Page 65 of Harry

“Yes.” He clipped and seemed reluctant to move from where he was standing. Then taking her arm, he followed Rosie along the hallway and into a room that was warm and surprisingly cozy despite its size.

Sunny yellow wallpapers covered the wall and there was a fire blazing in the hearth. She was so intent on admiring the antique furnishings that it was the sound of a squeal of girlish delight that had her noticing the older couple and the stunning redhead who came rushing forward and into Harry’s arms.

He had to let go of her arm to greet the girl and Janelle felt hard core jealousy pierced her heart through at the indulgent look on his handsome face.

She would have stood there feeling foolish and insecure if Madelyn had not glided forward to take her arm and led her over to the man and woman who rose from the deep armchairs, with smiles on their faces.

The man was tall and attractive with white threading heavily through his sandy brown hair. His eyes were blue and seemed to see right through her.

“My dear, this is Ian McKenzie and his lovely wife, Lillian.” The woman was a stunning redhead, with emerald, green eyes offset by the lovely forest green dress she was wearing.

“It’s quite wonderful to meet you.” The Irish accent made it sound as if she was singing. “And that young woman hanging onto Harry is our daughter Gayla.” Her eyes took in Janelle’s protruding stomach. “I understand you’re carrying twins.”

“Yes.” She forced a smile to her lips and tried to ignore the fact that Harry was still with Gayla. She could hear the woman’s excited chatter and his lower voice in the background. The fact that he had not left her side to come and greet the parents made spoke volumes.

“How exciting and scary.”

“Lillian, don’t try and frighten the poor girl.” Ian gave her a warm smile and extended a hand to her. “We just flew in from Ireland and called Madelyn. She told us about the dinner and invited us. You my dear, have that glow about you. It shimmers off you like waves.”

“Thank you.” She decided that she liked the husband. The wife and daughter, she was not certain about.

It was Ian who escorted her into the dining room when dinner was announced because Harry was still occupied with Gayla and seemed to have forgotten about her.

Refusing to let him spoil her time and appetite, she attacked the meal with gusto. The pressed duck, wafer thin roast beef, lobster quiche and orange chicken were a delicious combination and seated at Ian’s right, the man kept her entertained and had her laughing at some of his antics.

He was into tea shops and had several of them spread out in Ireland, London, Scotland, and Wales.

“You should visit Ireland. We live in Adare, a beautiful little village unspoiled and with a relaxing atmosphere.” He glanced over to where his daughter had her head bent towards Harry.

“Please forgive my daughter for monopolizing Bobbly. They grew up together so to speak and were close at one point.” He smiled at her. “I never thought I would see the day when Harry settled down, but then again, I can see the appeal.”

“Thank you.”

“You should have him take you for a visit to our lovely country. We would love to have you.”

She patted her stomach. “I’m afraid I will not be doing any travelling for the next few months.”

He patted her hand. “It’s an open invitation.”

He finally extricated himself after they finished the meal and were having dessert in the living room to find out if she was okay.

“Do you care?” She had promised herself she wouldn’t behave like a jealous shrew, but the anger and jealousy was spilling over.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing. I’m fine. You can go back to your friend.”

He gave her a hard look. “Yes, Jan. That’s all she is. A friend and one I haven’t seen in years.” There’s no need to behave like a…,” his voice tailed off and she gave him a stony stare.

“Like a bitch? Just go away.”

“Look!”

She walked away before he could finish the conversation and sat next to Ian.

Shoving his hands in his pockets, he contemplated if he should go after her, but Gayla came just then and demanded that he give her the tour.

“Darling, it’s been ages, and we have so much to catch up on.”

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