"No," Gordon shook his head. "I never planned on getting married. Catie is my first girlfriend, and my first love."

Soon, it was time for dinner.

Gordon and Caitlin sat together.

With a decanter in one hand and a small glass in the other, Gordon went around the table, offering a toast to each of the elders.

Including Keira, Hannah, Fortune, the eight Richards uncles and their wives, and Stuart and Carey, there were twenty-one elders in total.

Fortunately, the wine wasn't particularly strong, and the elders didn't try to make things difficult for him by forcing him to drink too much.

After toasting the elders, Gordon took a short break before starting on the thirteen cousins and one sister-in-law.

By the time he had made his way around the entire table, his face was flushed.

Even with small glasses, that was still forty-five toasts!

For the first time, Gordon truly understood the power of a large family.

When he finally returned to his seat, Caitlin quickly handed him a cup of tea meant to help with the alcohol. "Here, drink this. It'll help."

A warm cup of tea settled in his stomach, making him feel much better. Gordon leaned close to Caitlin and whispered in her ear, "Your grandma is incredible!"

To have nine children.

If it weren't for Hannah, the Richards family wouldn't be the powerhouse it was today.

Heavens knew, as Gordon was making the rounds with the uncles, it wasn't just the alcohol that was making his head spin-he was terrified he'd mix them up.

Thankfully, his memory served him well. He'd even noticed when Zachary and Frederick Richards had swapped jackets at some point and managed to tell them apart.

Caitlin chuckled softly. "Of course she is. By the way, you should stop drinking. I've already prepared some de-fizzed soda for you."

"I'm actually fine, I haven't had that much. Maybe a bottle or so."

Gordon's tolerance was about a bottle and a half.

"Suit yourself," Caitlin glanced at him but you'll be the one

embarrassing yourself whet

tipon &

è to sing later." Contelongs

Her words instantly brought back a mortifying memory from three years ago. He quickly asked, where's the flat soda?"

With this many people around, he absolutely could not start singing in public!

"It's in the decanter. If anyone wants to toast with you, just make sure you hold onto it," Caitlin whispered.

"Got it." Gordon nodded, immediately pulling the decanter closer to him.

As expected, the thirteen Richards cousins began taking turns toasting him.

Fortunately, Caitlin had prepared in advance.

The dinner lasted for a full three hours.

After the meal, Stuart and Carey summoned Gordon to a side hall.

All the elders were there, more than twenty of them, excluding the younger generation.

Gordon felt a knot of apprehension tighten in his stomach.

Stuart began, "Vest, since you and our Freya are in love, as her parents, we wish

you both happiness."

"Thank you, sir, ma'am. Thank you, everyone."

Gordon immediately bowed in gratitude.

He had been waiting for this moment for so long.

Stuart continued, "I heard Freya mention that you're willing to marry into our family?"

"Yes, I am," Gordon nodded.

Stuart smiled, "Since you're willing, then take this agreement home to your mother and your family. If they all consent, have them sign it. In three days, you can come back with the signed agreement your family and a matchmaker to formally propose."

A surge of joy washed over Gordon. He accepted the document with both hands, thanking them again.

This was it! He finally had one foot in the door of the Gonzales family.