Page 39 of Johan.

I take another deep breath, my eyes scanning my room for reassurance. The soft light filtering through the curtains, the framed photos on my dresser—they all seem to blur together. “Oma, I have a favor to ask.”

There’s a brief silence, then a shift in her tone. “Oh? What kind of favor?”

I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry. “I was wondering if I could bring a guest to the Christmas week at your place.” The words tumble out in a rush, faster than I intended, leaving me breathless.

The pause stretches on, my heart pounding in the silence. “And I assume the guest in question is an engaged man?”

My face flushes with heat, and I clutch the phone tighter, my pulse quickening. “Oma! You know the reason.”

“I know, I know…” Her amusement is evident, a gentle teasing that does little to calm my nerves. “Does anyone else know that you and him are together?”

I stare down at my toes curled into the carpet, my mind racing. “Just Mom.”

“Oh dear... I can't wait to see the face of your dad.” Oma’s chuckle is rich and full of mischief, a stark contrast to the tension coiling in my chest. “It's going to be worth it.”

A reluctant smile tugs at my lips, the edges of my anxiety beginning to fray. “So, it's okay?”

“Of course, Hannah. I wouldn't miss this for the world. Bring Johan. We'll have a wonderful Christmas.”

Relief floods through me, warming my chest and easing the knot in my stomach. “Thank you, Oma. You're the best.

Her tone shifts again, grounding me. “Just promise me one thing.”

I sit up straighter, anticipation tightening my muscles. “Anything.”

“Don't let your father get too worked up. It's Christmas, after all.”

A light laugh escapes me, the tension melting away. “I promise.”

“And one more thing,” Oma adds, her voice turning sly, almost conspiratorial. “I'm booking a jet to fly you and Johan directly to my home on Christmas Eve Thursday morning. That way, you'll have a bit more privacy.”

Astonishment floods through me, my eyes widening in disbelief. “Wow, Oma. Thank you! If I didn’t know you any better, I’d swear you’re doing this to stir up some drama.”

Sarcasm drips from my words, and Oma laughs.

“Oh, Hannah, you know me too well," she says with a playful tone. “I do enjoy seeing Elise and Sebastian a little ruffled now and then. You bringing Johan will certainly add a delightful twist to the mix.”

I shake my head, a smile playing on my lips. “You're incorrigible, Oma.”

“Maybe so, but it’ll make for an entertaining Christmas.” Her chuckle is infectious, lightening the air. “See you soon, dear.”

“See you soon.” Hanging up, I let out a long breath, letting all the nervous energy go out.

The room seems brighter now, the shadows less intimidating. I set the phone down and lean back, staring at the ceiling. Christmas at Oma’s is going to be interesting, to say the least.

18

Johan

I adjust my tweed jacket,ensuring it’s snug but comfortable. The cold morning air nips at my cheeks as I pull my wool scarf tighter around my neck. My boots crunch against the frosty ground, and I can feel the warmth of my thick, woolen socks. My hunting vest, layered over a plaid shirt, is filled with ammunition, and a flat cap shields my eyes from the early sunlight. Conrad walks beside me, his own attire similarly suited for the countryside—tweed jacket, sturdy boots, and a shotgun slung over his shoulder.

The rustling of pheasants through the underbrush and the distant calls of birds fill the crisp air. I’m about to make a remark about the beauty of the countryside when my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out and see a text from Hannah:Oma booked a jet for us on Thursday morning.

I stop in my tracks, reading the message twice to make sure I’ve understood correctly. Conrad notices my pause and raises an eyebrow. “What’s up?”

I show him the message, and he lets out a low whistle. “Damn. Oma Margaret isn't joking around.”

I chuckle, sliding the phone back into my pocket. “I'm spending Christmas with Hannah at her grandmother’s.”

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