Novel Xoo
Chapter 534
When Tarquin finally nodded in agreement, he couldn't help but smile and respond, "Alright."
So, the family of six decided to make a detour to Sunshine Community first.
The festive decals were something Elysia had picked up that morning. This year's model was maic, eliminating the need for messy paste or tape, making the whole process much simpler and more convenient.
The family divided the tasks among themselves efficiently. Elliot and EvanElijah were in charge of sorting out the festive decals and figuring out where each should go.
Emmett was tasked with transportation, handing over the decals that Elliot and the others had prepared to Elysia.Têxt © NôvelDrama.Org.
Elysia and Tarquin were in charge of putting them up.
As Tarquin got to work, Elysia directed him from behind, "It's crooked, move it a bit to the left... oh no, now it's too far left, a bit to the right."
Tarquin teased her, "You've already bought them, why didn't we put these up before heading out?"
Elysia retorted, "How could I do it without you here?"
"You mean you can't put up decals without me? Are you saying you're too clumsy to even do that?"
Elysia rolled her eyes in disdain, "You're the clumsy one! I've heard from the elders that you can't put up these decorations until the whole family is together. You can't leave anyone out; everyone has to be home first. I would have done it earlier if we weren't waiting for you."
Tarquin gave her a meaningful look, "Am I considered family?"
Elysia was momentarily taken aback, but before she could respond, Tarquin continued, "What about those who work away from home and can't make it back for the holidays?"
Elysia snapped back to reality, "That's different. I'm talking about those who can make it home."
Tarquin didn't pursue the conversation further.
After their efforts, the previously bare house finally felt festive.
The decals made everything look bright and lively.
Tarquin felt a bit nostalgic, as if he had suddenly been transported back to his childhood.
There was one year when his parents brought him back for the holidays, and the house was decorated just as vibrantly by Elizabeth.
But that was the only year. Afterward, the house never saw such warmth again.
It was always cold and empty.
He had chosen to live here with Elijah mainly to conceal their identities. Previously, the house was uninhabited, visited only occasionally by him.
But those visits were brief, moments of solitude on the sofa with a cigarette, leaving as soon as the smoke cleared.
"Let's go, we should head out for the holiday dinner. After that, we've got plans to take the kids out."
Elysia's call pulled him back to the present.
Tarquin looked at her; she was kneeling at the entrance, helping the children into their coats.
Her face was alight with joy and tenderness.
Tarquin was moved, a warm rush of emotion swirling inside him.
He was about to head to the door when Elysia suddenly turned to him, instructing, "Almost forgot something important. Go to the kitchen and take out the meat from the fridge. We need to prepare the dumplings tonight for tomorrow morning. We can't use knives on New Year's Day, so we have to get everything ready tonight and just cook them in the morning."
Tarquin was familiar with this tradition. Elizabeth had always prepared the dumplings on New Year's Eve for the next morning, a custom he had almost forgotten after so many years without a proper celebration.
Hearing someone remind him of it brought a complex mix of emotions, a blend of bitterness and warmth, which he couldn't quite identify.
He gave Elysia another look before heading to the kitchen to follow her instructions, taking out the meat and vegetables in preparation.
The family of six then set off for the ancestral home.
Tarquin had made it clear beforehand that his identity was not to be revealed in front of Elysia at the ancestral home, so he wasn't worried about her finding out.
However, as the car slowly made its way into the driveway of the ancestral home, Elysia began to feel suspicious.