Danger II // J.N

Chapter 24

Anna's POV.

Violet plays on the living room floor. Addie sets out out plates and glasses on the table.

"The turkey smells so good!" Addie exclaims. She leans against the island counter with her hands folded together. I smile and nod.

"I agree! I'm pretty proud of myself, so far," I say. She smiles.

"So when is mom going to be here?" I ask. Addie checks her phone while I rinse off my hands that are covered in potato skins from peeling potatoes.

"I guess an hour. Dads coming in a few minutes," She pauses. "When's the last time you talked to him?" She asks looking at me.

I sigh, pushing hair behind my shoulder. "Not too long ago, actually. It wasn't long, I think I just wanted to check in and see how he was doing."

She nods. "He seems okay," She says softly.

I nod. "Have you been visiting?" I ask, turning to her.

She shakes her head. "Andrew and him are closer now. I sometimes just go with Andrew but other than that, I'm too busy."

I shrug my shoulders. "He's changed so much. It's hard because I can't give him another chance, just because of my schedule," I explain. Addie nods in agreement.

The front door opens and is followed by the sound of it shutting.

"Babe?" Jace says from the door.

I feel my face light up, just like when we were young. I drop the towel onto the counter and walk around the corner into the entry way. I fix my tan colored sweater dress. I see Jace stand in his light blue dress shirt and khakis. His hair nicely brushed to the side. He scans my outfit.

"Hi!" I say, gently hugging him. "I'm so happy you could come!" I exclaim. He smiles and nods.

"I am too! I can't stay for very long, I gotta see my parents," He says. I nod. "That's fine! As long as you're here now, that's all I really cared about."

I lead him to the kitchen. Addie waves to him as she leans against the counter. Violet runs over to him and hugs the back of his leg.

"Oh, hi peanut!" He says, looking down. Violet shows a toothless grin. He bends down and picks her up. "What are you up to?" He asks.

I smile, watching him interact with her.

There's a knock on the door, then it opens. Jace and I turn to see who it is, and see my dad walk in. He looks at us. His eyes widen when he sees Jace.

I never told my dad Jace is back in my life. I never mentioned what happened with Alex. I should've said something, but I didn't.

Jace sets Violet down. Violet looks at my dad, and cracks a smile. She waddles over and raises her arms.

"Violet! How are you?" He asks, picking her up. I step back next to jace, and gently grab his hand for security.

"Good," Violet says softly. She chews on the string from her little brown dress.

Jace looks at my dad with his eyes squinted. I'm not sure how he feels about him now. I really hope this doesn't ruin today.

My dad looks at us and sets Violet down. "Hello Jace," He greets, as he takes his shoes off.

"Hello Todd," Jace says nodding.

My dad walks towards us. "I didn't expect you to be here," He says. Jace looks at me. "I guess Anna didn't say anything to you," He says.

I shake my head. "No, um, Jace and I ran into each other a couple weeks ago. We reconnected and have been hanging out ever since."

My dad nods. He looks at Addie, who leans against the counter. "Addisyn, how are you?" He walks to her.