When Her Death Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel) novel Chapter 2019

Seeing the room packed with people who’d come just for her, Queenie flashed a heartfelt smile.

“Thank you.”

Her eyelids grew heavy; she hadn’t the energy for a long conversation.

Everyone understood. Cecilia arranged for Queenie to be taken to her room to rest.

Elliot trotted along, determined to make his granny laugh.

Queenie lay in bed, gazing at the lively child. Her eyes brimmed with contentment.

She beckoned Cecilia close and whispered, “Ceci, I feel I’ve been very lucky and blessed in this life.”

Cecilia held her mother’s hand and pulled the quilt to her shoulders.

“Mom, get well soon. Then you can play with all four of your grandkids together.”

“Yes... Of course...”

After repeating her promise, Queenie’s strength faded. She closed her eyes and slipped into deep sleep.

Cecilia watched her mother’s peaceful face for a long time, then turned to Elliot. “Eli, let’s step outside so your granny can rest.”

“Okay.”

Elliot nodded vigorously and followed Cecilia out, slowing his steps in respect.

Downstairs, it had been ages since everyone gathered like this. Taking advantage of the weekend, they decided to make dumplings and cook together.

Nathaniel acted as Cecilia’s sous-chef, occasionally causing small disasters that made everyone laugh.

“You’ve got flour all over your face!” Cecilia sighed, wiping his cheek with her thumb.

Embarrassed, Nathaniel turned away. “It’s fine. I’ll wash up in a minute.”

He spoke while kneading the dough.

He tried, again and again, to adjust the water and dough portions. After several rounds, a single pound of flour had mysteriously stretched into more than three.

When she still tried to squeeze past him, he scooped her up without another word and carried her out of the room.

Mason and Lucille watched their retreating backs, momentarily dumbstruck by the display.

Lucille turned to Mason with bright eyes. “I want to be carried, too.”

With a resigned smile, Mason dried his hands and came over to lift her into his arms.

Across the counter, Charlotte looked on, wide-eyed, while the two couples shamelessly flaunted their affection.

Sven had been off on some errand for days and still hadn’t come back; Charlotte felt as though the two of them had lost all contact.

To make matters worse, every other person in the kitchen—Cecilia and Nathaniel, Madeline and Darren—was paired off, leaving her the lone single.

Cecilia noticed the change in her mood and followed her outside.