Tangled Temptations

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!"

Linda hugged him and then refused to leave his lap, insisting on eating her meal from there. Harvey, who usually emphasized independence, surprisingly agreed this time. Not only that, but he also fed Linda bites of her meal.

Eloise glanced at him, curious about this unusual indulgence.

It was time for their afternoon rest, and Harvey took the opportunity to put the children down for a nap, giving himself and Eloise some alone time.

With her growing belly, Eloise found sleeping a bit less comfortable these days. She was also very conscious of her figure, so after meals, she would do some light exercises in the bedroom to stay in shape and prepare for an easier delivery.

Harvey entered the room to find the heating on high, making it cozy and warm.

He watched Eloise from behind. From this angle, one couldn't tell she was pregnant, let alone that she had already birthed two children. Her silhouette was particularly enticing.

Harvey couldn't help himself. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and buried his nose in her hair. "Why aren't you resting?" His palm gently caressed her growing belly.

Eloise stopped her exercises and leaned into him, softly asking, "Why did you feed Linda today? You never let me do that."

Harvey's chin rested on her shoulder. As he continued to stroke her belly, he deflected, "In a few more months, we'll have another little one."

Eloise wanted to discuss this with him. In a hushed tone, she began, "Harvey, about Linda..."

She usually indulged the children, but she rarely fed Linda herself anymore. The little girl was already in kindergarten and needed to learn independence.

Harvey understood her concerns.

Whispering into her ear, he said, "Eloise, haven't you noticed? Linda has never been jealous of Darrien. She treats him like a little toy. But what's growing inside you is different, another little girl like Linda. Have you thought about how Linda might react to a new sister?"

A new, delicate being, smaller than herself. Jealousy was a natural feeling among little girls.

If you asked Harvey whom he loved the most among his children, he would unhesitatingly say Linda. Linda was the child Eloise had fought so hard to bring into the world, enduring two long years in the lab.

Parents didn't always treat their children equally; there was often a favorite. For Harvey, Linda was that favorite.

He never said it outright, but Eloise had figured it out. She wasn't upset. Instead, she gently stroked her belly and softly said, "Harvey, you're good at raising kids. Teach this one, too."

Harvey hummed affectionately in response.noveldrama

Eloise changed the subject to discuss Orlena's wedding. Harvey wrapped his arms around her, and they sat down together. He smiled gently and teased, "Mom's still around, and here you are, worrying about everything."

As he spoke, he playfully tickled her stomach.

Eloise blushed but stood her ground, "It's different with Mom and Dad. As older siblings, we have our responsibilities."

Harvey looked at her deeply, his gaze lingering before he leaned in to kiss her softly, murmuring, "Eloise, thank you for being so good to Orlena and Daniel."

His tone was embarrassingly direct. Eloise, unaccustomed to such sentiment, pretended to brush it off. "Daniel is my uncle's child."

Harvey twirled a strand of her hair. "I know, but even if he weren't, you'd still be kind to Orlena."

Eloise rarely spoke of it, but Harvey could see she was fond of Orlena. Perhaps it was a case of loving the house and its crow. Harvey felt that having this affection was enough for a lifetime.

As they talked, there was a knock at the door. It was Brett.

Harvey had locked the door, so he went to open it. Brett was dressed in outdoor wear, looking like he was about to leave.

Harvey was surprised. "Brett, are you heading back to Brockville so soon?"

Brett confirmed with a nod. "I came on short notice, and there are still matters to attend to back home. But it won't be long now; everything should be settled before the year is out."

Harvey nodded in understanding.

Brett stepped in, and Eloise rose to greet him with respect. Even though she was now a married woman with children, Brett still treated her like the little girl he remembered.

He gently stroked her arm and said softly, "If you're free for the holidays, why don't we head back to Brockville for a bit? Tracey's been having a tough time getting around, and I know she's really been missing you."

Eloise nodded. Brett paused, then added with a hint of discomfort, "Take good care of Orlena, will you?"

A small smile graced Eloise's lips.

Harvey chimed in, "Brett, don't worry! Just now, Eloise and I were discussing what to put together for Orlena's dowry."

Brett didn't speak, but his gaze was intense. He was all too aware of the delicate nature of his and Orlena's relationship, and the struggles Eloise had faced being caught in the middle. Yet, the Horigan family had given their blessing without much fuss, largely out of respect for Eloise...

He understood all this well, but he simply embraced her. "Take care of yourself." Eloise made a move to escort him downstairs, but Brett declined, mentioning that Donny's car was already waiting below.

Harvey stepped out to see him off.

When Harvey returned, a dusting of fine snow clung to him. As he brushed it off, he said, "We better head back soon ourselves, or the snow will make the drive tricky."

Eloise walked over and gently undid the buttons on his coat. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his chest. "Harvey, it seems to be snowing a lot this year."

Harvey looked down at her tenderly. He also remembered the year they met, on a gentle snowy night right after Christmas...

In a soft voice, he said, "You're not in the best shape right now, with the baby on the way. Once our little one is born, let's have a proper romantic celebration."

Eloise murmured, "That's not what I meant."

Harvey laughed, kissing the corner of her mouth. "But we men often have just one thing on our minds! Eloise, after all this time with me, don't you know that yet?"