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.
Inside, the fireplace blazed and the radiators hummed, the house decked out in red and gold, warm and lively—a world apart
from the wintry darkness beyond the windows.
Outside, the wind howled; inside, laughter and chatter filled the air.
"Last dish coming up! Dinner's almost ready!" Grandma emerged from the kitchen, grinning as she made the announcement.
Everyone sprang into action.

Plates and silverware were set out, chairs pulled up, wine glasses fetched- everyone doing their part.
As the final dish was placed on the table and the family gathered, ready to dig in
The doorbell rang.
Roseanne was the first on her feet. "I'll get it!"
Grandma couldn't help frowning, muttering under her breath, "Honestly, who comes visiting at
ertime on New Year's Eve? Don't they know it's a family dinner?"
The door swung open, and a woman's cheerful voice floated in-
"Anne, happy New Year!"
That voice...
Corley's smile faltered for a second.
Before Grandpa and Grandma could react, the visitors had already swept into the living room.
"Mom, Dad, Teague and I came to celebrate New Year's with you."

Kathleen Rodriguez was wearing a red coat, her hair carefully styled and pinned up—she looked energetic and sharp.
Beside her was her husband,
Teague, dressed in a crisp suit, tall and upright, his hands full of bags and packages. He followed her lead, offering a greeting.
"Happy New Year, Mom. Happy New Year, Dad."
As he spoke, his eyes landed on Madge's face, then flickered to Norris standing at her side.
"Madge. And...brother-in-law," he managed after a slight hesitation, the words sounding a bit awkward, but he got them out all
the same. "Happy New Year."
Norris sprang to his feet, grinning. "Happy New Year! Happy New Year!"
He was still wearing an apron,

sleeves rolled up, and compared to Teague's formal suit, he looked
incredibly ordinary. Ordinary enough
vef
that hedidn't really seem like someone who belonged at a Rodriguez family gathering, much less sitting at their table.
And yet, here he was.
Geneva called out, "Norris, sit down! No need to stand-don't be so formal, you're family."
"Mom, I just wanted to say hi to my brother-in-law. Last time we met at Pinehollow
it was so quick, we didn't even get to talk."
Madge raised her eyebrows slightly at that, glancing up at Norris.
He caught her look instantly, giving her a reassuring glance as if to say he
wouldn't cause any trouble.
Madge rolled her eyes. Who ever said you would?
Honestly...