"Stella, this is for you."
After chatting for a while, Hannah took out a gun case from her suitcase and placed it on the table.
The Walker family's younger children perfectly inherited their mother's beauty and their father's height. Especially the eldest daughter, Stella, who had grown up to be tall and graceful, with long legs that rivaled those of Hannah, also a Texas girl. From her lively demeanor, she seemed to resemble her father more.
The young girl let out a delighted squeal. Upon opening the box, she found a Beretta BU9 Nano semi-automatic pocket pistol. Its blue casing and laser-engraved grip patch matched the aesthetic of a girl her age.
Jack had previously prepared a pink version for Carla but hadn't had the chance to give it to her yet. Hannah thought this model was perfect for a young girl and bought one as a gift.
"Augie, your gift is too big to be brought here today. It'll arrive tomorrow. It's a BRAD PAISLEY signed guitar."
Hannah turned to Augie with an apologetic tone.
Augie, the younger brother, was a head taller than Stella and seemed more scholarly, resembling their mother more. He covered his mouth, barely hiding his excitement, and finally, shyly hugged Hannah to express his thanks.
"Aunt Molly, you're going to spoil them."
Aunt Molly brought over a tray and set it before them, containing a teapot and two cups of freshly brewed lavender tea, releasing a rich floral aroma.
"Try this. It's made from the first batch of lavender flowers from our garden this year. It's excellent for a good night's sleep."
Gifting guns to girls and musical instruments to boys—is this a unique Texan way of gift-giving? Jack silently mused as he sipped his tea, surprised at its pleasant taste. Besides the floral aroma, it had a hint of honey, not overly sweet, but perfectly complementing the lavender.
"This is fantastic. It's the best floral tea I've ever had."
Jack's genuine praise brought a wide smile to the elderly woman's face.
"We've prepared enough materials. Tomorrow we'll all work together to repair the Stephens' house. Would you like to join us?"
Walker's father, Bonham, asked with a slightly teasing expression.
"Hey, old man, don't make things difficult for the young people. You should learn to respect your guests."
Although Aunt Molly spoke these words, there was a mischievous glint in her eyes. The whole family turned their attention to Jack, giving the impression of in-laws testing a prospective son-in-law.
"I happen to be a pretty good carpenter. I can certainly help."
Jack agreed readily, confident in his current skills.
"Great, it's settled then." Walker clapped his hands eagerly.
"Can I help too? Bonham has been teaching me a lot lately," Augie asked, looking at his mother, Emily.
Emily smiled at her son and nodded, then turned to Hannah. "Let the men handle the work. We can go into town tomorrow afternoon. I need to buy some supplies, and we can go shopping together."
Hannah was delighted but suddenly thought of something and asked, "Walker mentioned you've been too busy to spend time with him lately. Does it have to do with the supplies?"
Emily shot her husband a look and explained, "We built a rest stop in the desert along the route immigrants take. Every week, we replenish the water and food there. You know, the number of people sneaking in from Mexico has been increasing in recent years."
"The day after tomorrow is resupply day, so I won't be able to accompany you."
Jack never criticized those who took real action to help others. At least Emily's efforts were more practical than those distributing 'special packets' under the guise of charity.
So, he deliberately feigned ignorance and asked, "Isn't that route dangerous? There must be people using it for illegal activities too."
"That's why we only set up the supply point on the route approved by the Texas Rangers," Emily smiled at her husband again.
"That's to ensure your safety," Walker said seriously.
"Okay, you're worrying too much."
Emily pulled him by his tie, making him lower his head, and gave him a kiss.
Walker seemed unsatisfied and wanted more, but his mother smacked him on the head, making the whole family laugh.
Although Jack didn't know if this was the incident that caused trouble in the original plot, he decided to persuade Hannah to go along, hoping to prevent any mishap and save Emily.
"Why don't we join them the day after tomorrow? I've never camped in the desert. I even prepared tents and sleeping bags for this trip, so we can use them."
Hearing Jack's suggestion, Hannah, eager to spend more time with Emily, immediately agreed. The children also wanted to join in, so Walker had no choice but to participate, leading to an impromptu family camping trip.
"Walker and Emily have been together for so many years, yet their relationship is still so strong."
Late at night, lying in the guest room the Walker family had helped them tidy up, Hannah nestled in Jack's arms, expressing her admiration.
Jack hesitated for a moment and then carefully agreed, "The Walkers do have a great relationship, which reminds me of the Hunter couple."
Hannah snorted softly, not continuing the topic. After some affectionate moments, she asked Jack to recount his encounter with the cannibals.
"In the end, I and the SEAL team worked together seamlessly, taking out all the cannibals and capturing the Eugene family's bad guys. We even found gold in the two SUVs."
"That pure gold nugget is beautiful. You can keep it as a decoration."
Jack carefully recounted the events, focusing on the important parts and omitting unnecessary details.
"So, you were very brave in those battles, even killing more cannibals than the SEALs."
Hannah's eyes sparkled with interest as she pretended to ask nonchalantly.
"Of course. If you don't count those killed by the mini-guns on the Black Hawk, I was the MVP. I emptied three magazines during the first encounter."
Jack, not realizing Hannah's little game, boasted openly.
"Then tell me, how did you deal with your adrenaline rush after the fight? With the SEALs?"
Hannah's tone turned sharp, catching Jack off guard.
"Uh... If I say I wasn't that nervous, would you believe me?"
"Don't bite there, dear..."
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