The CEO's Mischievous Little Bride

The Olteran crew was bundling up Theodore like a little marshmallow, while Patrick was doing the same to Vera.

Vera shot back, "Babe, I ain't wearing this. It's so not my vibe. You roll up in a million-dollar ride to get me from the hospital, and now you're dressing me like a country bumpkin. No way." Patrick, ever the patient one, tried to soothe her, "C'mon, just one more hat, okay?"

"Babe, I've already got three hats on! I'm puffier now than when I was pregnant!"

In Vera's head, she was strutting out of the hospital in a sleek dress, rocking sunglasses, looking all proud and fabulous. Instead, she was wrapped up like a burrito.

Patrick zipped up her down jacket and fussed with her scarf. "Gotta keep your neck warm, don't want the wind sneaking in."

Then he slipped gloves onto her hands. "These will keep you toasty, don't want you catching a chill."

Next, he put a mask on her. Before he could say anything, Vera jumped in, "To block out oxygen, right? Gotta make sure I stay alive."

Patrick just went silent.

Everyone was stunned for a sec, then they all cracked up. Even Shawn had to give it to Vera for her quick wit.

Not long after, Molly walked in and saw Vera looking like a bear. She burst out laughing. "Vera, this is hands down the ugliest you've ever looked!"

Vera waddled around like a penguin.

Molly couldn't even look, covering her eyes with her hand.

Soon enough, Theodore was all bundled up too.

Vera and Theodore locked eyes, both looking like they were in some kind of winter survival contest.

They only had their eyes showing.

Seeing Theodore all wrapped up, Vera laughed. "Oh my God, how many layers you got on? I've got three, what about you?"

Susan counted on her fingers, "Looks like Theodore's got one more layer than you, Vera."

Vera sighed, "Guess I lost."

Theodore stared at Vera, not recognizing her at all.

When Vera pulled down her mask and showed her face, Theodore's eyes lit up, realizing it was his mom, and he grinned. "Babe, come check out Teddy, he knows it's me," Vera called out to Patrick, all excited.

Then she put the mask back on.

Theodore kept staring at her eyes, looking all confused.

When she pulled the mask down again, Theodore saw her face and stuck out his tongue, smiling.

She kept playing the mask game until Theodore finally caught on and wasn't fooled anymore.

Just then, Patrick put a pair of sunglasses on Vera.

Theodore blinked at Vera with the shades, then looked at Patrick.

Everyone was watching Theodore, waiting to see what he'd do.

After a minute, his little mouth turned down, and he was about to cry.

Two seconds later, the room was filled with his wailing, mixed with everyone's laughter.

No one could calm him down, and he ended up in Patrick's arms, crying and pouting.

After teasing Theodore, Vera took off her sunglasses and mask in front of him, saying, "Baby, I'm right here." Theodore looked at Vera, still teary-eyed and feeling all wronged.

Vera stepped up and kissed him, and finally, he stopped feeling so upset.

As they were leaving the hospital, Patrick had Theodore in one arm and Vera's tiny hand in the other, making their way to the entrance.

A few steps in, Vera was already sweating from all the layers.

She opened the car door, hopped in, unzipped her down jacket, and took Theodore from Patrick, loosening the rope around his waist. She was worried it might be too tight and wanted him to be comfy. Patrick shut the door and slid into the driver's seat.

Patrick was driving, while Vera and Theodore were chilling in the back.

On the way home, Patrick kept glancing at them through the rearview mirror, a smile plastered on his face. They were heading to their new home, ready to start their settled life.

In the back seat, Theodore was sucking on his hand. Vera playfully pulled it out, making him pout. She pinched his little nose, kissed his forehead, and rubbed his cheeks. Theodore stared at the car roof, his mouth moving like he wanted to say something.

Vera tapped his mouth. "You checking out Daddy's ride? You know who's driving us home? It's your daddy, Patrick."

Patrick, still driving, called out, "Teddy?"

Theodore didn't react, like it was none of his business.

Vera scooted forward with Theodore, letting him peek at Patrick through the gap between the seats.

At a red light, Patrick turned around and smiled at Theodore in the back.

When the light turned green, Vera sat back with Theodore.

The rest of the drive was quiet, but the car was filled with a cozy warmth.

Patrick's dream for the future was probably just this: enjoying little moments of happiness and warmth in a simple, everyday life.

Forty minutes later, they pulled up to Cherry Villa.

It was Noah's first time there, and he looked around, taking in the spacious place.

After checking it out, he nodded approvingly.

Warren asked, "Why the nod?"

Noah replied, "The place is huge."

All the household staff were ready. Vera, still bundled up and holding Theodore, dashed into the house.

The house had been heated for a while, and Vera felt the warmth as soon as she stepped in.

She hadn't been comfortable for long when Brianna and Cindy rushed in, scolding her. "You haven't recovered yet, why are you running around?"

Brianna laid into her, scolding her as she saw fit.

Cindy was gentler, "Vera, your body hasn't fully healed. You can't be running and jumping around. Just take it easy for a bit longer."

Vera had just gotten home and was already getting an earful. She didn't want Brianna around anymore.

She gave Patrick a pitiful look, just like Theodore's.

Brianna said, "Look at Patrick. You want him to stand up for you?"

Vera bit her lower lip, "Mom, I'm a mom now too. Stop scolding me, I get it."

Patrick felt like enough was enough. Too much scolding made him feel bad too.

So, he walked over, took Theodore from Vera, and hugged her. "Mom, Vera gets it. She was just worried Theodore would get cold outside, so she ran back with him."