Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 438

His words were also a veiled warning to Sebastian, sitting in the back seat. *You can pursue my sister, but if she accepts you, you had better not hurt her. Or you'll find out just how merciless I can be.*

The heavy conversation ended as they pulled up to the house. It was Christmas Eve, and there would be no more talk of unpleasant things.

The festive atmosphere inside his aunt's home was even stronger.

Emma hadn't seen her grandmother in days. The constant snow and her brother's trip abroad had made it difficult for her to visit. Seeing her grandmother now, with rosy cheeks and a healthier weight, made her heart swell with happiness.

When her aunt and grandmother noticed Sebastian trailing behind, they welcomed him warmly.

For Christmas, her aunt had given the household staff the day off, which meant she was in charge of the holiday feast—a daunting task. In her younger days, holiday meals were a grand affair handled by a full staff. Later, when it was just her and Larson, they kept things simple. But today, with her mother, Emma, and a guest, the pressure was on.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Sebastian asked eagerly.

"You?" Her aunt was skeptical but desperate for assistance.

"I can cook! I promise! Ask Emma if you don't believe me," he said, already rolling up his sleeves.

Emma didn't hesitate. "Let him. He's actually really good."

And so, what started with her aunt intending to use Sebastian as a prep cook—even roping Larson in for extra help—quickly evolved. First, her aunt was gently nudged out of the kitchen. A little while later, Larson was also "escorted" out.

"He said I was in his way," Larson said with a laugh, not at all offended. He was perfectly happy to let the young man prove himself.

Over the course of the afternoon, Sebastian produced a magnificent feast, complete with dessert, featuring dishes from around the world.

"Sebastian, my dear, does your family happen to be in the restaurant business?" her aunt asked, completely amazed.

The five of them sat in a bright, spacious dining room, warmed by the fireplace and a hearty soup. Everyone was smiling, laughing—it was just like the commercials.

There were only five of them, but the house was filled with joy and laughter that lasted late into the evening. Sebastian's cheerful personality fit in perfectly. He told funny stories that had her grandmother laughing until she cried.

*This is it,* Emma thought to herself. *This is what happiness feels like.*

After dinner, no one wanted the evening to end, so they gathered by the fireplace to keep talking.

Outside, the snow began to fall again, but inside it was warm and cozy. The fire crackled, and Emma, feeling pleasantly drowsy, leaned against her grandmother. At some point, Sebastian sat down at the piano and began to play.

Emma drifted off to the sound of the music, nestled in her grandmother's arms, a smile on her lips even in her sleep.