Norris mumbled a vague reply, brushing off the question.
Clearly, he had no intention of going into detail.
Roseanne didn''t press any further.
Rodriguez Manor
Neely and Geneva had known their daughter and son-inw would be visiting for a week now. Ever since they got the news, the two of them threw themselves into a whirlwind of cleaning, scrubbing the house from top to bottom until it gleamed.
They''d even redecorated Madge''s old bedroom, swapping out her twin bed for a double. Knowing Norris loved tending to nts, they''d set up a cozy little spot in the sunroom,plete with a variety of pots and soil, all ready for him to use.
They didn''t miss a single festive detail the house was decked out with everything you''d expect for the holidays: wreaths, gands, twinkling lights strung from the banister, a bright red "Wee Home" sign by the door. The whole ce radiated warmth and celebration.
Early that morning, Neely and Geneva were up before the sun, changing into their best new outfits—matching sweaters, crisp shirts, and cks—faces beaming as they prepared to wee their daughter and son-inw home.
"What time is it?" Geneva asked.
Neely nced at his watch. "Just past eleven."
"They got to the train station a little after ten, so they should be here any minute. Did you set out the slippers?"
The housekeeper nodded. "Everything''s ready, ma''am. Don''t worry."
"Is the tea cold?" Neely fretted.
"No, no, it''s still warm," the housekeeper assured him, checking the pot.
"Warm isn''t good enough! Tea''s meant to be piping hot. Pour this out, I''ll brew a fresh pot when they arrive."
"Of course."
"Oh, and don''t start slicing the fruit yet," Geneva suddenly remembered. "Wait until they get here so it''s fresh."
"Understood."
"Is the living room all tidied up?”
"Did someone clean the guest bathroom again this morning?"
"How''s the kitchen prep going?"
The two of them ticked off everyst detail, anxiously awaiting the arrival. Finally,
a car engine rumbled into the driveway-Madge and Norris had arrived.
"They''re here! They''re here!"
As Madge and Norris walked through the front door, side by side, Neely and Geneva stood waiting in the foyer, their faces alight with joy. Trailing behind them was their granddaughter.
This was the moment the old couple had waited decades for-finally, their family was all together under one roof again.
...
Lunch was a feast, lovingly prepared by Geneva herself.
Every dish was something Norris, Madge, and Roseanne loved-roast chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, honey-zed carrots, and a rich, savory stew simmered to perfection.
"Madge, you have to try this," Geneva said, piling food onto her
der''s te. "You always loved
it
you were little. And this one
too-oh, and don''t forget these..."
She couldn''t stop smiling at Madge, as if she could never get enough of just looking at her.
"Mom," Madge protested gently, "don''t just focus on my te-make sure you and Dad eat too!"
"We are, we are!" Genevaughed, still grinning.
Neely nodded. "Don''t worry about us. You eat, all of you—Norris, Anne, help yourselves."
"Thank you, Dad," Norris said, already digging in. "Mom, your cooking is
incredible. Every dish is better than thest."
Geneva''s eyes lit up. "If you like it, eat plenty!"
"I will. But you two need to eat as well!"
"Of course!"
Neely and Geneva picked up their forks, but barely touched their food, too busy
sneaking nces at their daughter and son-inw.
Madge could only shake her head in exasperated amusement.
Finally, Roseanne stood up and, with a smile, served her grandparents each a generous helping of braised pork, "Grandpa, Grandma-if you keep staring at Mom like that, she''s going to get self-conscious."
"Ahem! Right, right. No more staring-let''s eat!" Neely said, hastily popping the pork into his mouth.
Geneva reluctantly tore her gaze away, but the fondness in her eyes lingered.
If love could take a physical form, Geneva''s gaze in that moment would have been stickier than honey, sweeter than syrup.