It would be best if the children met Deanna at their home, 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; to the older ones he explained that they hadn't heard from her before because he had to be sure things would work out. Maybe when they got a little older he could give them the real reason.
Daniel wasn't sure if little Jonathan had understood the situation correctly, he was the most worried about it out of the three of them. Ethan had no complaints about it, he told his father that it was his decision and he respected it. Naomi being more shy assured him that there was no problem and that she disregarded the things her grandmother told her. Both children trusted their father, but also could not bring themselves to contradict him.
To try to make the meeting more relaxed they invited Susan, Harry and Laura. Perhaps, surrounded by their aunt and uncle they would feel more at ease and less stiff. On the way to Daniel's house, Harry had told Deanna a little more about his niece and nephews. He saw her as much more nervous than when she first met her future husband, but he was convinced that she would get along with them.
He warned her of Jonathan's difficulty communicating, that there was no particular reason, but that he loved music and that might be a method of getting closer to him. He also told her about Susan, who was the middle sister, she already knew the details of his plan and would support them. So she should not 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 stood to reason, keeping a place like that up and running must take a lot of work.
Susan was the first to greet her.
-You must be Deanna, how are you? I'm Susan.
- Nice to meet you, Susan, it's a pleasure –
Daniel stood with the two older kids who couldn't take their eyes off her.
-This is Ethan and Naomi, my children," Deanna approached.
- Hi! I'm Deanna, nice to meet you -
- Hi," they both replied.
But weren't there three of them? Suddenly a small figure came running out from behind an armchair and into Harry's lap, who took him in his arms.
-And this, Dean, is little Jonathan.
He couldn't be a cuter little boy. With round pink cheeks, a small nose and big eyes that sparkled. Deanna was hit right in the heart.
-Hello little gentleman, nice to meet you - Jonathan smiled and hid his little face in Harry's shoulder.
They went out to the terrace overlooking the park where they already had a table set up. Jonathan looked at her with great attention and every time Deanna looked back at him he blushed and smiled. The older ones hardly said anything, but they also watched her from time to time. Her grandmother had been right to tell them that she was too young for her father. At Daniel's taciturn silence, Susan decided to break the ice.
- Deanna, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Although Harry has tired of talking about you on more than one occasion and so has Laura.
- Thank you, I'm glad to be here and for meeting you all -
- Dad told me the truth, Daniel, it's true that Deanna is very pretty - Daniel's blood pressure suddenly dropped and there was an awkward silence.
- Did you tell Dad that Dean is pretty?
- Harry questioned
- Of course he told him, don't forget he doesn't know her yet, Harry - Susan exchanged glances with Harry, they very rarely had the chance to annoy 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 in telling him how pretty Deanna is. I think he's looking forward to meeting her - Susan kept adding fuel to the fire.
- Dad exaggerates - Daniel was starting to feel warm.
- Good to know, Deanna thinks Daniel is attractive too - Laura added.
The children watched their father fidget in his chair as if something was itching him. And Deanna almost died of embarrassment. None of this escaped Susan and she realized that there was more to this than just an agreement. That was the factor she knew had to do with Dean and now she had confirmed it.
- Kids, Deanna sings very well did you know that? - said Harry.
- It's true! She has a magnificent voice - Laura had heard her on more than one occasion.
- Jonathan likes music a lot - said Naomi shyly.
- And you, do you like it? -
- Yes, a little bit -
- Naomi likes books more - Ethan finally spoke.
- That's great. What do you like to read? -
- A lot of things, but mostly fantasy sagas -
- Werewolf and vampire stuff - Ethan was very clear about that.
- I see... Then you've probably read the saga of "The Black Moon" -
- It's my favorite! Do you know it? -
They got to talking about the 5 books that made up the saga, the characters and the author. Apparently Deanna liked that kind of literature too. They both forgot where they were and with whom and just kept sharing opinions. Finally, Harry interrupted them.
- Do you have any idea what they're saying? - he asked Ethan.
-Something -
- Oh! I'm sorry, I was excited to discuss it with another fan-
Deanna apologized. Daniel was still silent, just watching them, he had to be sure that his children were going to be okay. But suddenly Ethan interrupted the slight equilibrium that was being generated.
- My grandmother told us about you. She said that the only thing you want from my father is his money, is that true? -
- Ethan! - Daniel was not going to allow such behavior.
But Deanna wasn't daunted by the question. It was logical that they were worried about her father.
-No, of course I don't want your father's money. I'm not doing this for that purpose. I understand that you have your doubts, and I'm glad you're expressing them, but I can assure you that's not what motivates me.
- We've talked about this before, Ethan," his father told him.
- I know, Dad, and I told you I was going to respect your decision - He's definitely worthy son of his father, 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 could not give a lecture on politeness. But Deanna kept the comment to herself.
The meeting had turned out like everything else so far: half right. Deanna refrained from asking because Jonathan wasn't talking at all and Daniel thanked her silently, he was tired of having to explain. Surely Harry would have done it by now. It was two wins for her: dinner and meeting her children. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all.