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.

house decked out in red and gold, warm and lively—a world apart from the

inside, laughter and chatter

up! Dinner's almost ready!" Grandma emerged from the kitchen, grinning as she made

Everyone sprang into action.

chairs pulled up,

was placed on the table

The doorbell rang.

first on

under her

Year's Eve? Don't they know it's a family

open, and a woman's cheerful voice floated

"Anne, happy New Year!"

That voice...

smile faltered for a

react, the visitors had already swept

and I came

Rodriguez was wearing a red coat, her hair

was

packages. He followed her lead, offering a greeting.

he spoke, his eyes landed on Madge's face, then flickered to Norris standing at

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

grinning. "Happy New Year! Happy