Page 42 of Johan.

I nod, still taken aback, and sit down opposite them. “Wait. Margaret doesn’t know about this?” I ask, glancing between Hannah and Amelia.

Amelia shakes her head, her expression calm but tinged with anticipation. “It's going to be a surprise. We have a lot to talk about.”

I freeze for a moment, the reality of the situation sinking in. How will Margaret react to seeing her sister after more than twenty years? One thing is sure, good or bad, this will be a Christmas to remember.

I turn to Hannah, trying to mask my nervousness. “Did you tell Elise or anyone that I was coming?”

Hannah reaches over and squeezes my hand. “Relax. Oma invited you, and that’s all that matters.”

I start to tense up, the knot in my stomach tightening. “Okay, and, eh, how are you going to introduce me?” I ask, my voice a little strained.

Hannah grins, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Well, as a friend.”

I blink twice, feeling a mix of relief and confusion. “A friend?”

“Fine,” she says, letting out a sigh. “Aspecialfriend. Happy?” Everyone chuckles, the tension in the cabin easing slightly.

I settle into my seat as the aircraft doors close, and the engines begin to hum. The flight attendant offers us a choice of drinks and a selection of gourmet snacks. The captain’s voice crackles over the intercom, announcing our imminent departure. I glance out the window as the jet starts to taxi down the runway. Moments later, we’re airborne, the ground receding quickly below us.

As we soar towards the Netherlands, I steal a glance at the two women, sitting in front of me. They’re engaged in animated conversation, their faces glowing with excitement. I lean back in my seat, trying to relax, the anticipation of the reunion and the unexpected company making it hard to sit still. Any hopes of having a quickie in the bathroom are long gone, so I settle into my seat, resigned. This trip is already full of surprises, and I have a feeling there are more to come.

19

Hannah

The plane touches down smoothlyat Amsterdam Airport, and I take a deep breath, steadying myself for the next leg of our journey. Johan and Amelia look just as excited as we share a car to Oma’s estate in Dieren. Since Oma has no idea we’re bringing a third passenger, the anticipation is almost tangible.

As we drive through the Dutch countryside, the picturesque scenery passes by, with frost-covered fields and quaint villages adding to the winter charm. I can’t help but feel a bit nervous, though I try to play it cool. Johan and Amelia chat amiably, their voices a comforting murmur as I glance out the window, trying to calm the fluttering in my stomach.

The car finally pulls up to the estate, its imposing facade bringing a wave of nostalgia and a slight tremor of anxiety. The grand old house stands just as it always has, a testament to generations of our family. Stuart, our long-time butler, waits at the front door, his posture as straight and dignified as ever.

We step out of the car, the cold December air hitting my face. I wrap my coat tighter around me, the crunch of frost underour feet as we walk towards Stuart. He greets us with a polite nod, but his eyes widen in recognition when he sees Amelia. He stutters, clearly taken aback, and then tries to compose himself.

“Welcome back, Miss Hannah,” Stuart says, his voice betraying a hint of excitement. “Mr. Johan, Dr. Amelia, please follow me inside.” He quickly retreats inside, most likely to call Oma.

I lead Johan and Amelia into the foyer, the familiar scent of polished wood filling the air. Amelia looks around, her eyes wide with wonder.

“It’s just like I remember,” she murmurs, her gaze sweeping over the grand staircase, the antique furniture, and the family portraits lining the walls.

Moments later, Oma appears in the doorway from the dining room. She starts approaching slowly, her expression one of utter disbelief. She looks at me, then at Amelia, her eyes wide with shock. For a moment, she stands frozen, just staring at her sister. Amelia smiles first, a warm, inviting smile that contrasts with Oma’s still-astonished expression.

“I hope you don’t mind me coming uninvited,” Amelia says, her tone filled with humor.

Oma’s eyes flicker between us as she pieces together what must have happened.

“Well, that’s a hell of a surprise,” she finally says, her voice trembling slightly. “Now I have to go and get a second guest room ready.”

She tries to sound cold and aloof, but the slight quiver in her voice betrays her true feelings. Amelia reaches out, gently taking her hand. “Ha, Maggie, ever the gracious host.”

“You know me, I’m not one to change,” Oma replies, her stern expression softening.

Amelia chuckles, despite Oma’s composed figure. “Good, I’d have hated that.”

Amelia hesitates for a moment, then pulls Oma into a tight hug. The two sisters hold each other, the weight of years apart melting away in that embrace.

I watch them, a mixture of relief and happiness washing over me. This is going to be a Christmas to remember, indeed.

After a moment, Oma steps back, drying her tears and trying to compose herself. She looks at Stuart and says, “Stuart, please, escort Hannah and Johan to their room. Lunch will be served in an hour.”

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