Chapter 25
So it was just a test i
Arlene felt herself relax all at once, her whole body finally loosening. She barely had time to catch her breath before she noticed Pearson looking like he wanted to retor. She quickly reached out, stopping him.
it’s fine, Pearson. Honestly, I’d actually like to talk with Mr MacLeod for a bit. There are some things that shouldn’t be kept hidden, after all.”
At her words, Joel’s icy expression softened over so slightly, the glacier thin crack in his gaze warming just a touch. He cast a look at his protective younger brother “About your divorce from Emery, I’ve heard he’s refusing to settle privately. I’ve already contacted a legal team, and Fl be personally handling the case, so neither of you have to worry. Once the divorce papers are finalized, as Mom and Dad requested, you’ll need to have a proper engagement ceremony.”
“That’s all you wanted to say?” Pearson sounded skeptical, almost challenging
Facing his brother’s doubt, Jod simply nodded and turned away
Adene hadn’t expected things to go this way at all. She leaned closer to Pearson, lowering her voice
Pearson, are you sure your family doesn’t mind that I’ve been married before?
Just as they reached the comer, Joel glanced back at them, his tone calm but firma
As you said, my brothers an adult. He’s capable of making his own choices–especially about manage. As long as it’s what he wants, we respect his wishes. That’s been the MacLeod family way for generations
After years of hearing about all the scheming and backstabbing in wealthy families, Artene was genuinely stunned by this straightforward family rule. She stared, momentanly at a loss
Your family isn’t anything like what people say
Pearson found her surprise endearing. He squeezed her hand and, softening his voice, tried to explain
“It’s your first time here. It takes a little getting used to. But you’ll see everyone’s not at all like the rumors. My big brother, for example, seems all business and no heart, but he’s actually a big softie. My sister–in–law can talk him into anything, and he never dares go against her. As for my parents, they’re retired and just want some peace and quiet, so they don’t say much at big family gatherings.”
After Irving with the MacLeods for a couple weeks, Arlene gradually settled into their way of life. She could feel that their kindness was genuine, their blessing for her and Pearson heartfelt. All her nervousness and worries from before slowly melted away!!!
As autumn faded, the air grew colder. The forecast warned that Echovale would see its first heavy snow by the end of the month.
Pearson was quick to pack their bags, insisting he had to take her to see the first snowfall. Having grown up in the north, Arlene was spending her first winter in the milder south, and she’d grown attached to the gentle weather always saying, “Let’s wait a few more days.”
She kept putting it off, and just like that, the eve of the first snow arrived Pearson finally persuaded her onto a plane.
The moment they landed, thick, soft snowflakes were already tumbling from the sky.
Oddly, Pearson didn’t seem as excited as Arlenexpected. Instead, he was hurrying her to get home
Watching him fidget, Arlene couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Wasn’t he the one who wanted to see the snow? Why did he seem so indifferent now that it was falling?
She had a hunch he was up to something to she deliberately dragged her feet. Pearson only held out for ten minutes before caving and coming dean
“Arlene, you already said yes when I proposed, but you still haven’t introduced me to yourparents. Next month. I’ll finally be old enough to get mamed. Don’t you think it’s time we made things official?%
So that was it he was anxious to make it official
Arlene sighed, her face a picture of helpless amusement.”
“You re really in such a hurry to get married? My divorce isn’t even finalized yet, isn’t it illegal to get married now?”
Pearson took her hand, tucking it into his coat pocket as they began walking through the snow
“My brother said the divorce will be settled at the start of next month. Your parents might not be thrilled about a son–in–law this much younger than them, so we’ll need to win them over.”
She chuckled. “And if they don’t agree?“%
“Then you’ll just have to sing my praises a little more, tell them all my good points. They’ll come around eventually_
They chatted and laughed, joyfully rushing towards their future 2.
(The End)
