As the New Year's bells chimed, another year began to unfold. Time marched on, year after year, day after day. Andre gazed at the newest addition to his family, his son's very first year in this world. He hoped for nothing but health and happiness for his little one.

At the stroke of midnight, the baby let out a yawn, snuggled and cozy, and nestled into his father's arms for sleep. Andre carefully pulled a crisp bill from his wallet and gently tucked it into his son's onesie, a modern twist on the traditional red envelope. It was Andre's first year as a father. The next morning, the baby was startled awake by the sound of fireworks booming outside. His grandfather had decided to set them off at the crack of dawn, the loud crackling and popping sending the little one into a fit of tears.

Mia tried her best to shield her son from the noise, but it was of little use.

Hearing the commotion, Andre rushed inside, knowing his son might be frightened. He took the baby from his wife's arms, comforting him, "Don't be scared, daddy's got you."

Once the fireworks ceased, the baby's tears slowly dried up as he peered out at a world unlike any he'd seen before.

Outside, a blanket of white covered everything. Overnight snow heralded a year of bounty.

The yard was dazzlingly white, the snow like a cleansing for the world. The remains of the vibrant firework wrappers dotted the landscape as the housekeeper swept them up with a broom.

The fireworks had been Leo's doing. Clad in slippers, he stomped the snow off his feet at the entrance, making a bit of a mess.

The baby's gaze followed his older brother.

Leo, still in his pajamas under his coat, approached and clapped his hands playfully at the baby, "Come here, let big brother hold you."

The sweet smell of milk lingered as the infant settled once again into his brother's arms.

The house was filled with a warmth it had never known before.

Hansen sat in the living room, chuckling and answering New Year's calls from friends and family.

The fireworks didn't manage to wake Jade, though. She continued to sleep.

Even after Henry had dressed and missed breakfast, Jade was still in bed.

Mia took her son to her best friend's bedroom, laying him beside her on the bed.

next to you now, be careful not to roll

her hair a mess as she sat up, blinking

and looked at the little bundle next to her, then turned over

showing love by sending her son over. After more than five minutes

Mia didn't budge.

daughter-in-law, "Mia, that's

a visit from Mia with the

could keep his aunt company for a little

so, the little one successfully woke his dear aunt, who had to continue to dote on him as

night. I was on a video call with Chad for four hours, and by the end, I was so tired I barely

had the magic touch, and for the

him off with the three little ones and the youngest to

husband stayed behind to

second day of the New Year, Mia visited her parents, while

ready, and the walk-in closet

on his behalf, "Since it's perfect, why not

with a smile, "Are you saying exactly what I was thinking? So,

"A new closet

after the wedding,

you picked out a wedding

"You haven't even looked at

Molly remained quiet.

time left, do you understand? Your father has set the date for March, and look at what month it is now. You were out and about with Chad often before the New Year; what were you doing? Your wedding seems like someone else's affair; you're not involved at all." Kendrick tried to calm his wife, "Our girl is barely in her twenties; it's normal for her

and had no idea where to start or any sense

anger subsided somewhat, aware of the Cedillo family's situation. With Mrs. Cedillo gone, Naomi had her hands full and couldn't attend to her, and Mia was still too naive to know anything about weddings.

her.

both mother and mother-in-law, took

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