NovelBook“Happy New Year, Brendan.”
The door swung open, and Cole Whitley stepped inside, arms full of bags and boxes. Gone was his usual suit;
today, he wore a simple, clean hoodie that gave him a boyish charm. It was the one Karen and Alessia Morton
had picked out for him on a recent shopping trip-Karen had thought it would suit him.
It wasn’t from any fancy brand, but when Cole received it, he’d been momentarily taken aback, running his
fingers over the fabric for a long while.
“There you are! Happy New Year!” Brendan Morton clapped him on the shoulder, grinning.
Brendan was also wearing new clothes Alessia had bought for him. He'd even dyed his hair and looked far
younger than he had half a year ago-his face was healthy and bright, with no sign of the weary gloom he’d once
carried.
“Why'd you bring so much? Aren't those heavy?” Brendan reached out and took a few of the gift bags from Cole.
“They're not heavy, just slittle things-and spainting supplies for Ivan. Where's Karen?” Cole asked,
swapping his shoes for a pair of house slippers.
“Karen's in the kitchen cooking your favorites. Lessie and Ivan went downstairs to grab ssoy sauce.”
“Brendan, can you wash these veggies for me?” Karen's voice called from the
kitchen.
“Cole’s here!” Brendan shouted in reply.
A moment later, Karen poked her head out.
“Cole, you made it! Take a seat, dinner will be ready soon.”
“Lethelp, Mrs. Morton.” Cole rolled up his sleeves, ready to head into the
kitchen.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
“No need, dear. Let your uncle handle it.”
“Mom, Cole's a great cook-let him show off a little,” Alessia chimed in, suddenly appearing with a bottle of soy
sauce in one hand, and Ivan’s hand in the other.
She was wearing the red hoodie Karen had bought her. She handed the soy sauce to Cole and nudged him gently
toward the kitchen.
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Chapter 231
“You kids...” Karen shook her head at Cole, but she was really talking about Alessia. Cole just smiled and slipped
on an apron from the wall. Alessia tied the strings behind his back, the gesture so natural it almost went
unnoticed.
Both parents watched the scene unfold. Karen’s face beamed with satisfaction, while Brendan's expression was a
tangle of pride and wistfulness.
“Dad, want to play a round of chess?” Alessia asked, finishing with the apron.
“Yes, yes! I'd love that.” Brendan's eyes lit up.
“Someone call Ethan and find out when he’s getting back-and see if Zachary’s picked up Mae yet,” Karen said,
waving a spoon as she bustled about, busier now than she ever was in her restaurant.
Outside, snow blanketed the ground, but inside, the house was alive with warmth and laughter. Everyone was
here, save for Liam Morton.
“Dinner’s ready!” Brendan announced, carrying out the last dish-a steaming soup. Ethan followed, setting out
the plates and silverware.
At spoint, Karen and Cole had both slipped out of the kitchen-Karen was chatting happily with Mae, while
Cole sat quietly beside Alessia, letting her play with the drawstrings on his hoodie.
With everyone gathered around the table, the house no longer felt cramped as it once did. Mae looked a bit shy
at first, but as the meal wore on, she relaxed and
even smiled.
On TV, a host was interviewing
backstage at pry ae Suddenly,
he caméraiito am seated in
front of a mirror, putting on makeup.
“There's my brother!” Ivan shouted,
pointing at the screen. The adylis
burst infg laughed, Wiésdia ruffled
arts hair, and Cole placed a piece of
chicken on both their plates. The
content is on novelenglish.net! Read
the latest chapter there!
After dinner, Cole and Alessia told Brendan and the others they were heading out to
visit Xander Dawson at the clinic.
Knowing how close the two were to
Xander, Zachary Morton didn isist
on joining themetisteba he said he'd
bking'a gift to visit their mentor the
next day. The content is on
novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
“Wait a second, Cole, Lessie!” Karen called as they were about to leave.
Obediently, they let go of the doorknob and stood aside, watching as Karen hurried off to her room, only to rush
back out moments later.
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Chapter 252
Chapter 252
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