Chapter 9: Small Victories

It would be best for the children to meet Deanna at their house, on their own territory so they wouldn't feel uncomfortable in public. But before that, he sat down with them to assure them that what their grandmother had told them wasn't true; he explained to the older ones that they hadn't known about her before because he needed to be sure things would work out. Perhaps when they were a bit older, he could give them the real reason.

Daniel wasn't sure if little Jonathan had fully understood the situation; he was the one who worried him most of the three. Ethan had no complaints about it, telling his father it was his decision and he respected it. Naomi, being shyer, assured him there was no problem and that she hadn't listened to the things their grandmother had told her. Both children trusted their father, but they also didn't dare to contradict him.

To try to make the meeting more relaxed, they invited Susan, Harry, and Laura. Maybe, surrounded by their aunts and uncles, they would feel more comfortable and less rigid. On the way to Daniel's house, Harry had told Deanna a bit more about his nephews and nieces. He saw her much more nervous than when she met her future husband, but he was convinced she would get along well with them.

He warned her about Jonathan's difficulty with communication, that there wasn't any particular reason, but that he loved music and that could be a way to connect with him. He also told her about Susan, who was the middle sister; she already knew the details of their plan and would support them. So she shouldn't hesitate in front of her.

Deanna never imagined that a CEO's house could be so big, even for four people. Or that there would be so many people working in it. But it was logical; maintaining a place like this must take a lot of work.

Susan was the first to receive her.

"You must be Deanna, how are you? I'm Susan," she approached with a smile.

"Nice to meet you, Susan, it's a pleasure."

Daniel was standing with the two older ones who couldn't take their eyes off her.

"These are Ethan and Naomi, my children," Daniel introduced them.

"Hi! I'm Deanna!"

"Hi," they both responded.

But weren't there three? Suddenly a small figure came running from behind an armchair to Harry's legs, who picked him up.

"And this, Dean, is little Jonathan."

He couldn't be a more beautiful child. With round, rosy cheeks, a small nose, and large bright eyes. He went straight to Deanna's heart.

"Hello, little gentleman." Jonathan smiled and hid his face in Harry's shoulder.

They went out to the terrace that overlooked the park where they already had a table set. Jonathan watched her very carefully and every time Deanna returned his gaze, he would blush and smile. The older ones hardly said anything, but they also observed her from time to time. Their grandmother had been right in telling them she was very young for their father. Given Daniel's taciturn silence, Susan decided to break the ice.

"Deanna, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Although Harry has gotten tired of talking about you on more than one occasion, and Laura too."

"Thank you, I'm glad to be here and meet all of you."

"Dad told me the truth, Daniel, it's true that Deanna is very pretty." Daniel's blood pressure suddenly dropped, and there was a strange silence.

"You told Dad that Dean is pretty?" Harry questioned him.

"Of course he did, don't forget he hasn't met her yet, Harry." Susan exchanged looks with Harry; very rarely did they have the chance to tease Daniel, and they weren't going to waste it.

"I just talked to him about some things," he tried to justify himself.

"Dad was very happy because he said you were very enthusiastic when telling him how pretty Deanna is. I think he's eagerly waiting to meet her," Susan kept adding fuel to the fire.

"Dad exaggerates," Daniel was starting to feel warm.

"Good to know, Deanna also thinks Daniel is attractive," Laura added.

The children watched their father squirm in his chair as if something was stinging him. And Deanna almost died of embarrassment. Susan didn't miss any of this and realized there was more than just a simple agreement. That was the factor she knew had to do with Dean, and now she had confirmed it.

"Kids, did you know Deanna sings very well?" Harry suddenly exclaimed.

"It's true! She has a magnificent voice," Laura had heard her on more than one occasion.

"Jonathan likes music a lot," Naomi said shyly.

"And do you like it?" asked Deanna, leaning forward slightly in her chair.

"Yes, a little."

"Naomi likes books more," Ethan finally spoke.

"That's great! What do you like to read?"

"Many things, but especially fantasy sagas."

"Werewolf and vampire stuff," Ethan was very clear about it.

"I see... Then surely you've read 'The Black Moon' saga."

"It's my favorite! You know it?"

Naomi and Deanna began talking about the 5 books that made up the saga, about the characters and the author. Apparently, Deanna liked that type of literature too. Both forgot where they were and with whom, and simply continued sharing opinions. Finally, Harry interrupted them.

"Do you have any idea what they're talking about?" he asked Ethan.

"Sort of."

"Sorry, I got excited about being able to discuss it with another fan," Deanna apologized. Daniel remained silent, just watching them; he had to be sure his children would be okay. But suddenly Ethan interrupted the slight balance that was developing.

"My grandmother told us about you. She said all you want from my father is his money. Is that true?"

"Ethan!" Daniel wasn't going to allow that behavior.

But Deanna wasn't intimidated by the question. It was logical that they would be worried about their father.

"No, of course I don't want your father's money. I understand that you have your doubts, and I'm glad you express them, but I can assure you that's not what motivates me."

"We had already talked about this, Ethan," his father said.

"I know, Dad, and I told you I would respect your decision." Definitely his father's son, Deanna thought.

"It's okay that he wants to ask. They don't know me, and it's logical that they have doubts."

"Yes, Deanna, but that doesn't mean he should be rude," Daniel told her.

"He's not, he's worried about his dad, there's nothing wrong with that," she replied.

Daniel certainly couldn't give lectures about courtesy. But Deanna kept that comment to herself.

The meeting had turned out like everything so far: half good. Deanna refrained from asking why Jonathan didn't speak at all, and Daniel silently thanked her for it; he was tired of having to explain it. Surely Harry had already done so. The little one watched her all afternoon, between wonder and anxiety, as if he wanted to tell her something. These were two victories for her: the dinner and the meeting with his children. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all.