Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 876

The New Year's Eve dinner was something Gregory and Bella took charge of preparing.

Christine and Jane, admittedly, were hopeless when it came to cooking.

Instead, they spent their time playing with little Mira. When she finally fell asleep, they decided to watch a movie.

Lunch was a quick affair, but in the afternoon, they joined Bella to learn how to make pie.

The kitchen was a flurry of activity, with all sorts of creations being shaped in their hands. The only stipulation was that they didn't fall apart while cooking.

By eight o'clock, the TV was on, playing the New Year's Eve special.

They raised their glasses to toast the coming year, even Mira chimed in with her little toy cup from her high chair.

As the countdown approached, Bella finished frying the pies.

"Let's see who'll find the lucky coin and strike it rich next year," she teased.

Given the, shall we say, unique shapes of the pies Christine and Jane made, Bella had wisely opted not to put anything in theirs. The ones Gregory and Bella crafted were neat and appealing, making the hunt a matter of pure luck.

Christine had saved room during dinner, determined to find that coin. She just had to have it.

The first to find one was Gregory.

Christine pouted, "Mr. Ford, you don't need more wealth. Who could be richer than you?"

"Speaking of which," she continued with a mischievous grin, "Mr. Ford, aren't you worried about having more money than you can spend?"

Gregory flicked the coin with his thumb, watching it spin in the air before catching it effortlessly. "Not at all. I'm quite happy."

"That kind of happiness, you can't even imagine."

Christine kept eating her pie, resolute in her determination to find the coin by midnight. She wanted that windfall!

Jane found the next one.

"Looks like I've got some competition," she joked, eyeing the couple.

Bella was the third to discover a coin.

Christine's resolve wavered.

The countdown began on TV.

Jane started poking through the pies, trying to help.

Gregory playfully intercepted with a fork, "Honey, cheating might just bring you bad luck."

Christine couldn't stand hearing this, "Jane, leave it to me."

Jane dropped her fork.

The countdown continued: "Four, three, two, one!"

"Happy New Year!"

"Ahhhh!"

Christine jumped up, "I found it! Next year, I'm definitely hitting it big!"

Jane gave her a thumbs up and handed her an envelope.

Christine felt it, thin and firm.

"A bank card?"

Jane nodded, "Happy New Year. I hope your days ahead are filled with joy and success."

Touched, Christine hugged her tightly, "The same goes for you."

"I didn't prepare a gift, but I did prepare some fireworks. Let's go light them."

The group headed to the riverside.

The snow made it even colder by the water, but it didn't curb their enthusiasm for fireworks.

"We don't often get the chance, so I bought a variety, but sparklers are my favorite," Christine said, handing them out to Jane and Bella, along with one for Mira to watch.

Gregory set off a big firework, lighting up the night sky.

Underneath the dazzling display, the four of them laughed joyfully.

Gregory cast a glance at a black car hidden in the shadows nearby.

The rear window rolled down, and a wisp of smoke drifted away with the wind.

A man's deep, resonant voice carried over, "Christine, happy New Year."