Chapter 432: Our First Christmas Eve Together
Finally, the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth month arrived. To some, the quiet glow of Christmas Eve held more magic than Yuletide itself.
The morning sun was pale, barely peeking through the thick white clouds that hung over the snowy northern region. The world outside the cottage was muffled under a soft blanket of snow.
Everything felt tranquil, the kind of peace that only came once a year, right before Christmas.
Inside the small cottage, the ambiance was relaxing. The clock ticked softly, striking a quarter past one in the afternoon. The radio played soft music fitting the celebration.
Lariette curled up on the couch with a thin blanket, her hair draped over one shoulder. She held one cup of tea in one hand while the other was scrolling through her phone.
She occasionally threw a glance at the closed sliding doors, looking at her beloved.
Ruediger was standing there, watching the faint traces of snowfall outside. He looked as casual as always in a blue-white knit sweater. His crimson locks, which had grown longer now, were tied into his signature messy bun.
The pair slept in until almost ten in the morning. After having a simple breakfast, they lazed around in the living room.
Lariette took a look at the digital clock in a corner of her phone screen. She lifted her brows, "Mr. Head Chef, when should we start cooking for tonight?"
Ruediger chuckled upon hearing his lady’s question. As he glanced over his shoulder, his lips softened into a smile, "Is my sous chef that excited? Aren’t you just going to sit and order me around?"
"Ah, how did you know?" Lariette widened her eyes, pretending to be shocked. She had even thrown the phone away to cover her mouth, "I’ll just be in the kitchen to sit still and be pretty. Can’t I?"
Her reply earned a meaningful look from the man. He spun on his heels and strode to the couch. Even before he reached the couch, she had already leapt out and hugged him, almost making him stumble.
"Lettie!"
"Hahaha!"
Ruediger quickly caught Lariette’s waist while steadying himself, afraid of falling over her. The culprit laughed heartily as if she hadn’t just misbehaved.
"Should we cook around two or three?" Lariette encircled her arms around Ruediger, her eyes twinkling with excitement, "That way we can take our time without rushing."
Ruediger raised a brow. He gently pinched her chin, "Two or three? We aren’t planning a huge feast, right?"
They had decided on which and how many dishes to make for Christmas Eve’s dinner. Because it would just be the two of them, they didn’t have to make too much food. Still, they selected each dish with great care.
Lariette smiled slyly, "It’s our first Christmas Eve together, my love. We have to make sure everything’s special. Have you forgotten? Besides, we’ll be having lunch with the Campbells tomorrow, so tonight is just for us."
"Just for us," he repeated softly, seemingly happier as he heard her. He lifted his hand from her chin to her hair, grazing his fingertips on her soft locks, "I like how it sounds. I’ll make tonight’s dishes extra special for us."
"Hehe, great~"
She quickly rewarded her man with a kiss.
By four o’clock, the kitchen was alive with warmth and the delicious scent of holiday cooking. The once quiet and quaint small cottage was filled with winter cheer as steam rose from the pots and the festive music played in the background.
As Lariette was busy whisking the sauce for the roasted chicken, Ruediger sneaked behind her. He smoothly looped his arms around her waist.
"Chef Lettie, are you done?" he murmured against her left ear.
She laughed before elbowing him lightly, "Don’t distract me! You’re not done with everything yet, right?"
"I’m just looking for motivation," he teased, nuzzling her neck before nibbling her earlobe, "Let me hug you for a moment. Hmm... Is this the gravy for the chicken?"
Lariette decided not to point out that Ruediger had come for a hug a few times already. She nodded while stirring the sauce.
"Yes~ I won’t let you taste-test it, tho. So just finish it even if it’s salty or anything."
"Well, anything to make my wife happy."
She elbowed him once again, only to earn his laughter.
The chicken was still roasting in the oven. The pair prepared the side dishes. They made honey-glazed carrots, buttery mashed potatoes and a salad with cranberries and roasted nuts.
Lariette often hummed along to the soft carols played from the radio. As for Ruediger, he couldn’t help but steal glances at her while cooking. He had even successfully stolen a few kisses when she least expected it.
By the time the clock struck six, the dining table was set. Surrounded by colorful side dishes and neatly folded napkins, the roasted chicken sat proudly in the center.
A few candles flickered on the table, casting a soft glow around the room. Outside, the sky had darkened to indigo, and snowflakes floated lazily past the window.
Lariette stepped back after putting the last plate on the table. As she admired their handiwork, she said softly, "It’s beautiful. Hehe, we’ve outdid ourselves, right?"
Ruediger wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Instead of looking at the table, his gaze was on her as he smiled, "Yes, we both did it."
"Shall we send some photos to Grandpa and Maddie?" she suggested.
"Let’s," he simply agreed.
After a quick photo-taking session, the pair sat down to eat. The last rays of sunlight had faded. Ruediger poured some sparkling cider into tall glasses before raising his toward Lariette’s.
"Lettie," he said ever so softly, "To our first Christmas together."
Soft chuckles spilled from her lips. The flickering candles cast a glow on the man sitting across from her, illuminating his gentle smile. The sight of her beloved swelled her heart with warmth and affection.
She clinked her glass against his, completing his unspoken wish, "And to many more."