The Jacob family's luncheon was a modest affair, comprised of only four members, devoid of any grandeur.

Westfield and Clarence occupied seats opposite each other, while the two women sat on either side. The meal was simple, consisting of six dishes and a soup, nothing overly lavish or gourmet.

It was evident that Clarence was a man of frugality in his everyday life.

"Think of it as a humble family feast. This is our usual fare. I hope you don't mind, Westfield," Clarence addressed Westfield, his smile warm and welcoming.

"Simple is good. It's the simplicity that brings the feeling of home," Westfield responded,ladling a spoonful of soup for Ridgeland. The gesture caused an involuntary blush to creep up her cheeks in front of the Jacob family.

"Ridgeland,would you mind if I borrowed Westfield for a few days? I'd like him to accompany Madison to Mountainview. Would that be alright?" Clarence inquired,his smile still intact.

"Mr. Jacob, you should be asking Westfield, not me. Besides, Westfield isn't an object to be borrowed," Ridgeland retorted, her cheeks flushing deeper.

"I'm asking you because I don't want you to accuse me later of running off with your sweetheart," Clarence jested, causing Ridgeland to become so flustered that she nearly dropped her utensils and fled the table!

"Enough, Jesse. Ridgeland is a bit shy, so please stop teasing her! When are you planning to send us to Mountainview?" Madison interjected, coming to her friend's aid and steering the conversation back to the matter at hand. "I've already arranged for your plane tickets. You'll depart tomorrow morning at ten," Clarence informed Westfield. "Christiant works for me!" Westfield readily agreed, oblivious to the reluctance flickering in Ridgeland's eyes. Following the meal, Jesse retired to his room for a nap. Westfield took Ridgeland for a leisurely walk around the New Falls's yard. Ridgeland clung to Westfield's arm,leaning into him, her reliance on him almost total. Their impending separation hung in the air, and Ridgeland's affection for Westfield was palpable.

"You seem a bit off today. Are you unhappy about my trip to Mountainview?"Westfield asked, noticing Ridgeland's preoccupied demeanor.

"Yes, especially since you're going with my beautiful best friend, Madison. If you were to fall for her, I'd be devastated," Ridgeland confessed, her lips forming a pout.

Westfield chuckled, "Don't you trust me? Even if you don't trust me,shouldn't you trust your best friend?"

"Have you not heard that women need to be cautious?" Ridgeland retorted,feigning seriousness.

"So,you two have been talking about me behind my back? Why are you being cautious of me? Do you think I'm going to steal your man?" Madison suddenly materialized behind them, her gaze fixed on Ridgeland with feigned suspicion.

"Yes, my man is quite a catch. Who knows if you've set your sights on him?" Ridgeland replied, her tone serious.

"Well, I hadn't considered it before, but now that you mention it, Westfield is quite attractive. Since neither of you are married, why not let me have a shot?" Madison teased, her expression playful.

"How dare you, Madison! I thought you were my best friend!" Ridgeland retorted,chasing after Madison. Their playful scuffle filled the yard withlaughter and vitality. Westfield settled onto a bench in the yard, watching the two women frolicking before him. He couldn't help but think that this was the kind of life he yearned for. Westfield watched as Madison fearlessly tickled Ridgeland, an inexplicable pang of jealousy gnawing at him. He yearned to cry out, "Release her and let her come to me!"

"Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore! Your man can't take his eyes off you!" Madison, seemingly fatigued, was the first to capitulate, playfully winking at Ridgeland.

Ridgeland huffed in response, "Well, let him look. I don't mind my man looking at me. But seriously, since you two are leaving together, please take good care of him!" Her playful demeanor quickly shifted to a more serious tone.