Chapter 267: The Crisp Sound of Dough Hitting the Cutting Board Echoed Through

The crisp sound of dough hitting the cutting board echoed through the steamy kitchen as Elena Ward tossed down another freshly rolled dumpling wrapper. Three women bustled about in the warmth, their movements quick and practiced.

"Grace, is the filling ready?" Elena wiped the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand.

Rose Jackson stirred the meat mixture in the bowl with practiced ease. "Almost done. Go check on the kids and see how they're doing with the decorations."

Outside, Luke's voice carried across the yard. "A little higher on the left! Yes, just like that!" Three teenage boys balanced on stools, carefully pasting red couplets onto the doorframe. The youngest, Aaron, held up the bowl of glue, his cheeks flushed pink from the cold.

"Aunt Grace!" Aaron dashed toward her the moment he spotted her. "Do you like how we did it?"

Grace ruffled his hair affectionately. "Perfect. I'll give you your New Year's money later."

Back in the kitchen, Elena dropped dumplings into the boiling pot one by one. The water bubbled furiously as the plump dumplings swirled inside. She lowered her voice suddenly. "Rose, are you really not going to invite Nolan over?"

Rose's hand jerked, nearly knocking over the seasoning bowl. "It's New Year's Eve... It wouldn't be proper..."

"What's improper about it?" Elena scooped the cooked dumplings onto a plate. "He's practically family now."

Just then, a burst of noise erupted from outside. The three boys came running in, surrounding a tall figure. Luke grinned triumphantly. "Mom! I brought Uncle Nolan!"

Nolan Brooks stood awkwardly in the doorway, clutching a cloth bundle like a child caught misbehaving. Rose's face burned crimson, and the spatula slipped from her fingers with a clatter.

Luke darted forward and took the bundle from Nolan. "Perfect timing, brother! Fresh dumplings just came out—come sit at the table!"

"I..." Nolan glanced uncertainly at Rose, who kept her eyes downcast, making him even more nervous.

Elena seized the moment, nudging him inside. "Don't stand on ceremony, Nolan. Tonight's all about family!"

The low dining table was already laden with dishes. Six steaming bowls sat alongside two large platters of dumplings. From the children's room came peals of laughter, mingling with the cheerful tune of the "New Year's Overture" playing on the radio.

Nolan's hands trembled slightly as he was guided to his seat. Luke poured him a drink. "Brother, let's toast!"

Finally, Rose lifted her gaze—only to meet Nolan's damp, earnest eyes. She bit her lip and quietly slipped a piece of crispy pork into his bowl.

"Thank you... all of you." Nolan's voice cracked as he downed the drink in one gulp.

Elena winked at Rose, earning a glare in return. But everyone saw the glimmer of tears at the corners of Rose's eyes.

The radio chimed midnight, and outside, firecrackers exploded in a joyous cacophony. Under the cover of laughter and chatter, Nolan gently took Rose's hand and whispered, "Happy New Year."

Rose didn't pull away. She simply nodded, her face still flushed. No words were needed. Outside, the red lanterns cast a warm glow on the snow, illuminating every smiling face in the room.