Chapter 148: A Festive Shock

Besides Sundays, of course, Christmas Eve is like the holiest day of the century. Families get together and celebrate the holiday while anticipating Christmas Day. In the middle of the afternoon, light snow was falling outside the house and automobile horns could be heard.

"They've arrived!" As she sprinted to the window, Gracie yelled. She looked outside and saw the car light turned off. "It is James, Henry, and Kelvin. They are all here!" She continued to scream.

"Really? James is here?" As she walked up to the window, Jessie had a pan of cookies in her hand. She gave Gracie the pan. "Go on. Eat it with milk. Tell Mary to prepare some for you."

"I am not a child, you know?" Grace took hold of the pan.

"Well, if you don't want it, we can give it to people who do."

Gracie rolled her eyes and strode off holding the cookie pan. Jessie walked up to the door and flung it open. When James got close to her, she started to laugh. "Goodness gracious. You didn't call to say you would be here. We haven't heard from you in months after the... the case." She cleared her throat as she made her final remark slowly. "But you are here now." Her expression returned to one of excitement. "Come on over and hug me." She leaned in for a hug, but James gently repelled her.

"Whoa. This is so big."

"You didn't notice it when approaching me?"

"Well, I didn't. This is so big." Jessie could see the shock on his face as he repeated what he had said.

"In there, there are triplets." Jessie whispered.

James also uttered a whispered "No way."

Slowly, Jessie nodded. "Yes way." She noticed Cece and her children approaching them. She gave James a glance. "Well, Din is in his room. Go and surprise him. When he sees you, I bet his mind will be completely blown."

James adjusted his cap. "Alright, Jessie. It is so nice to see you again." He walked into the house, and Jessie hugged Cece the moment she approached her.

Releasing Cece, Jessie said, "I am glad you will be joining us for Christmas. I can't believe your husband agreed to come."

Cece smiled. "I have seen the way Din has changed too. The effect women have on men is magical." Jessie laughed, and she cast a glance down at the children who were standing behind Cece. "You are adorable." Jessie spoke to the boy and girl that were standing side by side. The boy, who was older than the girl, had a scowl on his face the entire time. It was obvious he inherited his father's traits.

"I know." The little girl smiled as she flipped her hair, and Jessie knew instantly that she would make great friends with Gracie.

The boy didn't even say anything. He looked up at Cece. She gave Jessie a smile. "They were forced to come here."

"It is crystal clear. He shares his father's appearance."

"I know." Cece nodded as she took the hands of her two children and entered the house.

As Kelvin drew near the door, she waved at him. "Nice to see you again, Jessie."

"And you too, Kelvin."

"I brought this for you. My best friend and I baked the cookies," Kelvin said with a smile.

"Together?" Kelvin nodded as Jessie carefully examined the item after taking it from him.

"Together." He said. Nodding in agreement.

"Hmm." Jessie grinned as she spoke.

Kelvin gave a headshake. "No, no. Jessie. I know that look, and no, I do not like her. She is just my friend."

Jessie shrugged. "I didn't even say anything." Jessie began laughing in the entrance as Kelvin entered the house with a groan. Jessie could see Henry coming her way. Every time she sees him, he is never joyful or displays a joyful expression. "Smile, Henry. It is Christmas Eve."

"It is nice to see you too, Jessie." He passed her by and entered the house. Jessie sighed and rolled her eyes as she closed the door behind her.

She went to the kitchen to help with Abby and Sierra. The maids could perform their duties, but Cedric prefers it when families participate in all aspects of holiday ceremonies.

Together, Abby and Sierra uttered, "You should go and rest, Jessie."

"I don't feel tired."

Sierra sighed. "Din's birthday was when you last passed out, and if you had seen his face that day, you would have known why we don't want you in the kitchen. Jessie, my brother, was depressed. It felt as if his whole world was gone. Please listen."

Her only goal was to make up for the birthday that was ruined because of her. That day, Din had sent texts to all of his friends saying that the birthday was canceled, but he never told them why. Except for Williams, who knows what really happened, his other friends don't.

Jessie nodded instead. "All right. I will be in the room. Watching telenovela."

"I think that is a good idea. You don't want to overwork yourself after we found out that you have three babies inside you and not two," Abby said, focusing on her.

Jessie affirmed, "That happened three weeks ago." She sighed.

"Just go and rest. Those three weeks weren't easy and the doctor said that you would…"

Abby immediately interrupted Sierra as she was about to inform Jessie of the complications Jessie would have during childbirth. "What Sierra meant to say is that you went through a lot in the past three weeks and the doctor said it was caused by the stress, so you really need to get some rest," Sierra said.

Jessie gave them an awkward glance. They were concealing information from her. They know something that she doesn't, and the past few days have proved that. Din and the others had taken care of her in a way they hadn't before.

Din had also offered to bathe her every morning and evening, and he doesn't even have sex with her like he normally gets hungry for. He used to want it every day, but now he only wants it maybe twice or three times a week.

With a folded clench, Jessie turned to leave the kitchen. She must find out what they are keeping from her.