Finding Forever: A Tuck Everlasting Story

Chapter Five-Part Three

Winnie and Eliza stood waiting patiently near the entrance of the grand lobby for the Tuck's arrival. Winnie desperately tried not to notice Jesse as he exited his Camaro right at the expansive entrance of The Fairmount. His brown hair was carefully swept back away from his forehead and she inhaled deeply as he lightly brushed his hand over any possible loose strands.

Angus Tuck casually exited from the passenger side with a passive look on his ageless face. He smiled lightly as he opened the door behind him for Mae and help her out. The valet quickly approached the vehicle with the concierge following behind.

Winnie eagerly started closer to the door, so she could be the first to greet them. Miles exited from the opposite side and Jesse gave him a brotherly pat on the shoulder.

Eliza hesitantly walked over to stand next to Winnie as their guests continued inside. Mae was the first to enter, alongside Tuck. She practically leaped toward Winnie and Eliza with her arms outstretched.

"It's so good to see your lovely faces this morning," She beamed embracing them both wholeheartedly.

"Let them breathe, Mae. They've only been gone twelve hours." Tuck teased.

Jesse had his hands clasped behind his back with a very impatient look on his boyish face. Miles was the farthest away steadily avoiding eye contact. He looked very uncomfortable to say the least.

Winnie and Eliza exchanged a knowing glance.

"It's been a long twelve hours," Winnie replied happily, "Thank you for joining us this morning."

"Yes it has," Eliza added eyeing Miles in the background, "Isaac will join us shortly. There was a call he had to take."

"We look forward to meeting him, dear." Mae assured rubbing Winnie's arm.

Jesse stepped closer and nudged Miles forward.

"Good morning, ladies." Jesse greeted sincerely. He caught everyone off guard, including Eliza when he pulled Winnie into a simple hug. He smelled absolutely divine and she fought the urge to close her eyes, but instead held Eliza's gaze.

She half expected him to whisper in her ear like he had the day before. She hadn't realized she'd been holding her breath until he let her go.

"You both look radiant," He complimented politely.

"I've never seen your hair like that," Winnie blurted, "It looks very nice."

"Thank you, Winnie."

Behind him, Miles cleared his throat. He appeared like he had something on the tip of his tongue, but thought better of it.

"Shall we?" Eliza interrupted nervously motioning toward the section of the hotel where brunch would take place.

Mae carefully grasped Winnie's hand as Eliza led the way outside toward the veranda.

The hotel staff was busy setting things in place and ushering guests toward proper seating.

A very attractive waiter dressed in a casual white suit swiftly approached them,

"Good morning. Thank you all for joining us for brunch at The Fairmount," He greeted pleasantly, his eyes meeting Eliza's, "My name is Stephen. I will be taking care of you. Will you please follow me?"

Stephen guided them to set covered tables out near the Olympic size pool.

"I will be happy to take your drink orders." He stated pulling several chairs away from the table so the women could sit down.