Husband With Benefits-Chapter 560: Family

"You’re quite a lovely couple," an older woman commented, peering over her small spectacles with a discerning gaze.

Bianca stood frozen, while Autumn cast him a panicky glance. Gabe gave her a reassuring smile before turning to the woman sitting further away. "Thank you," he said. "I’m Gabe Frost. My Autumn here, is the lovely one who makes us such a great pair. And you are?"

"I’m Agatha Shelly. I work locally with the church and child protection services. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Frost. I’ve also been approached by the trust you’re setting up to work with them."

"Mrs. Shelly, it’s an honor to meet you," Gabe replied. "Thank you for all the important work you do."

"It’s my duty to do so," the woman answered resolutely, while Gabe nodded.

Seeing the smooth introduction, which was much different from what Bianca had imagined, helping her woman come out of her trance and she quickly came forward to remind Mrs Shelly to do her ’duty’.

It had taken her days of listening to the woman’s lecture about morals, to convince this woman to intervene in the matter about Arabelle. She’d made sure to drop enough hints to enrage the woman about the situation over here. About how Gabe and Autumn were not living under moral circumstances and doing wrong by keeping the child away from the father.

And yet, here she was talking about how it was a pleasure to be making his acquaintance and calling them a lovely couple.

"Mr Frost. Mrs Shelly is not here for a friendly or neighborly visit but something more improtant."

Gabe ignored her which incensed her but at least Mrs Shelly seemed to wake up as she nodded and spoke to Autumn," Yes, girl. We are here for Arabelle and to discuss your changed curcumstances. We, as a community, feel that it would be better for Arabelle to be with her father."

"No." Autumn’s sharp response had the other woman pause in surprise as she narrowed her eyes while a triumphant smile lit in Bianca’s eyes.

Enraged, Autumn shook her head," I’ve already said it multiple times that Arabelle will be staying with me."

Mrs Shelly pursed her lips and shook her head," Autumn, you are being stubborn. We have to take the child’s welfare in concern. These few months, we said nothing because we believed that you too needed time to heal and you were alone in the world. But now that you are not alone anymore... a child needs a parent much more than a step sibling. Arabelle has lost her mother but she still has a father so there is no reason for her to live as an orphan."

"I don’t care what the community...." Autumn burst out but before she could say more, Gabe caught her hand and squeezed it gently, attracting her attention.

As she looked on, he turned to the woman, a hard look in his eyes," Of course, Mrs. Shelly. We’re more than willing to discuss Arabelle and our current situation. We want what’s best for Arabelle."

Mrs Shelly turned to Gabe, and nodded in approval. At least the girl’s husband was reasonable. Maybe Mr Savoy would have a chance to meet his daughter then. "It’s good to hear that, Mr Frost. The child’s welfare is our primary concern. We need to ensure she’s in a stable and morally sound environment."

Bianca stepped forward, unable to hide her frustration. "Stable? Morally sound? Mrs. Shelly, they are living together despite being strangers. They’re hiding the child from her biological father. And you know about Autumn’s history with Mr Savoy...How is this stable? I think you should..."

Before she could complete the sentence, Gabe cut in," Miss, I take offense to anyone who will dares to raise their finger against our relationship. Autumn and I are legally married and in love with each other. Yes, we did not have a courtship but I don’t think that matters when a person is in love. As for Arabelle, she is in the happiest and safest place at the moment."

Biance was about to argue when Mrs Shelly cut her off," I am sure you think that, Mr Gabe but Mr Savoy wants to be with his daughter. He has tried many times to talk to AUtumn but she has remained stubborn. However, the man’s patience is at its limits. What is important is that the child not be dragged in court. This is my reason here. I am here on behalf of the church to try and talk to you to let Arabelle meet her father."

"Her father?" Autumn scoffed, causing all three people to turn to look at her. "A father who gave up his rights when she was born? A father whom she was forced to live with for a while when my mother was sick and I wasn’t here?"

"Your mother forced him to give up the rights. And you know the reason for that was you. He could not have imagined that she would die, leaving you in charge of the child..." Biance tried to argue.

Mrs. Shelly looked between them, her discerning gaze lingering on Gabe and Autumn. "This isn’t about accusations or blame or even the past. It’s about finding the best path forward for Arabelle. I’ve heard both sides and..."

"Have you heard Arabelle’s side?" Autumn asked slowly.

"What do you mean?" Mrs Shelly asked carefully.

Instead of answering her, Autumn asked," Mrs Shelly, did you see the new addition to our yard?"

Mrs Sheely turned her head and nodded as she looked at the large swing set outside, where Arabelle was playing even now. And as she looked back, she was given a small sheaf of paper by Autumn," Arabelle drew this a little while ago."

Mrs Shelly looked down at the drawing titled, ’My Family..." and then looked at Autumn again. Arabelle had drawn a picture of the swing set and in front of it stood three rectangular figures...named Autumn, Gabe and Arabelle.