Book 2: What Happens Here - Chicago (What Happens Here Series)

Chapter 22 - Jasmine

As Jasmine allowed herself to be escorted into the Daniels' home, her eyes widened as they roamed the large, opened space. If she'd been impressed by the home's exterior, the interior of the home left her speechless.

Jasmine had a sense that Ethan may have come from a wealthy family, but seeing the home that he'd grown up in confirmed it. She wasn't familiar with where the wealthy neighborhoods were located in Illinois, but if the homes that they'd passed on their way to Ethan's parent's home, not to mention the enormous brick home that she was currently standing in were in any indication, Ethan's family was extremely wealthy. But the amazing thing about it was that they did not seem to boast their wealth. Ethan had shared that his father was an investment banker, and his mom had been a stay-at-home mom until his younger siblings had graduated from high school. From what he'd shared, his mother was very active in various foundations that were near and dear to her heart, and she was clearly a fantastic fund-raiser, because she often spent a great deal of time helping to raise money for many charitable foundations in the area.

The elder Daniels had definitely provided an amazing and down to earth lifestyle for their children, because the home that Jasmine was currently standing in was "homey", and "welcoming", and did not look like the showcase homes that she'd seen on TV or in magazines that belonged to wealthy celebrities. There were no huge gaudy vases, or crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, nor were there any overly priced Persian rugs sprawled out on heated marble floors. The massive, and opened space appeared lived in, and was one that she could imagine three young children and a puppy running through as they laughed and played without the fear of breaking some priceless trinket or two.

There was no pretention or flaunting of wealth. It was simply a home that reflected the love of the family that lived within its walls, and Jasmine knew in that instance that she was exactly where she was supposed to be.

Feeling Ethan's warm body as he pressed against her back and placed his hands on both of her shoulders, before leaning down to place a kiss to her temple, Jasmine sighed as she leaned back against him. When she glanced over at the smiling face of Kim Daniels as she watched them, Jasmine's face flushed with the heat of embarrassment. Kim gave her a knowing smile, and glancing over Jasmine's shoulder at Ethan, Kim asked, "Did Daryl and Layla get off okay this morning?" Jasmine felt Ethan nod as he said, "Yes, he texted me this morning and said they had a layover in London. Apparently, the flight is like 20 hours long, so they're just going to enjoy the journey of getting there and being together." Jasmine had once thought that she'd love to see the Maldives, but after hearing how long the flight was to get there, she immediately crossed the beautiful destination off the list.

Hearing the sound of deep male chuckles coming from the other room, Ethan smiled down at her and said, "That's my father, Patrick Daniels." And gently gripping her hand, he pulled her towards the room where she heard the sounds of excited puppy barking, and male laughter. Turning the corner, Jasmine's eyes widened at the beautifully decorated room. Although the home's interior was massive, with its high vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and cozy appeal, Jasmine was still in awe of the home that Ethan had grown up in.

This room was clearly the family room, because there was a large dark brown leather sectional, that sat in front of a stone fireplace, and mantel that displayed framed family pictures. Bookshelves were set into the wall, and held a variety of books that she knew her mom would enjoy. As a retired librarian, Jasmine's mother Bernadette Ellis had played a huge role in Jasmine's desire to become an elementary school teacher.

Jasmine had fond memories of her mom volunteering at her elementary school when she was younger. She recalled the times when her mom would often come to her class and would read books, especially at Christmastime. She loved the way that her mom had the ability to bring the characters from the books that she read to life, and how excited the children would become as they sat entranced by her stories. She'd known from an early age that she wanted to work with children, and the way that her parents had supported her love for teaching had been the foundation of her career in education.

Jasmine was pulled from her thoughts when she felt Ethan release her hand before he walked over to his father, who was an older version of himself, and leaned down to gently pull him into his arms for a hug. The two men embraced and patted one another on the back before Ethan pulled back and still gripping his father's shoulders he smiled at Jasmine as he said, "Dad, this is Jasmine, and Jasmine, this is my father, Patrick Daniels."

Much like the same warm and welcoming greeting that she'd received from his wife moments before, Patrick Daniels said, "Oh, none of that. Just call me Patrick. It's nice to finally put a name to a beautiful face." Ethan had mentioned that his father had undergone knee surgery several days prior, which had prevented him and Ethan's mom from attending Daryl and Layla's wedding. When Patrick shifted in his chair, he smiled, as he said, "I apologize, because I'd normally stand and greet you, but my knee surgery is going to make that impossible for me." Shaking her head, Jasmine walked further into the room as she said, "Oh, no. I completely understand. Ethan mentioned that you'd had surgery, how are you doing?" Smiling, Patrick said, "My surgeon said these next several weeks were going to be a struggle for me, but I've got my girl here, so I'll be fine." Jasmine smiled when she saw the way that Ethan's father glanced over at his wife and gave her a wink. She thought it was adorable when Kim's face flushed as she blushed at her husband's obvious admiration.

"Alright....enough of the mushy love stuff, I heard there was homemade garlic bread somewhere, and I'm starving." They laughed at Caden's statement, and Patrick chuckled as he shook his head and said, "You're always starving Caden, so that's nothing new." Jasmine smiled at the playful father and son banter, and when Kim said, "Okay everyone, come and eat", Jasmine stepped forward, and said, "Is there anything that I can help you with Mrs. Daniels?" Kim shook her head, waving away her offer of help as she said, "Please call me Kim, and no, but I appreciate that. Besides, you're our guest of honor, so Ethan and Caden will help me in the kitchen."

Everyone laughed when Caden groaned before saying, "In that case...I call dibbs on the first slice of pie!"