Chapter 390: The Birth Permit

"Boss, why are you grinning from ear to ear today?" The waitstaff crowded around Nolan Brooks, their eyes brimming with curiosity.

Nolan waved them off. "Get back to work!" But his lips kept curling upward.

"Did Mrs. Brooks make you something delicious again?" Jack Peterson teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

Rose Jackson happened to step out with a dish just then, her cheeks flushing at the remark. "Stop talking nonsense!"

Nolan pulled his wife into a hug. "Can't I just be happy looking at my beautiful wife?"

"Aww!" The staff erupted in playful cheers.

Rose stomped her foot in embarrassment but didn’t push him away. Ever since they'd received the news, Nolan had been floating on air.

At three in the afternoon, Nolan rushed to the post office.

"Uncle Martin!" he blurted as soon as the call connected.

"What's wrong? Did something happen to Rose?" Martin Reed's voice tightened.

"No, no! It's good news! Amazing news!"

"What could be so important you'd waste money on this call?" Martin sighed in relief.

Nolan took a deep breath. "Uncle, Rose's pregnant."

Silence stretched for two seconds.

"You lucky dog!" Martin suddenly roared with laughter. "I always said you'd get your blessings!"

Nolan scratched his head. "But the birth-quota policy—"

"Don't worry about that!" Martin cut him off. "Rose's remarried—the policy allows another child. I'll get your birth permit sorted right away!"

Nolan's eyes burned. "Really?"

"Would I lie to you?" Martin boomed. "Just wait—I'm heading to the district office now!"

Hanging up, Nolan stood outside the post office, grinning like a fool. Passersby gave him odd looks.

Back at the diner, Rose was wiping down tables.

"Rose!" Nolan bounded over in three strides. "We can get the birth permit!"

The cloth slipped from Rose's fingers. "Really?"

"Absolutely!" He scooped her up and spun her around. "Our baby will be legitimate!"

"Put me down!" She swatted at him, but her smile betrayed her joy.

The staff peeked from the kitchen doorway, exchanging knowing glances.

Looks like the diner would soon have a little boss.