Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1240

“Coming!” Palmer called out, clapping his son on the shoulder as they headed off together to wash up and sit down for dinner.

The Christmas feast that night was nothing short of spectacular. When Audrey took her seat, Josh and Linda handed her a little red envelope. She blinked in surprise, caught completely off guard.

“Oh, I really can’t accept this…” Audrey looked over at Walter, flustered and not sure what to do.

Linda just smiled warmly and pressed the envelope into Audrey’s hand. “Take it, dear. Walter’s never brought a girl home before, not once. This is a first for us, and we’re so happy about it. You should have it.”

Leda was beaming too. “Just take it, Audrey. When Grandma and Grandpa give you a gift, it means they really like you.”

Audrey understood what they meant, but she hesitated. She and Walter weren’t exactly at the stage where she felt right taking such a gift. Still, this was clearly something the Wilsons’ parents had put a lot of heart into. Even Walter’s mom was insisting. Turning them down would just be awkward.

So Audrey nodded, her cheeks tinged pink. “Thank you, Linda, thank you, Mr. Wilson. Next time we meet, I’ll make sure to bring you both something special in return.”

“Of course,” Linda replied, her eyes shining. Audrey’s sweet manners made the whole family even fonder of her. Everyone smiled as dinner finally began.

When the meal ended, Audrey was about to join the adults for tea and a chat, but Leda had other plans. She suddenly appeared with a box full of sparklers.

Walter just stood there, looking a little lost. Leda grinned and called out, “Don’t just stand around in here. What’s the fun in hanging out with a bunch of old folks? Take Audrey outside for the sparklers.”

She handed the box to Walter and gave him an encouraging look.

Walter could only sigh. He couldn’t figure out why his mom would buy something so childish. Would Audrey even like this? Would she think he was silly?

But then he glanced at Audrey and saw her eyes light up with excitement. All his doubts disappeared. He waved her over, and she rushed to his side without a second thought.

Leda’s gaze softened as she watched the two outside. Linda was right. Audrey’s feelings for Walter were obvious to anyone with eyes. In every way—her family, her personality, her talents—Audrey was simply perfect. If she ended up with Walter, they’d all be thrilled.

She just hoped her son wouldn’t be too clueless to hold onto a girl like that. He’d already let Camila slip away. He couldn’t mess this one up too, could he?

Josh and Palmer wandered over, curiosity written all over their faces. “What do you think? Are those two going to end up together? Walter seems pretty good to her,” Josh asked.

Palmer rubbed his chin. “Who knows? Love is tricky. That boy of ours is so stubborn, he probably doesn’t even realize what he’s feeling. We shouldn’t interfere. Let them figure it out.”

Leda nodded in agreement. Good things take time. She’d really come to love Audrey during these weeks together. If Audrey became part of their family, she’d be perfectly happy with that.

With those thoughts in mind, Leda’s mood lifted even higher, and the group of elders settled in to watch the young couple laughing and playing in the snow outside.