Chapter 14

Teresa s eyes softened as she looked up at Jonathan touched by his support
5 a voice announced Grandpa I m back
From the entrance a voice as
Donald Lynn, Jonathan’s younger cousin, breezed in, his white tracksuit a sharp contrast to his energenc greeting “Hey, Jonathan and Teresa long time no see!”
Hayden, with a teasing grin on his face , gave Donald a light tap on the head, “Donald, you’re just now showing up? What’s been keeping you be inquired .
Donald sighed, a hint of resignation on his face. “Crandpa, I’ve mentioned it before. I’m a doctor. It’s been a crazy day at the hospital,” he explained
Hayden raised an eyebrow skeptically. “But aren’t you still just an intern ? ” he questioned.
Donald shook his head, a proud grin emerging. “I got my full license this year. Believe me, pediatricians are swamped,” he said , a note of accomplishment in his voice .
Hayden tutte d and gave him a pointed look No matter how busy don t neglect your love life Your cousin s been hitched for years and you re still single he chided his tone playful but firm
Donald just nodded a little taken a back without a snappy retort
Cheryl Lynn, Donald’s younger sister, with her wool dress, white shoes , and braided pigtails framing her cherubic face, spoke up for Donald. Grandpa, give him a break. His whole department is male,” she said, her voice gentle and her look sincere.
Cheryl beamed and linked her arms with Teresa’s upon seeing her. “Teresa, long time!” she greeted, her fondness for Teresa clear
Teresa tousled Cheryl’s hair affectionately. “So, how’s the art world treating you?”
Cheryl grinned Amazing I just graduated from Lumina School of Art Hey Teresa if you want I could paint a
it a portrait of you It d be a great investment
Jonathan quickly interjected We re good thanks
Cheryl made a face. Jonathan, you’re just bring overprotective.”
Donald playfully pulled Cheryl over. “Cheryl, you’re butting into their couple’s moment. Don’t you think it’s a bit much?
Jonathan dismissed the concem with a flick of his hand. “No big deal . Cheryl adores Teresa, like a cat loves its owner”
Cheryl huffed, checks pulled out. Tm not a pet, Jonathan .”
Hayden with a wide grin clapped to gather everyone Alright let s get this feast started
Irene descended the stairs, offering a hello to Donald and Cheryl’s folks, Werner and Cathy you
As the family from Jonathan’s side filled the room, Teresa sat next to him, a bu uneasy.
Hayden, with a twinkle in his eye, teased Teresa about her shyness. “Hey, no need to be so shy. Teresa. A hug and a peck on the check might be just the thing,” he said, chuckling
As Teresa coughed, Jonathan was quick to respond, offering her a glass of water and gently patting her back to soothe her
Hayden continued, reminiscing about the past. “ Back when you were newlyweds , you two were always hugging and kissing,” he said, his smile growing wider.
The room filled with laughter bur Irene remained quiet seemingly lost in thou g lu
Jonathan used to make a show of feeding Teresa pancakes, not bothered by the attention they got
With a hint of embarrassment, Teresa appealed to Hayden Hayken, we’re adults now. Could you lay off the teasing?” she asked.
Cheryl, playing along, nudged Teresa. “Teresa, why non give Jonathan a kiss to make Grandpa happy she suggested, adding in the playful banter
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14
Hayden rubbed his beard exchanging a meaningful look with Cheryl Exactly It s just a little birthday wish from an old timer like me You could humor me on this once right he asked his tone playful yet sincere
Teresa felt the intensity of Jonathan’s gaze and quickly looked down, taking a sip from her glass to calm herself.
Jonathan with a mischievous smile tugged Teresa toward him and murmured Let s give Grandpa something to smile about before Brushing her forehead with a k is
He couldn t help but admire her features up close the soft flutter of her lashes the elegant line of her nose
Teresa s cheeks flushed at the unexpected display of affection The scent of Jonathan was all around her making her hesitate to pull
Hayden chuckled, clapping his hands in delight. “You two are getting more shy with age ,” he teased. “It’s quite the show,”
Jonathan, a touch irritated, retorted , “I’m not that old, Grandpa. I’m just twenty–nine.”
Hayden casually waved off the remark My buddy Colin s a great grandpa and his grandson is your age Four years married and I m still waiting on that great grand kid