Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 402

Brett glanced up with a soft chuckle. "Got a meeting first thing in the morning." Otherwise, he wouldn't bear the thought of parting with Orlena and Daniel.

Harvey nodded in understanding. As a man, he got where Brett was coming from. He then looked at Eloise with a hint of reluctance in his eyes. He knew how much Eloise adored Orlena and treated Daniel like her own flesh and blood, so he gently suggested, "Go upstairs and put on something warm. Let's see them off."

Eloise's eyes shimmered with emotion. She was deeply in love with Harvey. For better or worse, she cherished every bit of him, but she never imagined he could be so considerate.

With a soft acknowledgment, she ascended the staircase.

Harvey gave Linda's bottom a gentle pat. "Go keep your mom company and make sure she doesn’t cry."

Linda scampered after her mother. Her tousled curls glimmered under the chandelier, sparkling like little stars.

Brett admired them and felt a pang of envy. He envied Harvey for having the vigor of youth and a brood of four while being able to provide Eloise with boundless happiness. In contrast, Brett had dedicated his life to his work, and now, when he finally fell for a girl, he had so little to give.

Harvey's gaze returned from Brett, catching the expression on his face. With a light chuckle, he teased, "Uncle Brett, you're not one to get sentimental."

That seemed to put Brett at ease.

Eloise reappeared, clad in her overcoat, and as she reached the landing, Harvey was there to steady her. He wrapped a scarf around her neck, the one he'd bought just last week – a new Louis Vuitton release, with its soft fabric and muted colors. It seemed just right for Eloise.

She placed a hand over his. "That's enough. Any tighter, and I won't be able to breathe."

Harvey grinned at Brett. "High maintenance, isn't she?"

The family was sending Orlena and Daniel off, with the house's favorite, Linda, going along. Several luxury cars cruised through the night. Concerned about his wife's comfort, Harvey urged her to rest on his shoulder.

Linda sat beside them, looking a bit forlorn. With her mother around, Linda wasn't the center of attention anymore.

Eloise leaned against Harvey, murmuring softly, "Harvey, Orlena is a year older than me. How come I feel like I'm sending off my own daughter?"

Harvey gently chided her, "Easy there. You're still a baby."

Eloise's cheeks flushed. When they had sex, Harvey sometimes whispered “baby” in her ear, leaving her feeling flustered.

Harvey seemed to recall those moments too, his lips pursing slightly, but he remained mindful of Linda in the car.

Half an hour later, the car pulled up to the Horigan Mansion. Though late, the mansion was brightly lit. Orlena and Daniel stood in the foyer, the warm yellow light casting a soft glow on them.

When Brett stepped out of the car, he hesitated for a moment, his gaze fixed on the woman he loved.

Orlena felt the same. In that moment, all her past turmoil seemed to fade away, replaced by anticipation for the future.

Given the company and Brett's status, he had to contain himself. Donny stepped in to lighten the mood, handing Daniel a big giftbox.

Orlena urged softly, "Thank Donny, dear."

Daniel thanked him with a soft, "Thank you, Uncle Donny."

Donny ruffled his hair, smiling, "Your dad's got an even bigger one for you."

Daniel was a bit shy around Brett, having not seen him often.

Brett approached, lifting his son into his arms with a husky voice, "We've got more for you at home. Grandma's still up, waiting for you, Daniel."

Daniel idolized his father, having heard from Linda about how impressive he was. Touched by his father's gentleness, he blushed and nuzzled into his shoulder.

Brett stroked his son's head, then turned to Orlena. Their eyes met, emotions churning beneath the surface.

Parker, sensing the charged atmosphere, waved his hand and said, "Alright, let's get the luggage sorted and you guys head to Brockville for the holidays. It's been a tough few years, time for a break."

Orlena was a touch embarrassed. Pauline quietly gave some last-minute instructions. Though they weren't officially wed yet, the day would come when Orlena would settle in Brockville, so she felt a twinge of sadness.

Eloise also offered some words of comfort.

Harvey came over, removing his leather gloves to caress his sister's cheek.

"Harvey." Orlena called out, unable to help herself.

Harvey hummed in response.

Pretending not to care too much, he advised, "Finally sending you off. Get along with everyone over there, and don't run back home crying at the drop of a hat."

Orlena looked down, forlorn.

Eloise chided her husband softly, "Is that how a big brother speaks?"

Harvey didn't reply and just watched his sister with a tender gaze.

Orlena gave a soft acknowledgment and took a few steps, but couldn't resist looking back, calling out to her brother one last time. It was like returning to their childhood when she had her big brother to cover for her troubles and always be there to cherish her on birthdays and holidays.

Harvey knew her well. He went up to her and ruffled her hair one more time. "After the New Year, Eloise and I will come to visit you."

That seemed to lift Orlena's spirits.

At the bottom of the steps, Brett waited with Daniel in his arms. Looking so much alike, Brett and Daniel watched her approach with similar expressions. Her steps quickened. Finally, she reached them. "Let's go."

The black Audis slowly drove away from the Horigan Mansion.

The Horigan family stood watching for a long time. Parker finally rallied his spirits with a smile. "This year will be quieter with two fewer people at New Year's. We'll have to make sure to have a lively celebration."

Harvey stood with Eloise in his arms. "Dad, you're forgetting, we've got two more this year."

He meant Luca, and the baby on the way in Eloise's belly.

Parker paused, then got it, his face lighting up. "That's right. More people means more fun. Harvey, you and I will have to drink a few good toasts this holiday."

He stretched languidly. "After all these years, we finally have a sweet reward." With that, he shared a smile with his wife.

Harvey, still holding his wife, stood in the night, his expression tenderer than the darkness itself.

By the time Brett and his party returned to Brockville, it was the wee hours of the morning.

Orlena thought Tracey, with her years, wouldn't last the night. But no sooner had the car pulled into the driveway than she was there to greet them, full of life.

The cold wind whipped through the air. Under the porch light, Tracey watched as the car door swung open, and a little boy tumbled out. Her face, lined with the marks of time, softened into a smile.

"Grandma." Daniel ran shyly but eagerly into Tracey's open arms.

He was such a sweet, gentle soul, and he was growing up so handsome. He was the spitting image of Brett as a child.

Tracey caressed Daniel's rosy cheeks, her gaze full of love yet wandering to Orlena, standing beside Brett. "You must be exhausted after such a long drive. I've made your favorite pasta, with a dash of cilantro just for you."