Half an hour later.
All the performances had co to an end, and Jennifer, linking arms with Rosemary, bead at her,
"Rose, how about we go watch the fireworks? Your Grandma and Grandpa had them set up just for you."
Rosemary’s gaze shifted towards Phillip and Shirley, her tone gentle, "Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa."
"I just hope you like them." Phillip helped his wife put on a woolen beanie and a thick coat before they all made their way to the garden.
"It’s a bit nippy out here, Rose. Do you have a warr coat?" A gust of wind made Shirley’s neck chill, and she was concerned Rosemary might catch a cold.
But in the next second, Roo draped his overcoat around Rosemary’s shoulders and ticulously fastened each button, "Wear mine, it’ll do."
The black overcoat hung loose on Rosemary, accentuating her slender figure even more.
Cathy hadn’t expected Rosemary to carry off Roo’s overcoat with such a cool vibe.
It seed like her sister-in-law was a natural clothes horse, the kind who could make even a burlap sack look good.
Roo, with his arm around Rosemary’s waist, led her to the garden. No sooner had they found a spot than twenty magnificent fireworks burst overhead simultaneously, the spectacle grand and visually stunning.
Rosemary hadn’t expected the McMillians to stage such a splendid and dazzling fireworks show for her.
With one burst fading, another would bloom instantly, leaving onlookers breathless and visually satiated.
Roo pulled Rosemary closer, shielding her from the chilly breeze.
The fireworks lit up the entire night sky, a riot of colors gradually forming various patterns and finally, the words ’Happy New Year’ traced in sparks.
After the show, all the elders wished Rosemary a Happy New Year. The warm and cheerful atmosphere stirred a sense of warmth and emotion within her.
"Rose!"
As the fireworks display ca to an end, everyone started heading back inside. Cathy hurriedly caught up to Rosemary and said to Roo, "I need to ask Rose about sothing."
After a glance from Rosemary, Roo reluctantly let go of her but shot Cathy a warning look, silently telling her not to stir up trouble.
Cathy pretended not to notice and, clinging to Rosemary’s hand, whispered, "Rose, can I ask you how you tad my big brother? He’s so gentle around you."
Before she could finish, she quickly added, "I don’t an to ta him, just wish he’d be a bit gentler with us too."
"Cathy." Roo’s voice ca from behind them.
Cathy spun around, stamring, "I was just telling sis how gentle you are! She said you’re really gentle!"
The sternness in Roo’s deanor softened into a more gentle presence.
"Roo really does seem a lot gentler around you!!" Cathy once again murmured in Rosemary’s ear, "I declare, from this mont on, you’re my idol. Whatever you say, I’ll do!"
"Speak your mind," Rosemary said, seeing right through her little ruse but knowing she bore no malice.
Cathy hadn’t expected her sister-in-law to be so much more perceptive than she’d anticipated, and she giggled, slightly embarrassed, "Roo thinks I’ve been disrespectful to you and has sentenced to copy the family code ten tis. You have no idea, our family code is foul and lengthy, enough to circle the Earth! Please, dear Rose, help talk to him. Wouldn’t once be enough?"
Copying it ten tis would be the death of her.
Rosemary raised an eyebrow, realizing this young girl had cozied up to her, arm in arm, hoping to reduce her sentence.
"Actually, writing more could benefit you," Rosemary teased.
"How so?"
"Your handwriting might improve."
"Co on, I don’t need it to be pretty! Even if it looks like it was scribbled by a dog, I don’t mind! You write as a pasti, a hobby, but for , it’s like going through hell! I hate writing so much, I don’t even
want to touch a pen. Please, Rose, help out. You’re the best sister-in-law in the whole wide world."
Cathy clung to Rosemary’s hand, her voice dripping with sweetness. "I was waiting for you all evening,my stomach was growling louder than a bear, and I was a little bit upset, but now that you’re here, it’s all gone! Honest, I swear!"
"Cathy."
When Roo saw her holding on to Rosemary’s hand, seemingly begging for sothing, he stepped forward and interjected, "Are you done yet?"
"Just about."
"Well, then I’ll take it as you’re done." Roo drew Rosemary into his arms, his tone softening as he spoke to her, "Grandma and Grandpa said they have sothing for you, let’s go see."
"Roo." Cathy’s voice was tinged with urgency as she watched their retreating figures, "Rose."
"You asked her copy the family rules?" Rosemary looked up, her interest piqued as she spoke to the man beside her.
"She ca to you with her complaints?" Roo glanced back, giving Cathy a stern look that sent a shiver down her spine.
Cathy felt a surge of panic. Maybe even with her sister-in-law’s intervention, her brother was set on punishing her.
What now? With the holidays upon them, there was no chance to find soone to write it for her at the last minute.
Then she saw her sister Luna nearby and clung to a glimr of hope.
Luna, ever so nonchalant, said as she walked, "Don’t even think about it. If Roo finds out, I’d end up writing it four hundred tis."
"Please, Luna, you’re my true family. Can you do just ten pages for ? Ten? Is that okay?"
"Not a single word." Luna’s icy deanor left no room for negotiation.
Cathy’s gaze turned to her brother Jeffrey, who helplessly said, "If Roo finds out, he’ll break my legs."
"Are you all so afraid of him? After all these years, haven’t you ever thought about standing up to him?"
Luna gave her a look reserved for fools, while Jeffrey clearly hadn’t entertained the thought either.
"Jeffery, Luna." Cathy’s spirits sank further as she realized that even her own siblings were as apprehensive as she was.
anwhile.
Rosemary spoke in a calm voice, "Let’s just drop it, no more punishnt."
Roo’s gaze shifted to his fiancée, "She won her way into your good graces that quickly?"
"I think she just finds you more approachable."
Hearing her brother call her full na, Cathy’s heart skipped a beat, and she braced herself for a scolding.
She hurried over to them, ready to take her lumps.
"Since Rose has pleaded on your behalf, we’ll leave it at that. But let this be the last ti."
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