Chapter 15

Jonathan gave a nod. “We’re on the case,” he said, a lighthearted 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, 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 leave, and Donald and Cheryl were preparing to go back to Las Vegas. Hayden looked at Irene and suggested, “Irene, 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 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, 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 farewells. “See you, Grandpa.”

As they were on the verge of leaving, Cheryl leaped out to give Teresa a tight hug. “I’ll 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 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, “Got you, Hayden,” she claimed victory over Hayden’s piece.

Hayden’s laughter filled the room as he slapped his knee. He shouted towards the kitchen, “Your wife is a chess wizard! She’ll win 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 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.

And amidst their focused play, Teresa felt a gentle pat on her hand.

Chapter 13

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 Frene’s unsettling presence, which had made it difficult for her to enjoy her meal.

Hayden’s chuckles echoed through the room as he savored his pasta. “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.”