Aurelia paused, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "I never expected you to get me a gift, so I didn’t get you anything. Can I make it up to you later?"
Leopold wasn't shocked. He knew Aurelia was never the type to give him a gift or surprise him. "Thoughtless as ever," he muttered under his breath.
A bit lost for words, Aurelia glanced at the windowsill where the potted roses were in blossom. She grabbed a pair of scissors and snipped one rose off.
"Here's a flower for you, okay?"
"That’s hardly thoughtful," he groaned, his face scrunching up in mock frustration.
She stuck out her tongue playfully. "Alright, I'll get something and give it to you in a few days."
Leopold suddenly cupped her face, stealing a fierce kiss before letting her go. "I'll give you a few days' grace then."
"I'm off to look after the kids," Aurelia said, pulling open the door and stepping out.
In the yard, the girls were busy getting ready for the evening's knitting contest.
Kane, William, and Skyler stood beside Mira and Nina, watching them practice. They were the youngest contestants.
"This year, I'm determined to win and become the next Queen of Knitting in the Stirling family," Nina declared, her spirit high.
"What's so great about being the Queen of Knitting?" Skyler asked, genuinely curious.
"You get lots of rewards," Nina said with a smile, "I came in third place last year."
Mira, who was younger and less coordinated, struggled with threading a needle but was giving it her best shot. As the youngest contestant, she was always assured an encouragement prize.
Skyler couldn't help wanting to join in. Being a girl seemed fun. He even wished he could be one for a day. Noticing an empty table, he called William and Kane over. "Let's give it a go."
He picked up a colorful thread and started threading.
"Let's race. See who can do it fastest."
"Alright, I'll time us," William said, opening the stopwatch app on his smartwatch.
As Aurelia arrived in the yard, Lisa came over with her daughter, Nova, who was thrilled by the bustling atmosphere and was nearly bouncing out of her stroller to join in.
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