Now, Darwin felt like he was the only villain in the story. He felt deeply left out and betrayed.
So, when the housekeeper called him and told him that Linford had just brought the babies over, Darwin couldn’t even believe his own ears.
“Grandad, Grandma, you guys should come over to our place for Christmas,” Candace invited warmly.
Darwin was so happy, and he couldn’t even hide the smile on his face anymore.
Tanya went to the kitchen and packed up all the homemade desserts she had made for the babies.
She thought she would never be able to see them again. They got in Linford’s car, and the car arrived at Linford’s house quite soon.
Darwin was still a bit awkward as he saw Cristelle and Claire.
But Cristelle smiled at him first. Darwin felt flattered, and he instantly smiled back.
Cristelle knew everything Darwin and Franco did was to protect the family’s benefits. She wouldn’t complain about it.
Besides, Linford tried his best to create a sense of unity for Franco’s sake.
She just loved this man too much to ruin his plan.
Tanya brought Candace to the kitchen to teach her how to bake cookies. Cody followed Pop and Darwin to the greenhouse to play chess.
Lily was putting decorations around the room. Fritzi and Drew shared a kiss under the mistletoe. Fritzi burst into the bathroom to brush her teeth afterward.
Cristelle looked around the house. Claire was sitting on the couch, holding a mug of eggnog as she talked to Frank.
When she noticed Cristelle’s gaze, she looked up and smiled sweetly.
Cristelle had never felt so happy and content before. This was gonna be the best Christmas.
****
Darwin and Franco were playing chess on the board. Although Cody was an onlooker, Franco would occasionally stop, asking the boy what he was thinking about the next step.
Darwin also seemed to care about Cody’s answer, knowing Pop was secretly instructing the boy.
Candace soon brought a plate of cookies over. The cookies were just taken fresh out of the oven. They were still steaming and soft.
“Pop, Grandpa, try these. I just made these with Granny,” Candace was excited.
Pop was smiling widely, “Jeez. Can you make cookies now? What a smart girl. You’re so talented, Candace.”
Candace went blushing.
Cody looked like he wanted to say something, but he decided to shut up instead of ruining the fun.
Candace noticed the look on Cody’s face and instantly understood what her twin brother was trying to say.
She took the plate of cookies away from Pop, “Pop, I almost forgot, the doctor said you can’t eat sweets anymore.”
Franco smiled, “It won’t hurt if I just take one bite.”
Candace shook her head, her lips set into a thin line, “No. You can’t.”
Franco looked a bit sad as he went back to the chessboard again.
Darwin grabbed a cookie and put it in his mouth. He chewed a little, and his eyes widened dramatically, “Wow! It tasted delicious. You should be a professional pâtissier someday, honey!”
Candace giggled at the praises she heard.
“Would you make this for Grandpa all the time?” Darwin smiled at his granddaughter.
“I will,” Candace excitedly exclaimed, looking a bit smug.
Cody also took a piece. But the boy started to frown after having a taste.
“Jeez… How much sugar did you put in this, Candace? I almost died.”
Candace huffed, “Cody, this is not fair. You don’t like sweets at all. Of course, it’s too sweet for you. You can’t criticize my cookies. Right, Grandpa?”
Darwin nodded, “Absolutely. They taste fantastic.”
Cody was so speechless. He suspected the two old men would agree that the earth was flat if Candace said so.
****
Candace was busy around in the kitchen all afternoon, helping her Mom and Tanya to prepare Christmas dinner.
The table was laden with all sorts of dishes by 6. Claire took out her phone and snapped at the beautifully arranged food.
Candace couldn’t wait to eat.
The dinner started at 8. Candace was so happy. She usually would contain herself a bit during dinner. But tonight was Christmas, and she didn’t care anymore.
Pop was sitting on the main seat. He looked at the table, and the contented look on everyone’s face was visible, feeling extremely happy. Drew even allowed him to have a sip of wine.
“This is probably the best Christmas I’ve ever had,” Pop let out a long breath as he leaned over to talk to Mr. Weston.
“I wish Uncle Enzo was also here, though,” Cody was forking a piece of roasted duck on his plate, “That would be perfect.”
Darwin put some peas on the boy’s plate, “You need to eat your vegetables, boy. Uncle Enzo is protecting our country right now. He didn’t have any leaves left. But he will surely come back next year. Do you still want to go hiking with him?”
Cody nodded eagerly. “That would be really nice if Uncle Enzo would like to take me camping again.”
Claire had been a bit alert from the beginning. She looked around the table and saw Linford whisper something into Cristelle’s ear. Cristelle blushed and smiled.
Drew and Fritzi were arguing over something like usual. She thought Darwin would give Cristelle a hard time when he showed up here.
But the old man seemed extremely friendly today. Claire thus finally got to be relaxed.
The house had been on the verge of collapse just a couple of days ago. But Linford somehow managed to turn the table and bring the whole family joyfully together.
This man was quite capable. He knew what he was doing, and he loved Cristelle with his whole heart.
Claire felt safe leaving her little sister to a man like this. She knew their parents would surely be joyous if they got to see Cristelle living a peaceful life.
The room was filled with laughter and joy.
“Aunt Claire, you should try that,” Candace pointed at a dish. The sweet girl noticed that Claire had barely eaten anything since the dinner started. “I made those with Granny. They are really good.”
Claire turned to the girl and smiled at her. With these two lovely babies and a loving husband, Cristelle would definitely live a happy and wonderful life even without her around.
Franco went to his bedroom after the meal.