Chapter 88
Chapter 88:
An older man stood there. He had Gaston’s dark eyes and strong jaw, but his face was lined with laugh lines, not secrets. He wore a cardigan over a dress shirt.
“Finally!” Elbert Collins boomed, stepping out onto the porch. “The woman who tamed my son p>
Jocelyn braced herself for judgment — a sneer, a critical once-over, a comment about her shoes.
Instead, Elbert pulled her into a bear hug. He smelled of pipe tobacco and old books.
“Welcome to the family, Jocelyn,” he said warmly, patting her back.
Jocelyn stood stiffly for a second, stunned. Then, slowly, she relaxed. No inspection. No interrogation.
“Thank you, Mr. Collins,” she stammered as he released her.
“Call me Dad. Or Elbert. Just not Mr. Collins,” he laughed. “Mr. Collins was my father, and he was a terrifying man p>
They entered the foyer. It smelled of polished wood and fresh lilies — but not the funeral scent of the Schneider house. These were vibrant, alive.
Suddenly, a small blur came racing down the grand staircase.
“Uncle G p>
𝗕𝘦 𝗍h𝖾 𝖿𝗶rѕ𝗍 𝘵o 𝗿𝖾𝗮𝘥 оո
A boy of about seven, with messy dark hair and glasses, launched himself from the bottom step. Gaston caught him easily, swinging him up into his arms.
“Hey, monster p>
The boy giggled, then looked at Jocelyn with wide, curious eyes. “Is this the Auntie p>
Gaston set him down. “Yes, Aaden. This is Jocelyn p>
Aaden walked up to Jocelyn. He tilted his head. “You’re pretty,” he decided. “Do you like Lego p>
“I love Lego,” Jocelyn said, crouching down to his eye level. “Especially the architectural sets. Do you have the Eiffel Tower p>
Aaden gasped. He spun around to his grandfather. “Did you hear that, Grandpa? She knows the Tower! She’s cool p>
Elbert chuckled. “I told you she was p>
Jocelyn felt a lump form in her throat. It was so normal. So warm. She realized with a pang that this — this chaotic, welcoming energy — was what a family was supposed to feel like.
She looked at Gaston. He was watching her with a soft, guarded expression. He gave a nearly imperceptible nod, answering her unspoken question. “My brother is in D.C. for a summit. We get the pleasure of Aaden’s company on weekends p>
Dinner was served in a dining room that could seat thirty, but they sat clustered at one end. The table wasn’t set with intimidating rows of silverware. Instead, there were big platters of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans — family style.
Aaden insisted on sitting next to Jocelyn. Throughout the meal, he stared at her as if she were a magical creature.
“Uncle G says you own a hotel,” Aaden said, stabbing a potato. “Is it like the one in Home Alone 2 p>
“Sort of,” Jocelyn smiled. “But with fewer pigeons p>
“Can I come visit? Can I order room service p>
“Absolutely,” Jocelyn said. She reached out instinctively and cut his steak into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
The table went quiet for a second. Jocelyn froze, realizing what she was doing. “Sorry. Habit. I used to… take care of myself a lot p>
“You’re a natural,” Elbert commented, his eyes twinkling. He looked from Jocelyn to Gaston.