Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 750

Teague waved his hand dismissively. “I can manage on my own, really…”

“Oh, come on, don’t be a stranger. We’re all family here,” Norris said, not waiting for Teague to finish before scooping two generous servings of mashed potatoes onto his plate.

Teague just sighed.

“See, honey, how considerate your brother-in-law is? No wonder our Madge fell for him,” Kathleen remarked with a smile, though the glance she shot her husband was dripping with sarcasm.

Teague focused on his food, choosing not to engage.

Kathleen clenched her jaw in frustration but kept a façade of calm, taking deep breaths to keep herself composed.

After lunch, Norris took the lead on clearing the table, with Roseanne joining in to help.

Madge didn’t sit around either; while her father and Norris did the dishes, she wiped down the table and sliced apples and pears.

The old folks settled on the couch to watch TV, while Corley had made a quick exit after claiming he was swamped with work. That left only Teague and Kathleen keeping them company.

It was only now that the elderly lady finally found the moment to ask, “Teague, what brings you here today?”

Kathleen interjected with a cheerful tone, “Oh, it was me who told him to come.”

The elderly lady gave her a surprised look.

“What’s with that look, Mom? Now that my sister’s been found, shouldn’t Teague, as her brother-in-law, be the first to know? Besides, he’s put in a lot of effort over the years to help find Madge.”

The elderly lady eyed her keenly. “Is that truly what you believe?”

“What else would I think? That their past relationship would rekindle now that they’ve reunited?”

Their expressions darkened simultaneously.

Teague’s tone turned icy. “Kathleen, I’d appreciate it if you’d watch your words.”

“I haven’t raised my voice or thrown a tantrum. Isn’t this what you call speaking properly? Or should I sugarcoat it with ‘Oh, Teague~’ to satisfy you?”

Teague gave a resigned smile.

“I’ll walk you out then,” Madge offered.

“Alright.”

They walked through the garden together. It was the dead of winter, and flowers were nowhere to be seen, but the potted greenery was thriving.

“Did you plant all these?” Teague asked.

Madge shook her head with a laugh. “Not me. I wouldn’t know where to start. They’re all Norris’s pride and joy. He’s even got a little vegetable patch out back. The salad we had at lunch was from his garden.”

As she spoke of Norris, a soft smile crept onto Madge’s lips.

She might not have noticed this subtle expression herself, but Teague certainly did.

He couldn’t quite pinpoint how he felt. Though Aberdeen was right there, she felt a world away.