162 Borrowed Time

On the following day, Jim and Mr. Wayne went early to the laboratory for his tests. After here, they would go out together to see the place Anthon told them for the venue of the wedding.

Jia and Jian were both dying of excitement. She woke up early to prepare the things they needed. She also prepared drinks, lunch, some nuts and chips for snacks.

After seeing to it that the tent, picnic mats, outdoor toys for Jian and coolers were ready, she woke Jian up to take a bath and change.

At the hospital, while Mr. Wayne took his breakfast at the hospital's cafe, Jim excused himself and went to the CR. Mr. Wayne nodded but his piercing eyes followed him to the door.

He, indeed, went to the CR but when he came out, he talked to the laboratory supervisor.

"Dr. Wayne, how may I help you? " She asked respectfully. As a senior in the laboratory, he knew that Dr. Wayne was the son of Mr. Wayne, the main shareholder of the hospital.

"Miss Reyes, this is something strictly confidential, that's why I entrusted this directly to you. Dad has his tests earlier and I have with me here a hair strand with a shaft. Please facilitate for me a rush DNA testing of these specimens. " He said softly and cheerfully, trying to keep her from getting intimidated.

"I will, Dr. Wayne. I'll inform you personally once the result is in."

"Thank you. "

With this, he left and went back to the cafe. His dad was already done. So, they immediately stood up and went out to the entrance. Kuya Nap and Anthon was already there to pick them up. They decided to use one van so it could be more fun. That would be their first time to go out as a family.

Just as Mr. Wayne and Jim were seated inside, Jim's phone rang. It was from Dr. Aijohn.

"Dr. Jim, can we meet this morning, please? We need to discuss about the ongoing problems we are facing today. My in - laws are also with me now. "

"Sure, where and what time? " He asked while he shifted his gaze to the three of them.

" We are at Gee's Cafe, few meters away from the hospital. If you could make it earlier, then it would be much better. "

"Got it. "

The four men looked at each other.

"So, we will just go there together next time. However, I would still go. I have already arranged for the gardeners and the garden designer to come." Anthon said sadly.

"If we will finish early, we will proceed there." Kuya Nap said.

"No guarantees for that. There are too many agenda to tackle. " Jim said as he felt frustrated as well. His Jian was already jumping of excitement.

They were silent for a while until Jim got his final decision.

"Ton, just please take Jia and the kids with you. We will follow if we could make it but if not, we' ll go there on Sunday."

Anthon did not say a word. He was, as much as possible, avoiding chances like this to be alone with Jia. He did not want to offend Jim. He also didn't want to be accused of taking advantage by either Kuya Nap and Mr. Wayne.

"I agree, Ton. Jian is already dying of excitement." Mr. Wayne seconded.

"Yes, Ton. I also agree. " Kuya Nap also added. "Just drop us first to Gee's Cafe first."

"No need. I'm bringing my car with me. " Jim answered.

With this, they all alighted from the van and Anthon took over the driver's seat.

Few minutes after, he walked into the Wayne's home. With a single knock, the door was instantly opened. Jian instantly jumped in excitement to see him. He, then, rushed forward and leapt into his arms.

"Daddy! "

"Shall we go? " He said as he looked at Jia who was already sitting beside the baby's stroller with her legs crossed.

" They cannot make it. It's sad. " She said with a sad face.

"If you don't want to go without Jim, it's alright. Just let Jian go with me. "

Anthon said.

"But I want to go..." Jia said with a pouting lips.

"Then, let's go. " He picked up the baby from the stroller, pulled out the nappy from the pouch and spread it in one of his shoulder.

Jia stood up, pulled the stroller and followed Jian and Anthon outside. The helpers were already loading their things into the car. Once seated in front, she realized he was bringing the company's shuttle van.

"This car is too big for the three of us. " Jia murmured.

Hearing her grumbling, he looked at her before she answered.

"It's okay, my love. You're bringing too many things. As if you're already bringing your whole house with

you. "

She glanced back and looked at the mound of things she was bringing. She realized he was right that she got so amused.

"How about leaving the food for lunch? We cannot consume them. It would only get spoiled while you can heat that later for dinner." Anthon suggested.

"You're right." Jia agreed so she asked the helper to take it out and place it in the ref instead.

Soon, they stopped at the entrance of a subdivision with bold, gold letters plastered at one side.

"Jian's Garden"

"Jian's Garden? My garden? " Jian exclaimed with his widened, big pair of black eyes.

"It's your garden, developed by daddy." Jia answered.

"Wow! "

A guard opened the gate for them as he waved. Then, Anthon drove past him and towards the length of Jian's Garden. They passed through rows of trees while the hills could be seen from afar. On the other side, was a view of the peaceful sea waters, its tiny rolls glittered under the rays of the sun.

"This is exactly what you like." Anthon said while he glanced at Jia who was silently looking outside.

"The sea, dad, look! The sea! " Jian was charmed as well by the sea view. Just as her mom.

"Can we go there? " He tugged Anthon's sleeve as he asked.

" Next time, baby! "

"Okay."

Soon, they arrived at the mini paradise Jim told them about. The site was indeed captivating. It stretched out by the hill's side towards a landscape of trees lining along the two sides of a wide, S - shaped pathway. Under the trees was a wide spread of plain ground, clad with a lush vermuda grass. In every corner, were well - crafted ornamental or flowering plants. The place was indeed, most likely, designed for a commercial park. It was crafted like a man - made paradise.

After touring around while Anthon pushed the stroller, Jia spread the picnic mat at the side of the hill. They were overlooking both the sea view and the city below.

Sitting together on a mat while placing the baby between them, Anthon started his sentiments again.

"Jia, would I be like this forever? Spending moments with you in a borrowed time? "