Chance To Be A Complete Family
Taking a deep breath, Mallory mustered her strength and courage to face whatever comes next. She smiled at Harriet as she flipped the golden pancake onto the plate and served it with buttery syrup. She always has to be strong—for both of them.
Harris came down and joined them for breakfast. 'Daddy, look!" Harriet exclaimed. 'Mommy made pancakes and breakfast for the three of us," she said joyfully.
'Wow, that sounds like a good breakfast," Harris said, taking Harriet into his arms while the house helpers prepared the table.
As they were having breakfast, they were quiet again like the dinner they had the night before. The awkward atmosphere between Mallory and Harris continues, but none of them opened up about what happened.
'Harris, you've been away for weeks even on weekends. Since you had time with your friends last night, I hope you can spare time for Harriet today and play with her in the playground," Mallory said, breaking the silence.
'Of course," Harris replied happily. 'I've been preparing to play with my princess," he said, looking at Harriet.
His daughter's blue eyes spark with excitement. 'Yay! Daddy, you can finally play with me. You can push my swing even harder than mommy did."
Harris and Mallory exchanged smiles, both wanting the best for their daughter. Harris was not only trying to win Mallory back but also striving to be a good father, setting an example of dedication and integrity. Mallory was proud of him at this moment.
Harris hired people to put all the possible games that could be found in the park so Harriet would feel like playing in the park while she couldn't do it because of all the issues.
'Daddy, come, push the swing," Harriet led her dad to the swing, only she can play.
'Right on it, princess," Harris pushed Harriet's swing as soon as she was safe sitting on it.
'Higher, Daddy," Harriet squealed.
'You have to hold tighter Harriet," Harris said as he pushed the swing even higher.
Mallory's heart was full and content watching Harriet and Harris so happy together. It felt like there was nothing more she needed in life. But she knew something wasn't right. Harris is still engaged with Nicole Hudson.
As soon as Harriet was tired of the swing, she and Harris went to the big playhouse built for her only. It was like a real house with small cooking tools in it. This time Harriet wants her mom to join them in cooking. There were the three of them in the playhouse where the tension and awkward feeling between Harris and Mallory was still present.
'Mommy, can I invite my friends here next weekend?" Harriet asked suddenly.
Mallory and Harris shared a look, both thinking the same thing. They both wanted to give their daughter the best life that she deserved, but the current issue would affect the parents' decision to let their kids play with Harriet.
'We'll see sweetheart, we will have to ask their parents about it first, okay?" Mallory said.
'Sure. I know they will love it here. We have our own playground just for ourselves," Harriet said while frying an egg in her small kitchen. Mallory and Harris could only hope for the best.
Later, Harris took a moment to talk to Mallory privately. 'What are you doing, Harris?" Mallory asked while Harris was tagging her to the corner.
Finally, Harris has found a chance for him to talk to Mallory alone. 'Mallory, we need to talk," Harris implored. 'What happened last night…"
'Harris, what happened last night was a mistake," Mallory cut him off.
"No, it wasn't," Harris disagreed.
"Harris, please," she wants to get away but Harris cornered her. His strong hands were on her sides preventing her from moving out from his grasp.
The tension between the two of them is rising every second. Mallory couldn't look straight into Harris's eyes because they were drawing her in. She knew she couldn't resist Harris in whatever request he might ask with his mesmerizing blue eyes.
"Mallory, look at me," Harris softly requested, his fingers tracing her face.
The tension between them grew as Mallory struggled to avoid Harris's captivating blue eyes. "Harris please..." Her cheeks were hot, she knew she was blushing and she was embarrassed to show it.
Harris knew using his charm would be effective in getting Mallory's attention.
"I just want to talk. Please look at me," Harris traced a finger on Mallory's face. It sends a shiver down her spine. "If you don't look at me, I'll kiss you right here, right now."
Mallory sighed, and she slowly opened her eyes. "You're so despicable, Harris," she said, rolling her eyes.
Harris showed an evil smirk, realizing he was making progress. "You shouldn't hide those eyes of yours; they're beautiful. I love them."
"Cut it out! What do you wanna talk about? Make it fast," Mallory commanded.
"I wanna talk about us."
"Us? What about us, Harris? We're here because of Harriet, nothing else. You and I both know that you're still engaged with Nicole Hudson, and there is no future for us."
"So, if I broke my engagement to Nicole, is there a chance for us?" Harris patiently waits for Mallory's reply, his eyes lit up as she sees a better future in their relationship.
"Harris, you know you can't do that. Stop giving us false hope. Just be a good father to Harriet."
"I'm not giving you and Harriet a false hope Mallory. I swear in our daughter's name. We will be a complete family like our daughter has always wanted. I always wanted us to be a normal family like everyone else. We all deserve that. Don't you think so?"
Mallory wants to shout yes, but she can't trust Harris with his current situation. There seems to be no way out from the grasp of his mother, Marian Thompson, and his engagement with Nicole Hudson.
"Baby," Harris said softly. "Last night was amazing. I've been wanting to do it with you and no one else. Tell me you feel the same way," he begged as he put his forehead on Mallory's. He was so close to Mallory, breathing the same air as her.
Mallory's heart became erratic, breathing seemed hard with Harris so close to her. "Harris, please, let's take it slow."
Harris nods slightly. "Whatever you want. Just don't give up on me. I need you and Harriet with me."
As they discussed, a bouquet of flowers arrived for Mallory, causing tension between them.
"Whose bouquet is that?" Harris asked.
"It's for Miss Mallory," Betty, the housekeeper, replied. "It's so beautiful," she commented. However, Betty bowed her head realizing Harris wasn't happy with what she said. "I apologize, Mr. Thompson," she said quickly.
Harris's anger flared as he grabbed the bouquet. "Mallory, who is this man sending you flowers?" he asked sternly.
"What? I already told you before, I have no idea who keeps sending me flowers," Mallory replied, frustrated by the implication. "I thought that was going to stop after we transferred here. This is the first time I got a bouquet of flowers since living in your mansion."
"Exactly, this house is not a random address. Only a few people know I owned this place."
"Harris, are you accusing me of giving your home address to someone else?"
"You're the one saying that, not me."
"Bullshit, Harris. You're an asshole. You know how much I wanted to protect Harriet and now you're implying that I'm giving your address to random people to send me flowers?"
"That's not what I meant," Harris said defensively as he saw Mallory getting angry. "I just want to find out who could be sending you flowers. That's it."
Harris's suspicion weighed on Mallory, causing frustration and anger. "You know, this conversation is not going anywhere. You're not gonna believe me anyway, even if I say I have no idea. Give me those flowers," Mallory said, snatching the bouquet from Harris.
"Mally, I'm sorry." He slapped a hand on his head, thinking he messed up again. He tailed Mallory to the kitchen as she wanted to put the flowers on the vase. He needs to coax Mallory after what he said.
Their little argument left Harris realizing that their relationship was facing challenges beyond what he had initially thought. He was determined to uncover the truth and ensure a better future for Mallory and Harriet.
He's gonna find out who is messing in there supposed to be getting a better relationship. His suspicion about someone sabotaging their relationship is growing. It's not just his Mom and Nicole, there must be someone else.