Chapter 438: The Special Moment Is Near
Elsie and Nathaniel changed into comfortable loungewear before heading downstairs. No one was in the lounge. They heard chatter and laughter coming from the kitchen.
"Mom and Dad usually do all the cooking," she explained as they walked down the hallway, going to the kitchen, "But we do have a cook, Sandra. She and her daughter-in-law, Penelope, also handle chores when Mom and Dad can’t."
Even though the barns and orchards owned by the Winslows weren’t exactly massive, they still hired quite a number of helpers. Most of the workers lived nearby, while some stayed in the dormitory within the ranch.
Because the holidays were approaching very closely, most of them were already on leave. Only a few remained, like Sandra and Penelope. They would be off duty starting tomorrow.
In the kitchen, Lorianne happily took on the taste-testing duty. Diane and Leonard cooked the last main dishes while the helpers prepared the dining table. Then, everything was ready.
The family of three sat with the elders to enjoy a rare gathering dinner. They dined simply on honey-grilled beef, mashed potatoes, warm bread rolls and a few other dishes.
The little Lorianne animatedly talked about her kindergarten, friends, toys and her upcoming plan to ride the pony and sing Christmas songs for the farm animals.
"Which songs you wanna sing?" Diane asked her granddaughter with an affectionate smile, "Let your grandpa play the accompaniment music."
"How about some harmonica? That’s my expertise," Leonard quickly agreed, doing anything he could as long as the little one would be happy.
"Okay! Lorrie will sing for Grandma, Grandpa, Granny and Granda!"
Lorianne declared, the hand holding a child’s plastic knife struck the air. The adults burst into laughter, entertained by the little girl’s enthusiasm.
The rest of the dinner was full of warm laughter and chatter.
That night, Lorianne wanted to sleep with her grandparents. She brought along her favorite bunny plushie. After brushing her teeth and bathing, she changed into fluffy pink pajamas.
"Mommy, Daddy, good night! Don’t miss Lorrie!"
Elsie and Nathaniel chuckled upon seeing Lorianne turn into a little rocket, rushing to her grandparents’ room. With the little one gone, the pair cuddled on the bay window, watching the snowflakes drift lazily under the lamplight.
"Once, the snow was so thick. I think Lorrie was two at that time," Elsie murmured, resting her head on Nathaniel’s chest, "We almost couldn’t get out of the house. We’re lucky the animals were safe in the barns."
"It’s good that nothing bad happened," he encircled both arms around her, voice low, "It’s beautiful here. I think we can almost forget the world beyond this glass."
Chuckles slipped from her lips, gently treading into his heart. Then, he heard her ask jokingly, "Feels like staying here? Just us?"
He smiled, "Quite tempting. I don’t have to bother with the company anymore."
Laughter rumbled in Elsie’s chest, causing her shoulders to tremble. She tilted her head, looking at Nathaniel, "Don’t blame me if you go bankrupt later."
"My dad will kill me first," he said nonchalantly, earning more of her hearty laughter.
The pair stayed at the bay window until almost midnight. Then, Nathaniel carried the drowsy Elsie to bed. Unbeknownst to her, his heart pounded faster as he recalled the ring hidden in his pocket.
After years and a long separation, he would finally ask her what he should have asked before.
Another soft snowfall welcomed the next day.
Andrea and Russell arrived in the early afternoon, the car tires crunching through the snow-laden path. Diane and Leonard welcomed them warmly, ushering them inside.
A delighted Lorianne ran up to her paternal grandparents, "Granny, Granda, Lorrie missed you!"
Andrea and Russell beamed upon receiving their granddaughter’s enthusiastic greeting. They knelt before hugging the little one tight.
"Your granda and I missed you too, our darling girl."
"My goodness, you’ve grown even taller!"
With the Faulkner couple’s arrival, more laughter flowed and stories overlapped in the country house. The two families blended effortlessly.
Leonard showed the farm around to the interested Russell, followed by the excited Lorianne. Nathaniel trailed from behind, making sure the little one didn’t slip from being clumsy on the snow.
At the same time, Diane and Andrea cooked together in the kitchen. They shared recipes and teased each other about whose roast would win more compliments. Elsie was glad to see the two ladies had bonded well.
After dinner that night, they gathered around the fireplace. The elders’ attention was mostly on their only grandchild, allowing the young couple to relax as they huddled on the couch.
Elsie leaned close to Nathaniel, eyes gleaming with gratitude as she looked at Lorianne and all her grandparents. She whispered, "You know, I hope this peace will last."
Back then, she dared not imagine such a heartwarming scene. At times, she felt guilty whenever the little one asked about her father and paternal grandparents.
Fortunately, her daughter was able to feel the warmth of a complete family this year.
Nathaniel’s gaze softened. He kissed her forehead lightly, "We’ll make sure it lasts."
She smiled, "Yes, we will."
Christmas Eve arrived in a flurry of excitement. In the afternoon, the air had already smelled of roasting meat, buttery bread, spiced wine and cookies.
All household staff were already on their holidays, so everyone in the family worked together. Diane and Leonard handled most of the cooking, not allowing their in-laws to do anything too burdensome.
Thus, while Russell polished the cutlery, Andrea supervised Lorianne. The little one wanted to help by stirring cookie batter and spilling flour everywhere.
"Lorrie, my dear," Andrea said between laughter, "I think more flour ended up on you than in the bowl."
"That means the cookies will taste extra love!" Lorianne declared proudly. Her statement enticed laughter from everyone present in the kitchen.
By evening, the dining table gleamed under candlelight. Platters of roast beef, glazed carrots, baked trout, various kinds of pies and other dishes filled the space.
Everyone was dressed casually, but still stylish. Before dining, they raised their glasses for a toast, not forgetting Lorianne with her cup of juice.
"To love and new beginnings for our families," Russell said warmly.
"To our families," everyone echoed.