King of the Wilderness

Chapter 414: Chapter 235: Christmas Family Dinner (Part 3)

These dishes are like the traditional guard of honor for Christmas, each having its indispensable position.

Lin Yu’an knew that in the eyes of Americans, missing any one of them would make Christmas feel like a puzzle with a missing piece, just as most Chinese people must eat dumplings during the New Year.

And Emily not only perfectly replicated these classics but also used her own ingenuity to add stunning highlights to this feast.

His gaze fell on a white porcelain plate, on which lay two segments of creamy pumpkin cut into accordion-like slices, baked to a soft and sweet perfection, garnished with sage leaves.

Beside it, a bowl of bright green fresh pea salad and a bowl of Brussels sprout salad mixed with slices of Italian sausage brought fresh colors and complex textures.

Of course, there was also the pecan pie quietly waiting in the corner, and several plates of assorted pickled olives and mixed nuts as appetizers.

The gaps on the entire dining table were adorned with sprigs of green pine and clusters of bright red holly berries, enhancing the festive atmosphere to the extreme.

”Wow,” Lin Yu’an looked at everything before him, each plate like a work of art carefully crafted with love by Emily.

He sincerely praised, ”Dear, are you planning to open a restaurant?”

Lin Yu smiled, pulled out the main chair, and sat down, while Aliya and Emily seated themselves on either side.

Ethan and Olivia were placed in their dedicated baby chairs, curiously inspecting everything before them.

Before picking up the knife and fork, Aliya poured dark red wine for Lin Yu’an and herself, and sparkling apple juice for pregnant Emily.

Aliya first raised her glass, cleared her throat, and attracted the attention of Lin Yu’an and Emily.

”Alright, before we dig in, I want to propose a toast.”

She raised her glass, her light green eyes gently and sincerely looking at Emily, ”I want to give this first toast to Emily. Thank you for choosing to join our family.”

”And more thanks for taking care of me and the kids like family during these difficult past two months, and for preparing such an incredible feast for us.”

”This is your first Christmas in this home, Emily, and we are truly so happy to have you here. Welcome, my dear sister.”

Emily’s eyes instantly reddened, and she also raised her glass, silently toasting Aliya.

Next, Aliya’s gaze turned to Lin Yu’an, ”And then, of course, a toast to the survivor of our family! Welcome home, dear, each day without you felt like a year. This home can’t do without you.”

She concluded, ”So, here’s to our family, to our future!”

Just as Aliya was about to say ”Cheers” and clink glasses, Lin Yu’an smiled, raised a hand slightly, making a gesture to wait.

Aliya and Emily looked at him with some confusion.

Lin Yu’an’s gaze, filled with guilt, gratitude, and love, deeply looked at Aliya: ”Dear, your toast was perfect. But I want to add something individually.”

He raised his glass solemnly, specifically towards Aliya: ”We should especially toast to you, Aliya. Thank you for bearing everything alone while I was away.”

”You not only took care of two kids, soothed Emily’s emotions, but also managed this home in perfect order, even undertaking a project as big as the chicken coop.”

”You are indeed the most solid pillar of this home, thank you for your hard work, my love.”

After speaking, he then turned his gaze back to all the people at the table, raising his glass even higher, his tone becoming incredibly solemn: ”Now, to our family, to our remarkable hostess, to our future, Cheers!”

”Cheers!” This time, in the responses of Aliya and Emily, there was a trace of happiness. The three of them gently clinked their glasses in the center of the table, producing a clear and pleasant sound.

This glass of wine, fused with all the acceptance, welcome, gratitude, affection, and love, was slowly consumed by the three of them.

After putting down the glass, the atmosphere became tranquil and solemn, and Lin Yu’an naturally extended both hands, holding onto the hands of Aliya and Emily.

They also extended their hands, and the three of their hands tightly connected on the dining table, forming a warm closed circle.

No one spoke, but from the warmth transmitted through their palms, Lin Yu’an could feel the stirring in their hearts at this moment.

Everyone closed their eyes and silently gave thanks in their hearts.

Thankful for the gifts of this Earth, thankful for the warmth of home, thankful for their resilience in his absence, and more thankful for fate, allowing him to return reborn to Aliya’s side.

A moment later, he opened his eyes and gave a firm nod to both of them.

This silent ceremony ended, also announcing the official start of the feast.