Lariette and Ruediger had just invited Chairman Delaney and the others to sit in the living room when the doorbell rang again. The pair glanced at each other before heading to the door.
"Coming!"
Nathaniel and Elsie stood before the door, also bringing a paper bag of gifts. The man carried the bundled-up Lorianne, who immediately squealed when she saw Lariette.
"Aunt Lari!"
Lorianne wriggled free from her father, running over to hug Lariette's legs. The little one resembled a penguin for all the thick layers wrapped her small body. Her chubby cheeks flushed red.
"Oh, you sweet snowflake, Lorrie," a beaming Lariette knelt to hug Lorianne, laughter spilling from her lips, "You look so cute tonight!"
What to do?
She felt her heart melting!
Lorianne giggled when Lariette kissed her cheeks, and then she announced proudly, "Daddy said we're going to eat cake! I will eat lots!"
