Chapter 418: A Flour-Dusted Angel
The next Saturday arrived, beginning with the smell of nutmeg, cinnamon and roasting chestnuts.
The kitchen was alive with warmth and energy as sunlight streamed through the windows. Various ingredients were lying on the kitchen counters, all for the early Christmas dinner tonight.
Lariette stood at the kitchen island. With her hair tied loosely into a bun and sleeves rolled up, she carefully chopped fresh rosemary. Her eyes and lips curled up as the festive mood affected her.
Ruediger stood beside Lariette, looking every inch the head chef. The apron tied snugly over his blue shirt, knife moving smoothly as he deboned the chicken for roasting.
The man’s concentration was sharp, though the smirk tugging at his lips betrayed where his thoughts truly were. As he lifted his lids slightly, his eyes fell on the lady beside him.
"Eddy, you’re staring again," Lariette said without looking up, sensing his gaze for the nth time, "Careful. Don’t slice your fingers."
"What to do?" Ruediger chuckled while dropping the chicken bones neatly into a bowl, "Only because my sweetheart looks so cute when she’s serious."
Narrowing her eyes, Lariette shot him a glance, "You mean when I’m doing actual work while you’re showing off with your oh so fancy knife skills?"
"Correction, my love," he said smoothly, his smirk deepening, "I am the head chef, and you’re my assistant. Assistants don’t sass the chef."
"Oh, really?" Lariette arched a brow, deliberately dragging her tone while brandishing her rosemary, "Seems like this assistant will quit."
"You wouldn’t dare," Ruediger leaned closer, lowering his voice, "Because then you’d miss me stealing kisses while you’re too busy to stop me."
"Eddy!"
She gasped when he swooped in, brushing his warm lips against her cheek before darting back out. He laughed happily.
"Enough," Lariette’s cheeks flushed, "We still have so many things to do."
"Aye aye. Well, though I am the head chef, my wife still calls the shots."
Lariette humphed, only to earn more laughter from Ruediger.
The pair worked like that for hours, filling the kitchen with their banter, laughter and the clatter of pots. They needed to get everything done before six, when the guests were scheduled to arrive.
Ruediger handled the heavier tasks; prepping the chicken, layering potatoes for gratin and stirring the thick chestnut soup simmering on the stove.
After completing her other tasks, Lariette began kneading dough for dinner rolls. She dusted flour across the workspace. Some of it unintentionally found its way to her face.
"Lettie, hold still," Ruediger said suddenly, catching her chin with fingers dusted with flour.
"What—"
Smirking, he smeared a streak across her nose before kissing her quickly.
"Eddy!" she squealed, pushing at his chest.
"You’re festive now," he teased, "Like a snow-dusted angel."
"You’re going to regret this," she huffed, flicking flour back at him. He quickly rushed to the other side of the kitchen, bursting into laughter.
By late afternoon, a heavenly smell filled the apartment. Rosemary and lemon wafted from the roast chicken, caramelized onions melted into the gratin and warm buttery rolls cooled on the rack.
For desserts, Ruediger baked a spiced apple tart and a Yule log, including a classic caramel pudding. The tart and cake waited on the counter while the pudding was kept in the fridge.
Lariette wiped her hands on her apron, finally catching her breath. Leaning against the counter, she remarked, "You really went all out."
Ruediger crossed the kitchen to her, sliding an arm around her waist, "It’s our early, first Christmas dinner together. It should be special."
Upon hearing that, Lariette’s heart softened. Most of her responsibilities at school were behind her now. Winter break was just within reach.
Thinking of the coming week filled her with both excitement and nervousness. Before their trip north to her hometown, he would bring her to visit his mother’s grave for the first time.
"In just a few days," she said quietly while resting her head on his shoulder, "We’ll go see her."
He stilled for a moment, and then kissed her forehead, "Thank you, sweetheart. It means more than I can say. Well, let’s wash up. We’ve sweated so much."
"Hehe, okay~"
After hours of cooking chaos, the pair took a break. They quickly showered before getting ready, and then rushed back to the kitchen. They just needed to do some careful arrangement.
Ruediger carved the chicken with precision before plating it with sprigs of herbs. Lariette lit the candles on the dining table, arranging them among pinecones and ribbons.
The Christmas tree glowed in the corner, already stacked with neatly wrapped gifts. They had spent last week wrapping them. No one, not even Edmund nor the Elsher brothers, would be without one.
After Lariette tucked the throw pillows on the couch, she stood back and sigh, "I think we’re ready."
Ruediger checked the time, "Almost six."
Everyone was already on their way. They would arrive in no time.
Lariette smoothed her outfit nervously. She wore a white turtleneck, paired with a checkered red-white knee-length skirt. Her hair was styled into a half-bun updo.
As for Ruediger, he opted for a burgundy sweater, sleeves rolled to his elbows. He looked calm and collected, but his eyes carried the same expectation she felt.
Ding. Dong.
She beamed, "They’re here!"
Lariette hurried to the door, followed by a chuckling Ruediger. Once she pulled it open, she saw her grandfather standing tall despite the cane in his hand.
Chairman Delaney’s eyes softened the moment they landed on Lariette, "Lari."
"Grandpa!"
Lariette exclaimed, stepping forward to hug him. Chairman Delaney happily returned the embrace, pressing a kiss to her forehead before greeting Ruediger.
"Rudy."
"Hello, Grandpa," Ruediger smiled.
Behind Chairman Delaney were Declan, Rafael and Celina. The two Elsher brothers carried gift bags. Even though they looked tense, Ruediger didn’t mistake the anticipation in their eyes.
"Lari and Rudy, thank you for having us," Declan greeted them.
"Merry early Christmas," Rafael announced, evidently less stiff than his eldest brother.
Lariette returned their greetings with a smile and a nod. The tension that weighed on her heart faded slightly upon seeing her estranged brothers, much to her surprise.
"Come on in," she gestured to the living room, "The others aren’t here yet."
Declan and Rafael smiled, slightly relieved. They followed their grandfather inside the apartment.