That night at the supermarket, Stacey and Hayden ran into Theodore again. He didn't bother them, thankfully, and they never saw him after that. Stacey felt a wave of relief.
Christmas loomed, and everyone prepared to head home. But Stacey and Hayden had a stop to make in Strico first – Hayden and Jeremy had belongings to sort through.
Charlie had blabbed about Stacey and Hayden’s kiss to the whole family. Stacey’s frantic chase was too late. The secret was out.
Debra, fully supportive, insisted Stacey join Hayden and Jeremy in Strico. "Hay's been with us ages," she reasoned. "It's only right Stacey meets his parents. Besides, they’re together now – this is good for them." Patrick nodded; Stacey saw the unspoken "third wheel" message in his eyes and quickly packed. She, Hayden, Lillian, and Kevin left together.
Gwen and Marie's homecoming meant the children needed less supervision. Lillian and Kevin were more independent, but Stacey noticed something. Jeremy clung to her, but Lillian and Kevin seemed… closer to Hayden. Watching him with them, Stacey saw genuine happiness, patience, and warmth. Jeremy’s smile when she looked at him melted her heart. "He's adorable!" she thought, kissing his forehead.
Their arrival in Strico was short-lived. Queenie appeared with a lawyer, claiming to be Jeremy’s mother and demanding visitation rights. She threatened lawsuits and media exposure. Joshua relayed this to Hayden, whose face hardened. Jeremy’s voice was sharp: “I don’t want to see her! Ignore her!”
Joshua looked helplessly at Hayden. Gloom etched Hayden’s face. "Stay here and watch the kids," he said to Stacey, "I’ll handle this."
"Let's go together," Stacey countered.
Hayden stared, surprised, then chuckled, understanding dawning. "Okay. We'll go together." He wouldn't face his ex-wife alone. "Jeremy, stay here with Lily and Kev. Becky and I will be right back."
"I’m coming!" Jeremy insisted. "I have to tell her I don't want her! I want Becky to be my mommy!" Stacey felt a knot of anxiety. Hayden hesitated, then smiled. "Okay."
"Lily and Kev?" Stacey asked.
"Bring them," Hayden said. Facing Queenie head-on was better than dragging it out, even with the children present. He knew they'd be safe at Hoggard Villa, and he didn't want to leave Stacey anxious after her kidnapping.
They went out, a family of five. Queenie’s shock turned to bitter resentment. She’d tried everything to save her marriage. Why did Becky have to seduce my husband? she fumed.
She'd resorted to underhanded tactics to maintain contact with the Hoggard family – her family's business desperately needed their influence after her betrayal two years ago had damaged their reputation.
Hayden finally stood before her. Queenie saw him then, truly saw him – incredibly handsome, much more so than her ex-boyfriend.