Linden chuckled warmly, "Don't worry about a thing, ma'am. I've got it all under control." Josefina stood up gracefully and wandered over to the garden.
Not long after, Cole and Makiko showed up. Cole had a gift in hand, and Makiko walked beside him, the sunlight giving them a warm, inviting glow.
"Josie, you've been so generous with the gifts, so Makiko and I picked something out for you," Cole said.
"Cole, Makiko, you really didn’t have to. We’re family, after all," Josefina replied, giving Linden a nod to take the gift from them.
Makiko hesitated for a moment, but Cole quickly shook off his surprise and smiled.
"Cole, Makiko, take a seat. I thought we’d catch up in the living room, but with such a beautiful day, it’d be a shame not to enjoy this view. Cole, you’re not feeling chilly, are you?" Josefina asked, noting the crisp air.
"Not at all," Cole replied, though his slight shiver didn’t go unnoticed.
Josefina pretended not to see it and focused on Makiko. "Makiko, why don’t you stay for lunch? The chef's whipping up some barbecue. If there’s anything you’re craving, just let me know."
"No need, we just dropped by for a quick visit," Cole interjected.
Makiko pointed to the box, "Inside are some handmade hairpins I crafted. Hope you like them."
Linden opened the box for Josefina, sparing her the trouble.
"These are gorgeous, Makiko. You’ve got such a knack for this. I could never make something so delicate," Josefina admired sincerely.
Makiko blushed slightly, looking pleased. "If you like them, I can make more. Try them on, see how they look."
Josefina chuckled, "I’ll try them later. My hair’s all tied up today, so it wouldn’t do them justice."



VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess