Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie) novel Chapter 1000

The liveliest part of the celebration was the tradition of making toasts.

Martha led Baldwin in toasting to Alistair and Nadine first.

Lisa's grandparents handed out monetary gifts. In this household, regardless of age, anyone who made good toast would receive a monetary gift.

Though Martha and her husband no longer cared much about money, they still lit up with joy and gratitude upon receiving the gifts.

After they finished, it was Logan's turn. For the past few years, Lisa had grown used to him calling to send his greetings since he rarely returned to the country. She had rarely seen him raise a toast.

When he nodded politely, there was something different about it. Though his posture was the same as everyone else's, there was an air of nobility to it. It had a regal, almost otherworldly feel, like a king paying homage to the heavens.

But Logan was toasting to his parents—the ones who raised him, even if they weren't his birth parents. Yet, how could he carry himself with such an air of nobility?

Lisa couldn't help but feel a mischievous urge to tease him. "Uncle Logan, that doesn't count," she said.

Everyone turned to look at her. Martha immediately glared at her, signaling her not to mess around.

"Let's play a game like we did when we were kids—the toasting game. "Whoever gives the most elaborate toast and downs a full cup of eggnog wins a bigger monetary gift. How does that sound?" Lisa said with a grin, then ran off to fetch eggnogs.

Before she could place it on the table, Martha stood up as if ready to scold her. "Are you still a child? Stop messing around and put that back right now."

"She is still a child, just like Logan. They've done this before when they were little, so let them have some fun." Nadine, the playful elder, surprisingly agreed.

"That's right, just like when you were kids. Go get another one—you two can play it together." Even Baldwin, the quietest member of the family, joined in the fun.

He stood up, ran to the kitchen, and brought back a big cup of eggnog, placing it in front of Lisa. He even gave her shoulder a playful squeeze. "Go ahead and make your toast—the longer it is, the bigger the gift from your grandparents."

This man was truly her father.

Lisa couldn't help but quip, "Next year when you're paying your respect, I'll make sure to get you one gallon of eggnog!"

"Let's not make it a big deal. It's not a wedding—no need for them to do it together," Alistair, who rarely spoke, suddenly chimed in. Lisa almost wished he'd stayed silent like usual.

Everyone froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.

Lisa's face burned with embarrassment as she quickly stood up. "What's so funny? Give me monetary gifts! You heard me just now, so make them big!"

She shamelessly grabbed her gifts, while Logan, following after her, took a moment to gather his thoughts for his toast.

But his act shifted the atmosphere. The elders' eyes glistened with tears.

He was still part of the Cohen family, yet not truly part of it anymore. Though nothing had changed after that announcement, it had left a thorn in everyone's heart.

Martha noticed her parents' change in expression. Though her own heart was a swirl of mixed emotions, she tried to lighten the mood. "Logan, next year you're not allowed to toast alone. You'd better bring someone with you."