Jane POV

I sat in the back seat of the car, my fingers locked with Hades'. My heart beats fast. Tonight is the family dinner and the one Mr. Thomson himself planned.


"Are you okay?" Hades looked at me with soft eyes.

"I think so," I whispered. " I am nervous."

He squeezed my hand. "You do not have to worry. You are already part of this family. They are the ones catching up."


I nodded and tried to believe him.

We arrived at the Thomsons' mansion And this time, I felt different. It was not like an outsider, it was not like someone being judged, but a part of me trembled inside.


Mrs. Thomson met us at the door and she smiled warmly and she pulled me into a gentle hug.

"You look beautiful, Jane," she said to me

"Thank you, ma'am," I said and returned the smile.

'Call me mother, dear. Please." she said and I immediately glanced at Hades and he nodded approvingly.

Inside, the dining table was well decorated and everything looked beautiful and in order.

Mr. Thomson was seated at the dining table and he immediately stood up when we entered the room.

'Good evening," he said.

'Good evening, sir," I answered politely.

Hades placed a hand on my lower back. "Dad."

Mr. Thomson nodded and he looked serious, but I saw something different in his eyes, less anger and less pride. Maybe even, respect?

We took our seats and he made maids pour juice and served a light starter.

Nobody spoke much at first and the sound of cutlery filled the room.

Then, Mr. Thomson cleared his throat and everyone looked at him.

"I want to say something," he began, his deep voice was all over the room. "Jane..."

I froze.

"I may have been too harsh and I allowed pride to get in the way of understanding. But I have watched and I have listened, I have also seen the way you love my son. The way you carry yourself, and the way you speak. You are strong, and you are loyal."

I stared at him, my mouth slightly opened.

He continued. "Tonight, I welcome you, not just into this home, but into this family."

I blinked fast and my eyes stung.

Hades smiled proudly. "Thank you, Dad."

Mrs. Thomson clapped softly. "Well said, Richard."

Mr. Thomson lifted his glass. "To my family and to new beginnings."

Everyone lifted their glasses and I followed, still in a daze.

"To family," I whispered

We clinked glasses.

Dinner continued and the food was delicious, grilled salmon, roasted potatoes, and lemon butter vegetables. But I barely tasted it. My heart was too full.

Mrs. Thomson asked about baby names. Hades made a joke about naming the baby after himself and everyone laughed and I laughed too.


We were still at the dinner table and the plates were mostly empty now, and everyone seemed more relaxed.

The air felt light and warm, it was different from before.

Mrs. Thomson smiled at me, her eyes were gentle and so soft.

'So," she said gently, and placed her hand on the table, 'how far have you gone with the baby, Jane?"

I sat up straight. 'Almost seven months," I replied .

She nodded with a wider smile. 'You are glowing, dear. You are going to be a wonderful mother."

'Thank you," I said, blushing a little.

She leaned forward, her eyes twinkled. 'I must say I am very excited. I have always wanted to be a grandmother."

Hades lets out a soft laughter. 'You never said that before."

Mrs. Thomson gave him a playful look. 'I didn't think you were ever going to give me one."

Everyone laughed

Mr. Thomson shook his head but he was smiling now too. 'Let's just hope the child takes after its mother in temperament."

'Oh Richard," Mrs. Thomson said giggling. 'Don't be jealous. Jane's already won our hearts."

My heart beat faster and I looked at Hades. He was staring at his mother, speechless.

Then he spoke and his voice was low and shaky. 'Thank you, Mum. I never thought this day would come."

Mrs. Thomson reached across the table and gently squeezed his hand. 'We were slow, but not blind, my son. We see how much you love her. And we see who she really is."

He turned to me, his eyes glassy. 'Did you hear that?" he whispered, half-laughing.

I nodded. 'I did."

He took my hand under the table and held it tight. I felt the warmth in his fingers and I felt the emotion in his grip.

I took a small breath and looked around the table. Everyone was quiet and waiting.

' I just want to say thank you," I speak softly, my voice shaking a little. 'For giving me a chance, for giving us a chance."

Mrs. Thomson's eyes watered. 'You don't need to thank us, Jane. You have already proven yourself."

I held Hades' hand tighter. 'Still, it means a lot to me."

He kissed the back of my hand and nodded slowly. 'To me too."

Mrs. Thomson dabbed her eyes with a napkin. 'This baby is going to be loved. Very much."

'Yes," I whispered, smiling. 'So much."

The room fell quiet for a moment, however it was not so much an awkward silence, it was a very peaceful one and it was the kind of silence that said, we have made it through the storm.

And for the first time at this table, I actually felt like I truly belonged.

Later, I excused myself and stepped outside into the garden for a moment and the air was cool, fresh.

Hades followed me.

'You did it," I said and turned to him.

'No," he replied, wrapping his arms around me. 'We did."

I rested my head against his chest. 'Your father, he really meant those words."

'He did. I have never seen him speak like that before."

I nodded. "I just, I never imagined this moment."

"Well," he whispered into my hair, "get used to it, you are part of us now and it is forever."

I hold him tighter. And for the first time in a long time, I feel peace.