As she unlocked the door and stepped inside, expecting darkness, she was surprised to find the lights already on. Gerard and Jerrold were standing beside the table, surrounded by the aroma of cooked dishes.

Gerard, wearing an apron, greeted her with a warm smile in his eyes.

Jerrold, less reserved, ran to her. “Happy New Year, Mommy!" he exclaimed joyfully.

“Happy New Year, Jerrold," Lilah greeted, momentarily stunned by the surprise. It took a moment for her to collect her thoughts as Jerrold hugged her leg. “Weren't you at the old mansion? Why did you come back?"

"We had lunch at Grandma's, so we thought we'd spend the evening with you," Jerrold explained warmly, not wanting Lilah to be alone on New Year's Day.

"Come on, dinner's ready. Let's eat," Gerard invited.

"Okay." Hand in hand with Jerrold, Lilah joined Gerard at the table.

The dinner was splendid, filled with her favorite dishes.

Impressed, she complimented, “Your cooking is amazing. You could be a chef!"

"Thanks. Try it and see how it tastes," Gerard responded with a chuckle, his voice enticing.

He handed Lilah a plate of sugar cookies. Surprised, she asked, "When did you learn to make these?"

"I learned it from our family chef today. Thought you'd like them,"

Gerard replied, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Give them a try.”

After tasting one, Lilah nodded in approval. “Delicious.”

“Let me know if you ever want them again," Gerard offered.

“OF course!"

“Daddy, can I have some too?" Jerrold asked eagerly, eyeing the cookies.

Gerard playfully admonished, “You're getting too heavy for me to Lift!"

Jerrold, concerned about his weight, touched his belly.

Seeing his reaction, Lilah chuckled. "It's fine for Jerrold to indulge a bit. He's still young and can always exercise later."

She passed some cookies to Jerrold, who found them equally tasty.

The family of three enjoyed a warm and intimate dinner.

Outside, fireworks lit up the sky. As they dined and watched, Lilah felt a sense of belonging and warmth she hadn't experienced in a long time.

During the meal, Lilah briefly excused herself to make a phone call.