Page 20 of Blackmailing the Mogul

Ryan

I watch my wife on the makeshift podium of our son's school, making animated gestures while she speaks to the kids about internet safety. She always shines so brightly when sharing her passion with kids and I never get tired of watching her talk no matter how many times I've heard her presentation. I'm glad she can do what she good really loves now. I've seen, over the years, how hard she’s worked to get here and I couldn’t be any more proud of her. She stopped working as a website programmer to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. I once asked her why she needed the degree when all she had to do was talk to kids and she said she wanted to be able to truly connect with children of various age groups when she teaches. Her dedication never ceases to blow my mind. She still takes on a few hacking jobs but it's no longer a secret, more of public activism.

Sammy, our three-year-old daughter, stirs in my arms. She fell asleep as soon as the program started and now she's waking up. I gently bounce her in my arms, in an effort to keep her calm. She opens her eyes, gorgeous green orbs dazed with sleep. She has her mom's sparkling green eyes and her bright smile, which she flashes at me as she stretches her tiny arms and yawns. I chuckle and kiss her forehead, feeling a wave of love wash over me.

“Hello, angel,” I coo, smiling playfully at her.

She returns my smile and drops her head on my chest with a contented sigh. I rest my chin on her head and return my attention to my wife, who's now answering questions from the kids. She's so confident and articulate, and I can tell she's having a lot of fun. I look around the room, taking in the pleased expressions on the faces of the other parents and kids. They all seem engaged and interested in what she's saying, and I know she's making a real difference. I feel proud to be her husband, and I know that our kids are lucky to have her as a mom.

"Hey, Ry," a familiar voice whispers beside me and I look up to see Hilda sliding into the seat beside me, her fully painted red lips stretched in a big smile.

“Hilda! When did you get back into the country?”

She and her husband, Jack had gone on a trip to Mauritius for their fourth wedding anniversary and I didn't expect her back so soon. She looks happy though, and I'm glad she later gave Henry a chance to love her. He turned out to be the yin to her yang.

“Just now,” she replies with a dismissive wave of her perfectly manicured fingers. “Jack sends his regards. He's sorry he couldn't be here as he had to attend an event in his community.”

“What about you?” I ask, searching her face with an amused smile. “I thought you converted to Amish.”

She rolls her eyes even as she returns my smile. “I realized I'm not cut out for the modest lifestyle. Besides, I missed my babies. Come on, give her to me.”

I gently hand over Sammy, who is now fully awake, and reaching out for Hilda with a giggle. Hilda takes her great-niece into her arms, cooing softly and kissing her chubby cheeks.

“Oh, look at you, precious,” Hilda says, bouncing Sammy gently on her lap. “Auntie missed you so much!”

"Hilly!" Sammy squeals, clapping her tiny hands. The kids are always so delighted to see Hilda. Probably because she spoils them. Not like I'm complaining. I like that my kids are surrounded by people who genuinely love them. They have us, their maternal grandparents, and Hilda. They get to grow up knowing they're cherished and can always fall back on their family.

“How was Mauritius?” I ask, watching the two of them with a smile.

“Absolutely stunning,” Hilda replies, her eyes lighting up. “The beaches, the sunsets, the food...everything was perfect. But as much as I loved it, I missed home. And I missed all of you.”

“We missed you too,” I say sincerely. “It's good to have you back.”

“It’s good to be back,” she says, looking around at the familiar faces and surroundings. “Especially for moments like these. I wouldn't miss seeing Jenna in action for anything.”

We both turn to watch Jenna, who has now finished her presentation. The kids are clapping enthusiastically, and she beams at them, looking every bit the dedicated educator she's worked so hard to become. My heart swells with pride as I watch my wife shine.

Cole, our nine-year-old son runs up to her and she stoops to his level, opening her hands up to scoop up in a tight hug embrace. I feel a familiar rush of warmth in my chest as I watch them both. Jenna looks in my direction at that moment and our gazes clash. For a moment, time stands still and the world around us seems to fade away as we revel in each other's presence. Then she slowly rises to her feet, taking Cole's hand in hers, and starts to walk towards us. Cole seems to notice Hilda standing beside me just then.

His face lights up with a big smile. "Hilly!" He screams. He lets go of his mom's hand and sprints towards Hilda, arms extended to the sides.

“Slow down, Cole!” Jenna calls out but as expected, her attempt is futile.

Hilda quickly passes Sammy to me just in time for Cole to hurl himself at her. She picks him up with a dramatic groan, the combined sounds of their laughter filling the air as they spin around in a circle, Cole's little legs wrapped tightly around Hilda's waist.

“Come, Hilly! I'll let you meet my friends,” Cole says, grabbing her hand the moment she sets him down.

“Oh, really?” Hilda exclaims with exaggerated surprise. “That would be an absolute honor!”

Cole beams and drags her towards his group of friends. I chuckle, shaking my head in amusement as I watch them go. Just then, Jenna reaches us, a smile still on her face, and wraps her arm around my waist, pulling me close. “I think someone's excited to see his great-aunt,” she says, laughing.

I nod, grinning as I reach out to gently caress her face. “Hey, beautiful… you did great up there.”

"Thanks, baby," Jenna says, stepping closer. She wraps an arm around my waist, and I lean down to kiss the top of her head. "I couldn't have done any of it without you." She lifts her head, looking around with a slight frown. "Mom and Dad aren't here? They promised to come."

I take her hand in mine, squeezing gently. “Your dad called to inform me that Henry is being released today on grounds of good conduct. They went to pick him up.”

Jenna remains quiet for a while, her expression unreadable. Over the years, she and Henry have come to a sort of truce, but things are still very awkward between them. Jenna and Henry are trying, for their parents' sake, to find common ground and coexist, at least but the wounds of their past run too deep to be healed in a flash.

---