Chapter 254: Elena Gently Tugged at Nolan Brooks's Sleeve

"Nolan, please sit." Elena gently tugged at Nolan Brooks's sleeve. "This is a private matter between you and my sister. As her siblings, we'll respect whatever makes her happy. Our only condition is—she must be happy!"

The forty-something man's eyes grew misty. He wasn't some impulsive youth—his devotion to Rose Jackson at this age even earned Daniel's silent admiration.

Rose bit her lip, her voice trembling. "Nolan... why would you...? A divorced woman like me isn't worth—"

"When I say I'll marry you, I mean it!" Nolan seized her hands. "Even without my family's pig-farming skills, I can provide for you and the boys!"

Seeing this, Elena quickly pulled Daniel toward the door. "Let's go shopping for New Year supplies! Rose can watch the house." She herded the curious boys outside by their collars.

"Wait, sis!" Daniel stumbled after her. "What's going on? Since when did—"

"Daniel!" Elena set the dishes on the low table with a clatter. "Didn't you see Luke and the boys grinning ear to ear?"

Young Luke Jackson flushed and mumbled, "We... we've wanted Uncle Nolan as our dad for ages..."

Elena burst out laughing. "See? If Nolan treats her right, this is perfect!" She deftly arranged the meal. "Our sister's suffered half her life. She deserves happiness."

After dinner, the five set off for town with bamboo baskets. The December market buzzed with crowds and vendors' cries. Elena spotted the beef stall instantly.

"Thirty pounds, please!"

The beaming butcher threw in free tripe. As Elena moved toward the pork stall, Luke opened his mouth to protest—

"Twenty pounds belly pork! Ten pounds shoulder! And eight pounds minced!"

The teenagers' baskets filled rapidly with New Year treats. Elena darted through the market like a sparrow.

"Five pounds each of kelp and tofu skin!"

"Extra firecrackers!"

"Ten pounds of nuts and candy!"

Luke hugged their firecrackers, eyes shining. Six months ago they'd been eating cornbread at the quarry—now they could celebrate properly. He pinched himself. Ouch. Real.

Seeing the boys' joy, Elena's throat tightened. She waved grandly. "Two roast chickens! Feast tonight!"

Amid the bustling market, their arms laden with parcels, five faces glowed with happiness. This would be the Jacksons' liveliest New Year yet.