Chapter 155

"Michael, let's try making spiced pork," Emily Johnson said, her bright eyes twinkling as she poked the slab of pork belly on the cutting board. "I heard we need soy sauce, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and cinnamon."

Michael Stone rolled up his sleeves, revealing his muscular arms. "Whatever you say, sweetheart. If it turns out bad, I'll eat it all."

Mary Stone sighed from the sidelines, feeling completely ignored by the young couple.

"Mom, don't leave yet!" Emily quickly stopped her mother-in-law from walking away. "Dinner will be ready soon. Michael, go get your father. I'll start cooking right away."

Hearing his wife call him "Michael," his lips curled into an involuntary smile. It sounded much better than "David's dad."

Soon, the rich aroma of braised meat filled the kitchen. Two little figures in new cotton shoes pattered inside.

"Mommy! It's so cold outside!" Tommy Stone threw himself into Emily's arms, his cheeks flushed red from the chill.

Mary immediately scooped up her grandson. "Oh, my sweet boy! That new coat looks so warm."

"Grandma, my feet are hot," Tommy wriggled, trying to kick off his shoes.

Emily caught his tiny hands. "No, you can't take them off—you'll get frostbite. Should we give them to Ethan next door instead?"

"No!" Tommy instantly tucked his feet back. "Mommy bought these for me!"

Meanwhile, David, ever the responsible big brother, tugged at his younger sibling. "Come on, let's go recite The Hundred Family Surnames."

Before long, childish voices drifted from the yard: "Zhao, Qian, Sun, Li, Zhou, Wu, Zheng, Wang..."

John Stone Sr. paused at the gate, surprised. "David can read now?"

"Emily taught him," Michael said with unmistakable pride. "She makes time every day to teach them letters and poems."

Mary watched her daughter-in-law bustling by the stove, her earlier irritation long gone. Sure, the girl was a bit pampered, but when it came to the children, her heart was in the right place.