CHAPTER 184

After the party had settled down and the house had quieted, I wandered into the kitchen, where Aunt Lou and Letty were busy with the dishes. Despite the tiredness from the long day, they were still chatting and laughing softly as they worked.

I smiled, feeling a warm sense of contentment, but I couldn’t help offering to help.

“Let me help,” I insisted, stepping toward the sink.

Aunt Lou waved me off with her signature motherly look. “We’re almost done, child. There’s no need.”

I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow. “You say that, but it looks like you’ve still got half the kitchen to clean up.”

Letty giggled, handing me a towel. “Here, you can dry the plates if you insist.”

I took the towel with a playful huff and started wiping down the dishes Letty handed me. The familiar rhythm of household chores, along with their presence, felt comforting after such an emotionally charged day.

“So, Marga,” Letty started with a mischievous glint in her eye. “How are things going with you and Leon