?


    Roseanne was already on the express train back to Pinehollow.


    Grandma Joie was turning eighty, and the Cole brothers had decided to throw a grand bash for Joie.


    Of course, that meant the younger generation, including Roseanne, were expected to make the journey back home.


    The dates were set well in advance, spanning three days that weren''t holidays, so she had no choice but to request time off.


    Madeleine Payne was still abroad at a conference, making her unavable due to the time difference. Instead of calling, Roseanne opted to send an email requesting leave in advance.


    Fortunately, Madeleine was understanding, not only granting the leave but also sending along some warm wishes for Grandma Joie.


    At two in the afternoon, the express train pulled into the station.


    Madge was there to pick her up in the car.


    "Where''s Dad?" Roseanne asked, looking around the car and finding his absence peculiar.


    Madge had a driver''s license but disliked driving, so these "menial tasks" usually fell to Norris Cole.


    Why not today, though?


    Madge sighed, "Your dad''s busy."


    "But it''s Sunday, he''s not teaching."


    What could he be busy with?


    As they delved into the topic, Madge couldn''t help but sigh again.


    Roseanne''s curiosity piqued.


    "It''s a long story..."


    Since it was a significant birthday and Grandma Joie loved a lively atmosphere, although the main celebration was the day after tomorrow, rtives from all over had arrived two days early.


    With over a dozen people, finding amodations became a problem.


    Grandpa and Grandma were living in a vi with the eldest, Maddox Cole, but it wasn''trge, just two floors above ground and one below, totaling four suites.


    Considering Maddox asionally entertained friends at home, cramming a bunch of country rtives into the ce was out of the question. Grandma Joie was adamant, "Just figure it out. Maddox''s ce is out of the question!"


    At the family meeting, Joie''s strong-willed nature was apparent.


    After dering this, she looked expectantly at Irving and Norris.


    With the eldest''s home ruled out, it naturally fell to the second and third sons to find a solution.


    Alva was the first to speak up, "Mom, I can fit two."


    "Why bother? Your cozy two-bedroom apartment, decorated like a nest, those rtives could turn it upside down in a night. You might not mind, but I do!"


    Alva Cole, having embraced a life of elegance post-divorce, paid meticulous attention to her appearance and social media presence.


    The idea of hosting virtually


    unknown rural rtives was hardly appealing, but with Joie making the request, as a dutiful daughter, she had to show willingness toply, knowing full well her mother


    wouldn''t let her be inconvenienced.


    S


    Sure enough, Joie exempted Alva with just a few words.


    Now, the pressure was squarely on Norris and Irving.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    1


    Norris was about to speak when Abbey, Irving''s wife, chimed in with a smile, "Mom''s arrangement is perfect, taking care of both the. eldest and youngest. Irving and would love to help, but realistically, it''s not feasible..."


    "You see, my parents just handed over the Riverside Mansion for us to live in, moving into our old ce themselves. Although it''s a fully furnished home, we still need to buy our own appliances and furniture, right?"


    "The idea was for them to support their daughter at their age, but how could we burden you, Grandma?"


    Joie''s expression darkened slightly.


    Abbey quickly added, "But of course, I said no! You''re already relying on Maddox and his wife, where would the moneye from to support us?" Joie''s expression softened.


    "So, I never even brought it up with


    you. No matter how tough or


    challenging, Irving and I are


    determined to manage on our own. Right now, our home isn''t fully furnished yet, making it impossible to host any rtives..."