Alexander Hayes looked down at the shoes and grinned. "You really are my true mother. Only a mother would know my shoe size so well—no measurements needed, yet not a bit off!"

As for Madam Lou—ha! She probably never cared what size shoes Alexander Hayes wore, not even once.

Margaret Evans saw that the shoes fit and smiled. "As long as they fit, I’m relieved. Wearing new shoes for the New Year means you’ll walk smoothly all year, and rise higher with every step."

Just as they were chatting, Quentin Lin arrived with Doctor Lin.

Doctor Lin was delighted to see Alexander Hayes had come by with pastries. He patted Quentin Lin on the shoulder and said, "Quentin, did you see that? A son-in-law is like half a son. Look how caring your brother-in-law is! You, on the other hand, just love riling up your father."

Quentin Lin pouted and ducked behind Margaret Evans, sticking out his tongue mischievously.

"Since my son-in-law is here, let’s have dinner together and share a few drinks with your father. Quentin, go tell your sister Lily that I’m borrowing her husband for a drink—tell her not to be jealous!" Doctor Lin laughed heartily, looking at Alexander Hayes.

"Of course! I’d be honored," Alexander Hayes replied with a hearty laugh.

"Then I’ll cook up a feast for you two!" Margaret Evans said with a cheerful smile, heading off to the kitchen. This time, Doctor Lin didn’t stop her, letting her prepare the meal.

"I’ll go tell Lily!" Quentin Lin bounced out like a rabbit again, dashing straight towards Prince Qin’s manor.

Lily Evans was buried in her accounts, looking utterly frazzled, when Quentin Lin hopped in. She couldn’t help but laugh, "Quentin, of all things to imitate, you pick a rabbit? Why not just walk instead of bouncing everywhere?"