Chapter 829

Grandma beamed. "What a lovely outfit! So festive! And look-Roseanne's wearing a red sweater today too. You and your sister really are on the same wavelength!"

Corley glanced over at Roseanne. She wasn't just wearing a red sweater, but had also wrapped a white scarf around her neck. The red and white looked striking together-like holly berries against fresh snow-and it was impossible not to notice her.

Grandma noticed his gaze and couldn't resist a hint of pride. "Well? Doesn't Anne look beautiful dressed like that?"

Corley nodded calmly, his expression giving nothing away. "Yeah. She looks nice."

His tone was even, as if merely echoing Grandma's words-no one could read anything into it.

He walked over to the coffee table. "Are we getting the gifts ready?"

Grandpa didn't stand on ceremony, waving him over. "Don't just stand there- come help us out."

"Sure." Corley rolled up his sleeves and crouched down beside Roseanne.

With him joining in, everything sped up considerably.

Before long, all the gifts were wrapped, ribbons scattered in a heap, replaced by a row of beautifully decorated boxes.

...

By six o'clock, night had fallen completely.

At some point, snow had started drifting down outside, flakes tumbling softly to the ground.

the house decked out in red

laughter

Grandma emerged from the kitchen, grinning

Everyone sprang into action.

were set out, chairs pulled up, wine glasses fetched- everyone doing their

table and the family gathered, ready to dig

The doorbell rang.

on her feet.

frowning, muttering under her

Don't they know it's

door swung open, and a woman's

"Anne, happy New Year!"

That voice...

smile faltered for

the visitors had already swept into the living

Dad, Teague and I came

hair carefully styled and pinned up—she

was her

tall and upright, his hands full of bags and packages. He followed her lead, offering

face, then flickered to Norris standing at

sounding a bit awkward, but he got them out all the same. "Happy

his feet, grinning. "Happy New Year!

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255