"No, no, no, we’ll prioritize your side first, visit you guys, and then you’re welco to co over to ours," Belinda said, not minding the order of things.
"I’m just thrilled that Rose is willing to co ho with . Of course, we’ll do whatever Rose prefers. We’ll have dinner here first and then maybe grab a bite with my family," Roo said as he glanced at Rosemary. "Is that okay?"
Rosemary wanted to object, thinking, Have I even got a say in this anymore?
All eyes were eagerly fixed on Rosemary, as if her nod was the only thing they were waiting for.
"Sure."
Hearing her agreent, everyone was elated, especially Darren. "I’ll have Kenneth and Louisa nail down the nu right away—and not to forget the entertainnt. It all needs to be planned in advance."
Just imagining the lively bustle of the day made him brim with joy, his eyes twinkling with anticipation.
Rosemary was rather surprised—there was entertainnt on New Year?
Eunice, aware that this was Rosemary’s first New Year’s at ho, gently explained, "Every New Year’s Eve, both families put together so entertainnt to make the night more festive and heartwarming. It’s even grander than Christmas. Especially since it’s your first year back, we might have a few surprises in store for you."
"If you spill the beans now, Rose won’t be surprised when the ti cos." Belinda chuckled. "We’ll have to keep our preparations under wraps."
"In the past, your parents would organize a family trip during the holidays. Sotis, if your uncle was too busy or your grandparents had already visited the destination, they wouldn’t join. But I wonder if they have any plans this year."
As soon as Bard finished speaking, Eunice served him so food and added with a smile, "I think we should suggest that this year you get your work done early so the whole family can take a trip together with Rose. It’d be great if Roo could join too. It’s Rose’s first New Year’s back, so it should be sothing special."
Looking at Serena, she inquired, "You wouldn’t mind, would you?"
"Of course not." Serena forced a smile, feigning understanding. "I’ve had so many New Years with the family and all their love. It’s only fair that my sister gets to experience it fully this ti."
"Then we’ll make it as spectacular as possible for our Rose, who we’ve finally gotten back. Can’t let her feel slighted," Eunice said, offering more food to Rosemary.
Serena nearly choked on her irritation.
As the al concluded, Bard casually slung an arm around Roo’s shoulder, admiring the house while engaging in small talk.
Darren and Belinda pulled Rosemary aside for a private chat in the living room.
"Roo seems like a solid guy," Darren mused. "The way he looks at you is all adoration and indulgence. He must be quite smitten to have that kind of sparkle in his eyes." Darren always thought those love-struck gazes were almost too sweet.
Roo’s affection for her was evident—unguarded and heartfelt.
Belinda nodded in agreent. "Did you notice? With every question we asked him, even sothing as simple as whether he drinks, he looks to you for your reaction. One glance from you, and he wouldn’t dare take a sip. It’s not about not daring to make his wife angry; it’s genuinely caring about your feelings."
"He’s not my husband yet," Rosemary pointed out.
"It’s just a matter of ti," Belinda said, full of praise for Roo. "Just look at him—young, successful, polite—and his every move reflects the upbringing of a well-to-do family. It’s hard not to like him. You can find such a life partner, and I’m truly delighted for you."
"Yes, Roo is quite the catch. Everything about him pleases to no end," Darren couldn’t hide his fondness for Roo.
Hidden in the shadows, Serena’s face changed due to exasperation.
After a while, Belinda glanced at the clock and said to Rosemary, "What’s the deal with your uncle? Why’s he hogging Roo for such a long chat? It’s already nine o’clock. Rose, go find them. Tell your uncle that Grandma needs him."
Darren couldn’t help but chi in with a complaint, "Roo’s here for Rose, and after dinner, they ought to have a walk and talk together. Your uncle’s monopolizing him—don’t scare the guy off on his first visit."
"Yeah, hurry up. You young people should be together. What’s he doing hanging around so long for?" Belinda nudged Rosemary toward the garden to find them.
Bard and Roo were hitting it off splendidly, and if it wasn’t for Rosemary’s arrival, Bard might not have realized he’d been hogging Roo’s ti.
"You guys chat," Bard said with a chuckle, making space for them.
Once her uncle had left, Rosemary asked, "What’s been keeping you so entertained?"
"The wedding," Roo said affectionately. "Your uncle wants to co to our wedding; he said he’d give us a hefty gift."
Rosemary was taken aback that they’d discussed sothing so far in the future.
Roo reached for her hand. "I’ve got a few buddies around here who want to et you. Are you free?"
"You have friends?" Rosemary was surprised. In the half year they’d been together, she didn’t realize a man of few words like Roo had friends.
Noticing her surprise, Roo smiled indulgently. "Just a couple of old chums. It doesn’t really matter if you et them, but I want them to see that I’ve got such a wonderful fiancée."
He gently stroked her cheek, which was soft and smooth.
Rosemary knew what he was up to—he wanted to flaunt their love in front of others.
"Alright then."
Roo hadn’t expected her to agree so quickly. His eyes shimred with joy. "I’ll arrange a ti and let you know in advance."
"Sounds good."
Hand in hand, they strolled through the garden until ten at night when Rosemary suggested he head back to rest.
Roo went to say goodbye to Darren and the others, who warmly saw him to the door, piling gift after gift into his car until the trunk was full.
"These are little tokens from your grandparents, uncle, and aunt. You can’t say no!" Darren insisted, saying affectionately, "Co over for dinner anyti. We all like you a lot, and so does Rose."
"I really shouldn’t accept this."
Roo’s protest was cut short as Darren and Bard escorted him to his car, with Belinda and Eunice on the side saying, "You gotta take it, and once you do, it ans you’re one of us. Drive safe, take it slow, and co over whenever you have ti."
Roo felt their warmth and replied gently, "Alright."
He turned to Rosemary, his tone as tender as ever. "I’ll call you when I get ho."
"Okay."
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