Silver Lining

Chapter 52 - The Finale

*4 years later - Christmas Dinner at Luciano's mansion*

Clara's POV

"Mummy! Does this gingerbread man looks like Uncle Chad?" Lucas asked anxiously with his little face powdered with flour as he showed me the gingerbread man cookie with much pride.

"Of course, it does, just as handsome as Uncle Chad," I giggled.

"Mummy! How about mine? I'm making one for Aunt Dorris too," Luisa squeaked as she struggled with the cookie cutter with her little hands.

"Yours look perfect too, I'm sure Aunt Dorris will love it," I smiled at Luisa as I wiped the flour away from her powdered cheeks.

"Alright, you two need to get washed up and get ready for Christmas dinner, your grandparents, together with Uncle Chad and Aunt Dorris will be here in no time," I rushed them into the bathroom.

Lucas and Luisa got changed into their new clothes after they were freshened up. Lucas was helping Luisa with her socks, while Luisa giggled at the ticklish feel at the sole of her feet. I'm so blessed to have this two little angels in my life. Lucas is like a miniature of Luciano, exactly like him when he was small. The Carlos genes were evidently shown in his physical features while Luisa resembled more of me. However, it was surprising that Luisa was the one that takes after Luciano's temper, instead of Lucas. Luisa is a daddy's girl, she knows just the right ways to melt his father's heart. Lucas, on the other hand, was a little gentleman who takes good care of his sister like a previous gem despite sharing the same age. I'm heartened to know that Lucas has inherited the loving side of Luciano too.

I made my way to the door with much anticipation to receive my guests when the bell to the door rang. Lucas and Luisa followed me like little bunnies hopping in excitement.

"Hi, Dorris! Hi, Chad! Merry Christmas! Gosh... It's been so long, I miss you two so much," I hugged them at the door. I was exhilarated upon seeing them, after all, I haven't seen them for a year ever since they embarked on their adventurous backpacking trip around the world after they got married.

Lucas and Luisa greeted them in excitement too as they tried jumping off the ground to get their attention, "Aunt Dorris! Uncle Chad!"

"Lucas and Luisa! Oh my god, you two have grown so much taller!" Dorris knelt down to them and exclaimed.

"Aunt Dorris and Uncle Chad, Merry Christmas!" Lucas and Luisa said in harmony as they hugged Dorris.

"Aww... I miss you two little cuties!" Dorris pecked kisses on their chubby cheeks.

Chad bent down and kissed them too, "I miss you two babies too."

Then Scruffy came barking and raced towards Chad and Dorris. "Scruffy! Come here, buddy!" Chad welcomed Scruffy with his open arms and petted Scruffy together with Dorris. Scruffy was licking both Chad and Dorris excitedly. It was understandable why Scruffy couldn't contain its excitement, after all, Scruffy has been away from them and under our care ever since Chad and Dorris embarked on their trip.

"Where's Luciano?" Chad stood up and asked.

"He went out to get some wine for tonight's dinner but he should be back soon," I said as I checked with the time on the clock.

Dorris sniffed and asked with a delightful smile, "Is that the dinner for tonight? It smells heavenly!"

"Yup, it is, but I'm not done with the cooking yet. Make yourself at home, I'll let you two know once dinner is ready," I was excited to serve a satisfactory dinner for everyone tonight.

"Let me help you with dinner," Dorris said as she clung her arms around mine.

"Wait...what about me?" Chad tugged Dorris and whimpered like a kid.