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'