At dinner, no one was surprised to see Simon join them. It felt like it had always been that way. Simon was the only one who felt a little awkward, or rather more shy. In consultation with Annerieke this morning he had decided to quietly move his things to her house, and move in with her. But how would the youngsters experience that?

He wanted to tell them and didn't want to wait to do so, but he found it extremely exciting. He cleared his throat and asked for attention for a moment: "Guys, I must interrupt for a moment, I want to tell you something. Annerieke and I... well, we... we love each other and we have decided to go further together, not somewhere in the future, but already now. I mean, we've decided that I'm going to move in with her. I've packed and taken some suitcases, the rest will come. We can set up one of the bedrooms as my study, so I can work from home. So from now on you'll be stuck with me here at the table too! Well, that's what I wanted to tell you, I thought you would like to know."

While speaking, he had been looking at his hands due to his excitement and out of embarrassment. When he finished, he looked up, unsure of what their reaction would be. That became immediately clear to him when he looked around the circle: only happy, smiling faces.

Huib took the floor: "I suspect I speak for all of us, that this is good news Simon. I see that my mother is beaming, and that’s on your conscience! You are making her happy. That's great, isn't it?"

Simon looked at Annerieke, saw that she was indeed beaming. His own face changed, a radiant smile came to him as well.

"Thank you Huib, I was beaming with happiness myself, but only inside. Your words make me shine now also from outside. I feel like a lucky man..." he continued, suddenly emotional, as Annerieke put her hand on his and squeezed it gently. "I have felt like a zero for so many years. I've always been convinced that no woman could ever love me. And now look at her, a wonderfully sweet woman here, with a wonderful bunch of young people there... I feel... I... how should I say this, it's all so overwhelming. I'm incredibly grateful, and just don't have enough words to express how I feel."

Simon stood up and hugged Annerieke, "Then let's do it without words!"

Everyone laughed, enjoying their happiness!

.

After dinner, Huib went to see his mother for a moment. "Mom, Lisa and Sjaak were supposed to come over and watch a movie with us tonight, but because the movie is quite intense, and might stir up a lot of emotions, we decided to start right away. So we are not coming here for coffee tonight. Kind of nice for our new lovebirds, too," he teased, squeezing her cheek briefly. "No kidding, I'm really happy for you guys, happy with you together. It feels good, complete, it really doesn't feel nasty to Dad either. He would be happy about this too, for sure. And on another note, may I have our cake slices with me?"

"I thought you'd never ask," Annerieke laughed. She grabbed the cake from the fridge and a bread knife from the drawer, cut the cake into quarters and slid a quarter onto a plate. "Take it like this, as a whole, then they won't fall over during your walk. By the way, I'm delighted with your reaction to what Simon told you. That was a fantastic encouragement for both of us, although I don't think we really need it, but still, it's good when our dear children are so pleased with us. Good night Huib, have a good time together!"

"Thanks mom, you too!"

To chapter 155. 'The Transporter'

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