Tangled Temptations

Chapter 392

In the grand Horigan Manor, the scent of food had been wafting through the air since early morning. With her culinary magic, Pauline had lovingly prepared a table brimming with favorites.

Linda's beloved mac and cheese, Eloise's cherished chicken pot pie, the hearty steak and potatoes that Daniel and Orlena always craved, and Luca's favorite, spaghetti bolognese.

The men of the family weren't often spoiled like this.

Harvey sat at the large round dining table, his coat already off, revealing a pure wool grey sweater that hugged his frame. His hand rested casually on Eloise's shoulder as he feigned indignation, "Mom, you're playing favorites!"

Pauline took her seat, her gaze shifting warmly between her children and their partners. Her heart swelled with contentment as she gently chided her son, "You and Orlena were always well looked after as kids. Am I not allowed to cook a few dishes for the youngsters without you getting jealous? Is this the behavior Eloise must put up with all the time?"

Harvey, dishing out the food to his wife, chuckled, "Me? Give her a hard time? No way! She holds the key to my happiness in her hands! I have to treat her well. If you don't believe me, Mom, just ask Eloise how well I wait on her!"

His words grew more teasing, causing Eloise to blush as she served him a slice of roast beef. Noticing her embarrassment, Harvey stopped teasing and simply smiled.

During the meal, Brett brought up the topic of his proposal.

Parker, bursting with pride, gestured grandly. "Let's discuss this matter after dinner in the study, gentlemen. It's serious business and deserves our full attention!"

Though Orlena already had a child, she blushed at the mention of marriage. She silently continued with her meal until Brett served her, whispering, "Aren't these your favorites? Why are you just having rice and no sides?"

Linda's voice, clear and high-pitched, chimed in, "Auntie's shy because she's marrying you, Uncle!"

Then, with a loud declaration, she added, "Auntie's cheeks are red!"

...

The atmosphere was charged with a delicate mix of emotions. Eloise offered an apologetic smile.

Harvey lifted Linda onto his lap, playfully patting her bottom. "Everything's perfect about you, except for that little mouth that never stops!"

Harvey, who usually emphasized independence, surprisingly agreed this time. Not only that,

curious about this unusual

opportunity to put the children down for a nap, giving himself and Eloise

comfortable these days. She was also very conscious of her figure, so after

the heating on

couldn't tell she was pregnant, let alone that she

and buried his nose in her

leaned into him, softly asking, "Why did you feed Linda today? You never let me

rested on her shoulder. As he continued to stroke her belly, he deflected, "In a few more

him. In a hushed

Linda herself anymore. The little girl was already

Harvey understood her concerns.

a little toy. But what's growing inside you is different, another little girl like Linda. Have

than herself. Jealousy was a natural

his children, he would unhesitatingly say Linda. Linda was the child Eloise had fought so hard to bring into the world, enduring two long

treat their children equally; there was often a favorite. For Harvey, Linda was

she gently stroked her belly and softly said, "Harvey, you're good at raising kids. Teach

affectionately

Harvey wrapped his arms around her, and they sat down together. He smiled gently and teased, "Mom's still around, and

spoke, he

different with Mom and Dad. As older siblings,

in to kiss her softly,

sentiment, pretended to

her hair. "I know, but even

Perhaps it was a case of loving the

was a knock at the

he went to open it. Brett was dressed in

are you heading back to Brockville