chapter746

Well, at least for now, she was quite satisfied with her son-in-law, Norris.

He was gentle and considerate, and not bad-looking either. Plus, he had graduated from Twilight Peak Academy and was now a physics teacher at a reputable high school. Not exactly rolling in dough, but respectable enough.

"These spinach and cheese ravioli are delightful," the old lady said, nodding approvingly after a few bites.

Neely had already polished off one plate and was helping herself to another. "You should try the cilantro beef stew; it's packed with flavor..."

Norris blushed at the compliments, chuckling sheepishly as he scratched his head. "I'm glad you like it. I've made plenty, so if you need more, just let me know."

"Stop standing around and join us," Madge urged, gesturing to the seat next to her. "You've been up and busy since dawn. You deserve a break."

Norris nodded, served himself some dumplings, and sat down beside Madge. "It's no trouble at all. It's what I should do."

The family was all smiles, and the warmth between them only made Kathleen feel more like an outsider. She forced a smile and spoke up, "Mom, Dad, I've reserved a table at that nice restaurant downtown for lunch. How about we celebrate our family reunion there?"

The old man frowned slightly. With Geneva's current health, all that greasy, salty restaurant food wouldn't be good for her.

Madge hesitated for a moment, clearly thinking the same thing. "Going out is such a hassle. Why don't we just stay here and let Norris show off his cooking skills? He's quite good, you know."

Norris quickly nodded in agreement. "I was planning to hit the farmer's market anyway. We can have a nice homemade lunch."

The old lady beamed, though she said, "Isn't that too much trouble?"

"No trouble at all!"

Neely laughed, still chewing on a beef dumpling. "Sounds good. Let's see what Norris can whip up for lunch."

No one asked Kathleen what she thought, and just like that, the decision was made.

After breakfast, with the kitchen tidied up, Norris grabbed a little cart and got ready to head out.

Roseanne slipped on her shoes and grabbed her jacket. "Dad, I'll come with you."

"Sure thing."

At the market, Norris ran into all his usual acquaintances.

"Mr. Cole, you're running a bit late today," one vendor noted.

Norris nodded. "Yeah, we've got visitors at home."

"Mr. Cole, the fish is fresh today; want to take some home?"

"How about some beef? I'll give you a good deal if you take the whole piece."

Someone even recognized

Roseanne. "Is this your daughter

She's beautiful! Is she seeing

anyone? I have a nephew who's single. Maybe they could meet?"

"Give it a rest," another vendor

scoffed, "Mr. Cole's daughter is a

graduate student at Kingswellet

University! Your nephew isn't in her league."

Some had noticed the fancy cars parked outside their house and, given Norris's mention of visitors, assumed they must be quite well-off.

As the market folks speculated wildly, Norris just grinned and explained good- naturedly, "It's my in-laws visiting."

The fish vendor teased, "No wonder you're stocking up on groceries. Gotta impress the in-laws with a feast, huh?"

Norris just smiled, not denying it.

Roseanne played the dutiful assistant to her dad, handling the bags, loading the cart, and paying at each stall.

...

Back home, Norris dove into the kitchen. Before long, the aroma of stewing meat wafted through the house.

Madge glanced at the clock. "Should we call Corley and have him join us for lunch?"

The old lady nodded. "He's probably still tied up with work at the office. Better give him a heads-up."

Madge reached for her phone, but

then realized she didn't have Corley's number. "Anne, could you call your and invite him over for

lunch?"

Roseanne paused for a moment, realizing Madge meant for her to contact Corley.

"Your brother" such an unfamiliar way to refer to him.

But she'd get used to it. They both would.