Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 1241

Out in the yard, Audrey had no clue that the elders inside were keeping an eye on her and Walter. She was just enjoying herself, lighting up sparklers with him. Even though they were only the basic kind, she was having a blast.

Suddenly, her phone started ringing. Audrey glanced down and saw it was her family calling from Cabinda.

She handed her sparkler to Walter and said, “Hold this for me, will you?”

Then she accepted the video call.

Before anyone appeared on the screen, a little voice piped up. “Aunt Audrey, Merry Christmas!” Lillian’s sweet, excited greeting came through loud and clear.

Audrey’s face lit up. “Lillian, Merry Christmas to you too!” She hadn’t expected the little one to call, but she started chatting right away. “Did you go out to celebrate today?”

Lillian’s chubby-cheeked face filled the screen as she nodded eagerly. “Yeah! Uncle Larry threw a Christmas party. Everyone’s here!”

Lillian spun the camera around so Audrey could see the scene. The place was packed with family, everyone talking and laughing. It looked so fun that Audrey couldn’t help feeling a bit envious.

Lillian’s tiny voice continued, “Daddy said you always spent Christmas with us before, but this year you’re not home, so he thought you might feel lonely. That’s why we had to call. Aunt Audrey, do you have someone with you tonight?”

The little one’s thoughtfulness made Audrey’s heart melt.

She smiled, her eyes crinkling. “Of course I do! Aunt Audrey’s not lonely at all. Look.”

Audrey flipped her camera to Walter, who turned just in time to see Lillian on the screen. He smiled and said, “Lillian, long time no see.”

Lillian grinned, “Uncle Walter, Merry Christmas!”

Walter nodded, his voice gentle. “Merry Christmas, Lillian.”

Lillian’s whole face lit up. “I’m so happy! We set off fireworks tonight.”

Audrey laughed, “Really? So did we. We’re doing it right now.”

Camila Davis, sitting next to Lillian, overheard and leaned in, curiosity clear in her eyes. “Walter’s with you lighting fireworks?”

Camila passed the phone around. One by one, everyone chatted with Audrey, asking about her and sharing a few words. After a while, the phone ended up with Charlotte Kelly.

“Audrey, are you getting used to Harrisburg?” Charlotte asked, studying her daughter closely, as if she could spot any sign of weight loss or discomfort right through the screen. Even though Audrey called every day, Charlotte still worried until she could see her with her own eyes.

Audrey beamed. “I’m doing great. Harrisburg is a lot like Cabinda, but not as cold. See? There’s hardly any snow here.”

Charlotte saw the truth in that, but she still couldn’t help but remind her, “Don’t get careless. Your health isn’t like everyone else’s. You have to stay warm and make sure you don’t get sick.”

“I know, Mom. I’ll take care of myself,” Audrey promised, obedient as always. Then, catching Walter’s eye beside her, she grinned at the camera. “Mom, do you want to say hi to Walter?”

Charlotte shot her a look, half amused and half exasperated. Really, this girl. Who just springs a meet-the-parents moment on someone like that?

But Audrey didn’t give her a chance to protest. She angled the camera toward Walter, still smiling.

Walter hadn’t expected to be put on the spot, but he quickly pulled himself together. He was always composed, and besides, he’d met the Williams family before. He greeted Charlotte politely. “Mrs. Williams, Merry Christmas.”