Joseph Lancaster's smile reappeared, albeit not without some strain; before he could react much, Emily Zimmerman had already greeted him with a laugh.
"Joseph, haven't seen you for a month, how have you been?"
"I'm alright."
What Joseph Lancaster said was perfunctory. He's no fool; the scenario was clear enough, and he was ushered in, shoulder-to-shoulder, by his elder brother Daxton Lancaster.
For some unknown reason, Joseph briefly scanned the area and didn't see any sign of Violet Zimmerman, and he instinctively asked, "Where's my sister-in-law?"
Daxton Lancaster's demeanor was decidedly natural; he led his brother by the shoulder to sit on the sofa beside their parents. "She's at home, taking a nap."
"Joseph, are you becoming more impolite? Quickly say hello to Uncle and Aunt Zimmerman."
Lorelei Howard chided her son as a reminder.
The elder Lancaster was grinning from ear to ear, as his second grandson was also about to have a girlfriend.
"Hello, Uncle. Hello, Aunt."
