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.

red and gold, warm and lively—a world apart from the wintry darkness beyond the

inside, laughter and chatter filled the

coming up! Dinner's almost ready!" Grandma emerged

Everyone sprang into action.

set out, chairs pulled up,

on the table and the family gathered, ready to dig

The doorbell rang.

on her

help frowning, muttering under her breath, "Honestly, who comes visiting

Eve? Don't they

swung open, and a

"Anne, happy New Year!"

That voice...

smile faltered

the visitors had already swept into

Teague and I came to celebrate New

hair carefully styled and pinned

her was her

full of bags and packages. He followed her lead, offering a

landed on Madge's face, then flickered

And...brother-in-law," he managed after a slight hesitation, the words sounding a bit awkward, but

grinning. "Happy New Year! Happy