Chapter 435: To the Winslow Family’s Ranch
<.Back to a few days ago, at Elsie and Nathaniel’s shared apartment.>
The twenty-second day of December dawned crisp and bright. After the streaks of violet, amber and amethyst faded on the horizon, the winter morning sky stretched in a pale silver wash.
At nine, the little Lorianne was still curled under the blanket, surrounded by her plushie friends. Her chubby right cheek was pressed over her favorite bunny plushie as her soft, blond locks were splayed all over the pillow.
In the hallway outside, Elsie and Nathaniel slowly approached Lorianne’s bedroom. They were still dressed in nightwear. The snow fell gently outside the windows.
"She’s still asleep?" Elsie glanced at the closed door while bundling her long hair into a loose bun. A trace of sleepiness was still evident on her face.
"She’s too excited last night," Nathaniel’s voice was tinged with laughter as he reached for the door handle, "She went to bed later than usual. I’ll wake her up."
"I’ll make breakfast then," she agreed, letting him take the task of waking their little princess up. Her figure quickly disappeared into the kitchen.
Nathaniel and Elsie would bring Lorianne back to Norvonna today. Their destination was the Winslows’ ranch on the outskirts of the city. Diane and Leonard had been anticipating their arrival.
Nathaniel’s adoptive parents, Andrea and Russell, would also join the rest of them at the ranch. Because this would be their first Christmas together, neither included their relatives.
Both families agreed to have an intimate gathering at the place where Lorianne was raised. Ever since their first meeting a few months ago, they had been meeting up frequently[01].
As for the New Year, the Winslows and the Faulkners planned to have another joint celebration, this time involving their relatives. The dinner party would be held in the city, where most relatives from both sides were residing.
Nathaniel pushed the door open, just enough for him to get inside. Helpless chuckles slipped from his lips once he saw the familiar bundle in the middle of the bed.
"Wake up, my little princess."
Nathaniel sat on the edge of the bed, arms reaching for the bundle hidden under the blanket. He gently patted his daughter’s back while brushing her messy hair.
Lorianne slowly stirred. Half-awake, she shook her head a few times, her eyes still tightly shut, "Daddy... So sleepy. Let me sleep more."
"We can’t do that, buttercup. We have a flight to catch."
Nathaniel picked Lorianne up, still wrapped in the blanket. He carried her with one hand while the other was still patting her back, trying to get her to wake up.
"Still sleepy... Mr. Bunny tells Lorrie to sleep more," the little girl complained, but her protest held no power.
Nathaniel patiently reminded, "You can sleep again later. You’ll have your own room on the flight."
Even though Nathaniel had arranged for them to board his private jet, he didn’t want to delay leaving.
The weather was considerably good today, but it might change abruptly. It would be better if they arrived at Norvonna as early as possible.
Inside the washroom, Nathaniel lowered Lorianne to the floor. He put the blanket aside before tying her hair into two pigtails.
Because of how sleepy the little one was, he stayed as she brushed her teeth. Fortunately, no incident, such as falling asleep on the cold bathroom tiles, occurred.
"Mommy! I’m hungry!"
After brushing her teeth and washing her face, the little girl’s switch seemed to flip. Her previous drowsiness was gone, replaced by high energy. She hurriedly ran out of the bedroom, leaving her poor daddy behind.
Nathaniel laughed, helplessness written on his face. Before walking out of the washroom, he tossed the blanket into the laundry basket. Then, he traced the steps his little daughter took to the kitchen.
Elsie had prepared a simple breakfast for them. The family of three had scrambled eggs, buttered toasts, and cut fruits. While Lorianne enjoyed a glass of milk, her parents opted for coffee.
Then, all three of them got ready for their trip. Nathaniel’s chauffeur would come to pick them up at the apartment.
The country house of the ranch still had many of Elsie and Lorianne’s belongings, so they only packed a suitcase, including Nathaniel. The Winslows had taken the chance to prepare items for the man’s first stay.
At eleven, the chauffeur drove the family of three to the private airport where Nathaniel leased a hangar. The place wouldn’t be as crowded as the commercial airport, allowing a smoother departure.
The little Lorianne hopped on her tiny feet excitedly once she got inside the private jet. Nathaniel and Elsie simply reminded her to be careful when exploring. Then, the pair rested in one of the lounges.
Lorianne’s small footsteps padded across the carpet as she explored the cabin while being accompanied by a stewardess. She peeked curiously into the galley when a steward was arranging refreshments.
"Miss Lorrie," the steward greeted her with a warm smile, crouching to her level, "Do you fancy some chocolates? They’re in cute flower and animal shapes."
"Sure! I want some," Lorianne excitedly nodded, "Thank you!"
The steward handed Lorianne a box of chocolates. The refreshments, from main dish to desserts, were selected with extra care by CEO Faulkner himself for his beloved wife and daughter.
Then, the stewardess reminded the little girl, "Miss Lorrie, your parents are waiting in the lounge. Let’s go back before the plane starts moving, all right?"
Lorianne nodded, clutching the chocolate box in one hand. She followed the stewardess back to Nathaniel and Elsie. The stewardess left after reminding them softly that taxiing would begin soon.
Nathaniel reached for the clasp of Lorianne’s seatbelt before securing it with a quiet click. Then, he did for himself while Elsie adjusted her own.
Through the oval window, the tarmac lights flickered against the falling snow as the engines hummed to life.
The stewardess checked once more before retreating to her jump seat near the galley. Moments later, the private jet began to roll gently down the runway, ready to take off.
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