Chapter 39

"Mom, you're here so early?" Emily Johnson had just woken up when she saw her mother-in-law standing in the yard, holding a wicker basket.

Mary Stone hurried over, taking Emily's hands and looking her up and down. "Were you frightened last night? That damned Peter Wilson deserves to be locked up!"

Emily shook her head, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm fine, Mom. Don't worry."

Mary studied her daughter-in-law's delicate face, recalling the village gossip. Even after having children, the girl still looked so fresh—no wonder she attracted unwanted attention.

"Should I stay with you tonight?" Mary lowered her voice. "I don't feel easy leaving you alone with two kids."

"Really, it's not necessary," Emily said with a smile. "After last night, I doubt anyone would dare try anything."

Mary sighed. "Your father and the others took Peter to the police station before dawn. His parents were wailing—serves them right! Who raised such a disgraceful son?"

Just then, little Tommy came running out of the house, rubbing his eyes. "Grandma!"

"Oh, my sweet boy!" Mary scooped him up and planted a kiss on his cheek.

Emily turned toward the kitchen. "Mom, why don't you stay for breakfast?"

"No, no, I have to get back and cook for the family." Mary set Tommy down, then suddenly remembered something. "Oh, your door latch is broken. I'll have Robert come fix it."

With that, Mary bustled off, leaving Emily standing alone in the yard. She looked down at her hands, the memory of Peter's scream still echoing in her ears from the blow she'd dealt him the night before.

"Mom, I'm hungry!" David poked his head out from inside.

"Coming right up." Emily snapped out of her thoughts and hurried to the kitchen.

Over at the Stone family home, Elizabeth was feeding the chickens when she saw her mother-in-law return. "Mom, I heard about last night—"

"Absolutely true!" Mary slapped her thigh. "Peter Wilson climbed over the wall to steal, and Emily knocked him flat with one swing!"

Elizabeth's eyes widened. "Really? But Peter's so strong..."

"Would I lie to you?" Mary said proudly. "Tell your husband to go fix Emily's door. That girl has her hands full with two kids on her own."

Before long, Robert arrived at Emily's house with his tools.

"Robert, you're here! Come in and sit." Emily, busy in the kitchen, came out to greet him.

Robert gave a warm smile. "Don't trouble yourself, Emily. I'll check the door first."

The two boys circled their uncle, chattering excitedly. Emily returned to the kitchen, deftly boiling noodles, frying eggs, and slicing some meat she'd bought the day before.

"Robert, have some breakfast first!" Emily brought out a steaming bowl of noodles.

Robert waved his hands. "No need, I'll eat at home—"

"Uncle, Mom's noodles are the best!" Tommy tugged at Robert's sleeve insistently.

Under the expectant gazes of his sister-in-law and nephews, Robert finally sat down. The first bite made his eyes light up—the silky noodles, golden fried eggs, and savory meat strips were better than anything from the Supply & Market!

Emily slipped back into the house and retrieved a box of breadsticks from her space, removing the packaging before placing them on a plate.

"Robert, try these," she said with a smile. "I bought them yesterday. The kids love them."

Robert stared at the delicate breadsticks, puzzled. Since when had his sister-in-law become so generous? She used to hesitate even to share a piece of candy...