Chapter 12
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Jonathan gave a nod. “We’re on the case,” he said, a light–hearted tone in his voice.
Teresa stayed silent, choosing not to engage in the uncomfortable discussion
Donald’s mom chuckled soily and put the question to them. “So, Jonathan and Teresa, any thoughts on whether you’d prefer a boy or a girl!”
With a mischievous look at Teresa, Jonathan joked, “If we’re wishing, twins one of each–would be perfect His comment got everyone laughing.
“Optimistic, aren’t you?” someone teased.
Teresa was laughing on the outside, but she was thinking, Dream on One kid is plenty. Who’d consider a second with an ex?”
Once dinner was over, Donald’s parents were packing up to head out, and Donald and Cheryl were preparing to go back to Lasmegas Hayden looked at Irene and suggested. Trene, why don’t you run them to the airport”
Teresa hastily volunteered, “I can take them to the airport, secretly hoping to make her exit early.
I
But Hayden wasn’t about to let her off the hook. He grasped her arm firmly. That’s not the job for you. You and Jonathan are staying. I want sonic company for a chess match and a chat.”
Teresa was at a loss for words, her mind racing to find a way to leave.
Irene offered with a tinge of sarcasm, “Alright, Fil take them. Just what you wished for
Werner and Cathy said their goodbyes. “We’re leaving now, Hayden”
Donald and Cheryl added their farewell. “See you, Grandpa”
they were on the verge of leaving Cheryl leaped out to give Teresa a tight hug
a hug. “Ill miss you, Teresa,” she said affectionately.
Teresa, genuinely fond of Cheryl, patted her on the head. “Feel free to drop by and hang out with me anytime.
Cheryl offered a parting wave to Teresa, her voice cheerful as she said, “Okay. See you, Teresa.”
Donald, concerned about Hayden catching a cold, quickly helped Cheryl into the car and called out to him, “Grandpa, you should head in. It’s getting chilly out here”
The van carrying them pulled away from the villa.
Back inside, Hayden looked at Teresa with a glint in
and
I suggested they play a game of
not playing in a while, was happy to join in a game
I chess
in a game with him.
Teresa, though a bit rusty from
Sining cross–legged on the couch. Teresa held a piece, contemplating her next strategic move
With a playful “Got you, Hayden,” she claimed victory over Hayden’s piece
Hayden’s laughter filled the room as he slapped his knee. Jonathan!” he shouted towards the kitchen, “Your wife is a chess wizard! She wins every time we play
In the cozy kitchen, Jonathan, with his apron tied and sleeves pushed up, was the picture of a loving husband bathed in the gentle evening light. He glanced at Teresa and suggested, ‘Let Grandpa get in on the game.”
Teresa let out an exasperated sigh.. “I’m aware,” she replied,
Hayden, firm in his conviction, added, “In chess, you pla
u play to wing that’s what makes it a fair game.”
Chuckling. Teresa caught Jonathan’s gaze. “Hayden’s all about full force,” she teased.
Jonathan’s eyes crinkled with a silent laugh, but he didn’t voice his thoughts.
Amidst their focused play, Teresa felt a gentle pot on her head.
Jonathan had arrived with two steaming plates of pasta. “Made some late–night snacks,” he announced “Dig in before they cool off.”
Teresa paused, her appetite lacking during dinner due to Irene’s unsettling presence, which had made it difficult for her to enjoy her meal,
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Chapter 12
Hayderis chuckles echoed through the room as he savored his pana. Jonathan’s cooking is out of this world,” he complimented, nodding in agreement.
Seeing Hayden’s excitement. Teresa eagerly joined in with her meal, it had been ages since she’d savored a dish made by him, and the flavors were as delightful as she recalled.
Jonathan looked around the table, his eyes reflecting his curiosity before he asked. “How’s the food?”
Hayden gave a thumbs–up, beaming with pride. “You’ve definitely inherited my cooking prowess. I was a kitchen wizard in my day, and your grandma could never get enough of my dishes”
Amused, Jonathan responded with a light laugh. “Oh, really?” he said, clearly entertained by Hayden’s claim.
Hayden, his plate now empty, looked at Teresa and mused. “You know, once you and Jonathan have kids, he’ll be making dinner for you all the time.
Teresa paused with her fork in mid–air, a faint smile on her lips as she listened to the family chatter.
She was suddenly reminded that her son was waiting at home, and a strong desire to head back washed over her Setting her fork down, she told Hayden. “It’s getting late. I need to leave now.
Hayden’s confusion was clear. “Leave? But I thought you were staying over tonight”
Teresa shook her head, briefly looking at Jonathan, who seemed to be avoiding her gaze. We actually live in Luvision Estates, Hayden. It’s our
home.”
Hayden checked the time and frowned, worried. It’s a hike to Luviston Estates, and the night’s young. You might as well stay here; we’ve got plenty of space, he offered, trying to be considerate.
Teresa tried to argue, but Hayden was resolute. Tve made up my mind,” he stated firmly, turning to Jonathan with a raised brow, “You’re okay with
this, right?”
Jonathan took a moment, then agreed. Sure, Fin good with staying”
Teresa wasn’t too keen on the idea, but Jonathan convinced her otherwise. “Grandpa really wants this. It’s not worth causing a fuss and leaving at this point, he reasoned
Hayden seconded that “Riglu, we’re family. No need to be bashful”
While Jonathan and Hayden got into their chess game, Teresa slipped away to the bathroom to call Miriam. She whispered to her friend, asking if she could watch Mike for the night since she was stranded at the Lynn residence.
Miriam’s excitement came through the phone. “You and Jonathan sharing a bed? Whoa, don’t want another surprise on the way, do you?” she ceased
Teresa quickly retorted, “You’re reading way too much into this
Miriam let of
out a sigh of resignation. “Alright, I’ll drop it. E look after Mike, but please be careful, okay?” she urged before ending the call.
After a quick bathroom break, Teresa came back to see Jonathan and Hayden still engrossed in a chess game. She nonchalantly checked the time- almost ten o’clock.
Jonathan’s attention was drawn to Teress, and as their eyes met, Teresa excused herself to the kitchen, mentioning that she prepare some fruit..
Hayden stretched and yawned as he announced. “No need Jonathan’s mom called to say she’s staying out. It’s just us tonight. I’m going to watch a
soccer match
Teresa stopped in her tracks. “Actually, Hayden, I’m not tired. I’ll watch TV with you,” she said, sitting down next to Hayden and pointedly ignoring Jonathan’s slightly grumpy look.
Jonathan, deep in thought and with his arms folded, murmured, “I’m going to bed. You can join if you want.” He then turned and climbed the stairs.
Though tired, Teresa stayed up, eyes open, as she watched TV with Hayden.
Upstairs in his room, Jonathan lounged on the bed, legs crossed, browsing through a magazine.
He glanced at the time–10:29–and then at the door, silently counting. “One, two–The door swung open just as he mouthed, “Three.”
Hayden, with a sly grin, gently pushed Teresa into the room. “It’s 10:30, time for me to hit the bay. You two lovebirds rest up,” he said, winking before shuning the door.
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Chapter 12
“Hayden=” Teresa tried to say, but the door closed, leaving her voice trailing sif.
The room was steeped in a rich, woody aroma, accented by the tangy fresquess of Jonathan’s post–shower scent, a heady combination that enveloped Teresa’s senses.
Out of the corner of her eye. Teresa glangised Jonathan, clad in a white robe arul dark shorts that showed off his physique—a bit too revealing.
Despite his impressive physique. Teresa swiftly admonished herself for being aware of it. Shaking her head, she shified her focus and went out onto the balcony, letting the cool breeze clear her mind as she paced,
Jonathan, with a trasing lili in Iris voice and a raised eyebrow, called out. “You’re not planning on standing there all night, are you?”
Terea retorted. “Just soaking up some monalight. Is there an issue with that?“
With a playful smile, jonathan glanced out into the darkness, challenging her, “Yeah, but wisere’s this moon you’re talking about?” he teaseil.
Teresa, undeterred, gently touched her chest, “It’s here,” she whispered, “in my heart.”
Jonathan paused, momentarily speechless.
As the clock struck II and the house sealed ano a quiet hush, Jonathan closed his magazine and reclined against the headboard. He let out a soft sigh and offeril. Guess we’ll have to share the bed. Time to hit the bay
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hapter 12
Jonathan gave a nod. “We’re on the case,” he said, a light–hearted tone in his voice.
Teresa stayed silent, choosing not to engage in the uncomfortable discussion.
Donald’s mom chuckled softly and put the question to them. “So, Jonathan and Teresa, any thoughts on whether you’d prefer a boy or a girl?”
With a mischievous look at Teresa, Jonathan joked. “If we’re wishing, nein–one of each–would be perfect. His comment got everyone laughing.
“Optimistic, aren’t you?” someone teased.
Teresa was laughing on the outside, but she was thinking, Dream on. One kid is plenty. Who’d consider a second with an ex11
Once dinner was over, Donald’s parents were packing up to head out, and Donald and Cheryl were preparing to go back to Lasmegas. Hayden looked at Irene and suggested, Tene, why don’t you run them to the airport?”
Teresa hastily volunteered, “I can take them to the airport, secretly hoping to make her exit early.
But Hayden wasn’t about to let her off the hook. He grasped her arm firmly. “That’s not the job for you. You and Jonathan are staying. I want some company for a chess match and a chan
Teresa was at a loss for words, her mind rating to find a wa
a way to leave.
Irene offered with a tinge of sarcasm, “Alright, I’ll take them. Just what you wished for.”
Werner and Cathy said their goodbyes. “We’re leaving now, Hayden?
Donald and Cheryl added their farewell, “See you, Grandpa”
As the
they were on the verge of leaving. Cheryl leaped out to give Teresa a tight hug
you, Teresa,” she said affectionately.
Teresa, genuinely fond of Cheryl, patted her on the head. “Feel free to drop by and hang out with me anytime.”
Cheryl offered a parting wave to Teresi, her voice cheerful as she said. “Okay. See you, Teresa”
Donald, concerned about Hayden catching a cold, quickly helped Cheryl into the car and called out to him, “Grandpa, you should head in. It’s getting chilly out here”
The van carrying them pulled away.
from the villa.
Back inside, Hayden looked at Teresh with a glint in his eye and suggested they play a game of chess
Teresa, though a bit rusty from not playing in a while, was happy to join in a game with him.
Sitting cross–legged on the couch, Teresa held a piece, contemplating her next strategic move.
With a playful “Gor you, Hayden,” she daimed victory over Hayden’s piece.
Hayden’s laughter filled the room as
is he slapped his knee. “Jonathan he shouted towards the kitchen. “Your wife is a chess wizardi She wins very
In the cozy kitchen, Jonathan, with his apron tied and sleeves pushed up, was the picture of a loving harshand bathed in the gentle evening light. He glanced at Teresa and suggested, “Let Grandpa get in on the game.”
Teresa let out an exasperated sigh. “I’m aware,” she replied.
Hayden, firm in his conviction, added, “In chess, you play to win; that’s what makes it a fair game.
Chuckling. Teresa caught Jonathan’s gaze. “Hayden’s all about full force, she teased.
Jonathan’s eyes crinkled with a silent laugh, but he didn’t voice his thoughts.
Amidst their focused play. Teresa felt a gentle pat on her head.
Jonathan had arrived with two steaming plates of pasta. “Made some late–night snacks,” he announced. “Dig in before they cool off.”
Teresa paused, her appetite lacking during dinner dur to Irene’s unseling presence, which had made it difficult for her to enjoy her meal.
Chapter 12
Hayden’s chuckles echoed through the room as he savored his pasta. “Jonathan’s cooking is out of this world,” he complimented, nodding in agreemen
es since she’d savored a dish made by him, and the flavors were
Seeing Hayden’s excitement. Teresa eagerly joined in with her meal. It had been ages as delightful as she recalled.
Jonathan looked around the table, his eyes reflecting his curiosity before he asked, “How’s the food?”
Hayden gave a thumbs–up, beaming with pride. “You’ve definitely inherited my cooking prowess, I was a kitchen wizard in my day, and your grandma could never get enough of my dishes”
Amused, Jonathan responded with a light laugh. “Oh, really?” he said, clearly entertained by Hayden’s claim.
Hayden, his plate now empty, looked at Teress and mused, “You know, once you and Jonathan have kids, he’ll be making dinner for you all the time.
Teresa paused with her fork in mid–air, a faint smile on her lips as she listened to the family chatter.
She was suddenly reminded that her son was waiting at home, and a strong desire to head back washed over her. Setting her fork down, she told Hayden. “It’s getting late. I need to leave now”
Hayden’s confusion was clear. “Leave: But I thought you were staying over tonight”
Teresa shook her head, briefly looking at Jonathan, who seemed to be avoiding her gaze. “We squally live in Luviston Estates, Hayden. It’s our home”
Hayden checked the time and frowned, worried. “It’s a like to Luviston Estates, and the night’s young. You might as well stay here, we’ve got plenty of space.” he offered, trying to he considerate.
Teresa tried to argue, but Hayden was resolute. “T’ve made up my mind,” he stated firmly, turning to Jonathan with a raised brow. “You’re okay with this, right?”
Jonathan took a moment, then agreed. “Sure, I’m good with staying”
Teresa wasn’t 100 keen on the idea, but Jonathan convinced her otherwise “Grandpa really wants this. It’s not worth causing a fuss and leaving at this point,” he reasoned.
Hayden seconded that. “Right, we’re family. No need to be bashful
While Jonathan and Hayden got into their chess game, Teresa slipped away to the bathroom to call Miriam. She whispered to her friend, asking if she could watch Mike for the night since she was stranded at the Lynn residence.
Minam’s excitemen came through the phone. “You and Jonathan sharing a bed: Whoa, don’t want another surprise on the way, do you?” she
Teresa quickly retorted, “You’re reading way too much into this
Miriam let out a sigh of resignation. “Alright, I’ll drop it. I’ll look after Mike, but please be careful, okay?” she urged before ending the call.
After a quick bathroom break, Teresa came back to see Jonathan and Hayden still engrossed in a chess game. She nonchalantly checked the time almost ten o’clock.
Jonathan’s attention was drawn to Teresa, and as their eyes mei, T Teresa excused herself to the kitchen, mentioning that she’d prepare some fruit
Hayden stretched and yawned as he announced, “No need, Jonathan’s mom called to say she’s staying out. It’s just us tonight. I’m going to watch a
soccer match
Teresa st
stopped in her tracks. Actually, Hayden, I’m not tired. I’ll watch TV with you, she said, sitting down next to Hayden and pointedly ignoring Jonathan’s slightly grumpy look
Jonathan, deep in thought and with his arms folded, murmured, “I’m going to bed. You can join if you want.” He then turned and climbed the stairs.
Though tired, Teresa stayed up, eyes open, as she watched TV with Hayden.
Upstairs in his room, Jonathan lounged on the bed, legs crossed, browsing through a magazine.
He glanced at the time–10:29–and then at the door, silently counting. “One, two–The door swung open just as he mouthed, “Three”
Hayden, with a sly gran, gently pushed Teresa into the room. “It’s 10:10, time for me to hit the hay. You two lovebirds rest up,” he said, winking before shutting the door.
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Hayden–Teresa tried to say, but the door closed, leaving her voice traidisig off.
The room was steeped in a rich, woody aroma, accented by the tangy freshness of Jonathan’s post–shower scent, a heady combination that enveloped Teresa’s senses
Out of the comer of her eye, Teresa glimpsed Jonathan, clad in a white robe and dark shorts that showed off his physique—a bit too revealing
Despite his impressive physique, Teresa swiftly admonished herself for being aware of it. Shaking her head, she slutted her focus and went out onto the balcony, letting the cool breeze dear her mind as she paced.
Jonathan, with a teasing lilt in his voice and a raised eyebrow, called out, “You’re not planning on standing there all night, are you?”
Teresa retorted, “Just soaking up some moonlight. Is there an issue with that?”
With a playful smile, Jonathan glanced out into the darkness, challenging her. “Yeah, but where’s this moon you’re talking about?” he teased.
Teresa, undeterred, gemily touched her chest. “It’s here,” she whispered, in my heart.
Jonathan paused, momentarily speechless
As the clock struck 11 and the house sented into a quiet hush, Jonathan closed his magazine and reclined against the headboard. He let out a soft sigh and offered. “Guess we’ll have to share the bed. Time to hit the hay”
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