Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

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 radiators hummed, the house decked out in red and gold, warm and

laughter and

ready!" Grandma emerged from the kitchen, grinning as she

Everyone sprang into action.

chairs pulled up, wine

table

The doorbell rang.

the first on her feet. "I'll get

help frowning, muttering under her breath,

Don't they know

open, and a woman's cheerful

"Anne, happy New Year!"

That voice...

faltered for

the visitors had

and I came to celebrate

Rodriguez was wearing a red coat, her hair carefully styled and pinned up—she

was

dressed in a crisp suit, tall and upright, his hands full of bags and packages. He followed her lead, offering a greeting. "Happy

his eyes landed on Madge's face, then

bit awkward, but

sprang to his feet, grinning. "Happy New