Page 41 of Havoc's Fox

The chairs around them started filling up as people finished serving their plates, and yet others paused at the table only long enough to add some of the side dishes that filled the middle of it to their plates. There was a lot of talking, a lot of visiting, and a lot of bonding. And the whole while Havoc pretended that it was completely normal for himself and his daughter to share Christmas dinner with Analise.

An hour later as most of the dinner dishes were cleared and the desserts came out, again, Havoc got up and made the rounds, bringing back a dessert plate for Analise and Harley.

“Oh, I couldn’t eat another bite,” Analise said, trying to refuse the plate.

“Yeah, but if you don’t keep it, you won’t have any later. Look at these people!” Havoc said, gesturing to their family as they all jostled for a position at the dessert table.

“I guess you’re right.”

“Rarely. But about desserts during the holidays, yeah.”

Analise looked up at Havoc. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

After he finished his own dessert, he realized that Analise’s drink was empty again. He picked it up and winked at her as he walked to the kitchen with it.

“What’s going on with Havoc?” Emmalyn whispered as she plopped into the chair beside Analise.

“I don’t know. He thinks he’s my own personal waiter today,” Analise answered.

“He just wants to make sure you have all your favorites. It’s how he shows he loves us,” Harley said.

“Us?” Analise asked, looking at Havoc’s daughter.

“His family. He always takes care of me and Aunt Maia, even when Uncle Riley is around. He’s a good carer. He tries to do things for people before they know they need them. Aunt Maia says it shows he’s paying attention,” Harley said.

“Oh, okay,” Analise said. “That’s very nice of your dad.”

“Yep. He’s the best.”

Analise and Emmalyn shared a look.

Barron stepped into the dining room, then saw Emmalyn and came to a complete stop. He stood there just looking at her for an uncomfortable few seconds, before he turned and walked right back out.

“What’s with Barron?” Analise asked.

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing,” Emmalyn said disgustedly.

“Should it be something?” Analise asked.

“Yes. Especially after…”

“After what?” Analise asked. “Wait, do you mean last night? What happened last night?”

“Nothing.”

“Emmalyn…”

“We do not have the time now.”

“Later?” Analise asked.

“Yeah,” Emmalyn said. She got a look of determination in her eyes as she saw Barron sneak out of the back door, closing it quietly behind himself. “I’ll be back,” she whispered quickly, getting up and rushing to the back door, before disappearing through it.

“Crazy day with too many people, isn’t it?” Analise asked Harley.

Harley looked up from her chocolate pie and took a minute to examine all the people in the house. “It is a lot of people. It might be more than at home.”