Chapter 159

Robert Stone carried a hoe over his shoulder while William Stone followed behind with a hemp rope, the two brothers trudging through the snowy mountain path.

"Big brother, should we dig some traps?" William rubbed his hands together, blowing warm air into them.

Robert frowned. "William, have you ever hunted before?" He was a skilled farmer but a complete novice when it came to tracking game.

"Of course!" William lied through his teeth. Back when they all lived together, their youngest brother Michael had always been the one to bring home meat. Now that the family had split, they had to fend for themselves.

The mountain was still blanketed in snow, but many villagers had already come to try their luck. A fortunate few might snag a pheasant or even stumble upon a foolish rabbit.

"Emily, I’ll wash Tommy’s quilt tomorrow," Michael suddenly announced.

Emily Johnson paused while folding clothes. Washing bedding in the dead of winter? That sounded like self-inflicted misery.

"Emily," Michael moved closer, "could you stop calling me 'David’s dad'?"

She raised an eyebrow. Hadn’t she always called him that?

"Stone?" she tested the nickname.

Michael’s eyes instantly brightened. "I like that! Say it again."

Emily sighed. He was acting like a child. Once the female lead appeared in the future, he could call himself whatever he wanted.

"Stone," she repeated.

Michael grinned so wide his eyes nearly disappeared. "Your voice is so sweet."

Emily studied him suspiciously. This sudden flattery definitely had an ulterior motive.

"Emily, can I kiss you?" he asked, eyes pleading.

"No." Her refusal was firm.

Undeterred, he inched even closer. "You’re so beautiful."

"I know. I look in the mirror every day," she deadpanned.

Michael stubbornly grabbed her hand. "Your hands are so soft."

"All women’s hands are soft." She pulled away.

Before she could react, he quickly pressed his lips to the back of her hand. "And sweet."

"That’s just hand cream."

His face fell. Emily finally cracked, laughing. "Sorry, I’m allergic to romance."

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting dappled patterns on the floor. Watching his wife’s radiant smile, Michael thought—this was enough. A lifetime like this would be just fine.