After the excitent at Tom's place had wound down, Jade finally agreed to leave for Harry's so they could get ready for the family dinner that Debbie was hosting.
Although they were over thirty minutes late, that didn't put a damper on their mood as they drove over to the address that had been sent to Harry.
A Christmas music played on the stereo as Harry guided the car down the winding country road toward Debbie's house which was away from the main city.
The late-afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the fields and trees, bathing the landscape in shades of gold and amber. Jade, seated in the passenger seat, leaned back with a contented smile, her eyes fixed on the horizon.
"This has been the best Christmas I've had in years," Jade said, breaking the comfortable silence between them. Her voice carried a quiet warmth, as if she was speaking to herself as much as to Harry.
Harry glanced at her, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "I'm glad I could be part of it."
Jade turned to him, her smile widening. "You know, I can still picture the look on Tom's face when Lucy told him..."
"Here I was thinking you were thinking of . I can't believe you're thinking about Tom," Harry said with a chuckle and Jade giggled, knowing he was joking.
"Tom looked like a kid who just got the biggest present under the tree. The tears! I wish I was able to capture the mont," she said, and Harry chuckled.
"I know. I don't think I've ever seen him that happy. Not even when he won the biggest deal that launched I-Global."
Jade laughed, the sound light and full of joy. "He deserves it. They both do. I'm happy he found soone that makes him so happy."
"Like I make you happy, huh?" He asked, and she giggled.
"Like I make you happy," she said instead, and they both laughed.
"I didn't realize your de facto stepmom lived so far away from the city," Jade said, and Harry smiled.
"I was just wondering how my Dad manages to cover this distance between visits," he said, and Jade grinned.
"The power of love I guess," Jade said and Harry nodded.
"I won't be surprised if they are planning to get married. I'm actually expecting it," he said, and Jade raised a brow.
"Really? Did your Dad say sothing?" she asked and he shook his head.
"It's just a feeling. I'm getting this vibe from them," Harry said with a shrug.
"Well, he can do whatever he wants as long as he is happy, right?" she asked, and Harry nodded.
"Yeah. I would really like that," he admitted then pointed out to a wide expanse of land. "That is the Quinn Villa. Hunter's family house," he said, and she raised a brow as she took a closer look.
"Really? I suppose only wealthy folks live around here," she said, and Harry nodded.
"Yeah. More like old money. You know Debbie's late husband was Donald Steele. That's a long line of old money. And she got the house and most of his stuff after his death," Harry explained, and Jade grinned.
"I guess your father got himself a rich girlfriend," she said, and Harry chuckled.
"He's rich himself. But yeah."
As they passed through Debbie's gate, the driveway ca into view, already crowded with cars. Jade leaned forward in her seat, bubbling with excitent. "Looks like everyone's here," she said with a giggle. "I can't wait to see Andy's and Candace's faces when I tell them the news."
Harry raised a brow, amusent twinkling in his eyes. "That's only if Sonia or Amy haven't already beaten you to it. You know how quick good news travel."
Jade turned to him with mock seriousness. "I begged them not to say a word to anyone until I do it. I should have the pleasure to announce this after I was left out in the whole engagent plan. And so far, no one's posted anything in the group chat, so I think the secret is still safe," she said with a grin.
Harry laughed outright at her bubbling enthusiasm. "I see you've got this all planned out."
Jade nodded firmly, her grin wide. "Oh, absolutely."
The car ca to a gentle stop in front of Debbie's house, and they stepped out into the crisp evening air. The sound of chatter and laughter floated through the open windows, and Jade's heart swelled with anticipation. But as they stepped inside, her montum faltered.
Beside the house, with a calm but amused expression, was Anita as she keeping watch as her nephews ran around the nearby field, playing ball with Jamal and Mari.
Jade paused, and when she glanced at Harry, she saw that his jaw had tightened, and his normally soft features had hardened into a mask of restraint.
Lisa, standing by the door with a glass of juice and her baby in hand, noticed their hesitation and stepped forward with a welcoming smile. "Jade, you're here! Co in, you two! No need for anyone to feel awkward tonight. Let's leave the past where it belongs and enjoy the evening," Lisa said, and hearing her voice, Anita looked up, and she froze montarily when she saw Harry.
She turned to look at her sister, wondering why none of them had ntioned Harry to her, and from the look on her face she could tell they had deliberately left it out.
She had only returned from her travels two days ago and Lisa had asked her to join the family for dinner since their mother had been executed and her mother-in-law, Debbie, was hosting them all for Christmas, considering she was the only mother figure in their lives now.
She had not expected to run into Harry here, especially not so soon after her return. She had hoped to return quietly and live even more quietly without attracting any attention to herself but it seed that was impossible now.
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