Chapter 260: Rose Jackson's Voice Trembled Slightly

"You shouldn't be doing such heavy work. I'm still young enough," Rose Jackson's voice trembled slightly as her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her apron. "And besides, Nolan will help." She hesitated before continuing, "There'll be one more person in our home soon... Would you be alright with Nolan living with us?"

The three boys exchanged glances before breaking into smiles.

"We'd love that!" Luke Jackson declared, his younger brothers nodding enthusiastically.

To them, Nolan had long been family—the tall figure who always appeared during harvest season, the warm smile that came with pockets full of candy. Most importantly, they'd seen how tenderly he treated their mother.

Elena's eyes welled up. She hadn't expected such immediate acceptance.

"Wonderful!" Elena Ward threw her arms around her sister while Luke Jackson affectionately ruffled his nephews' hair. The kitchen filled with laughter.

As they prepared dinner, Elena Ward finally voiced the question she'd been holding back.

"Sis, you and Nolan... is this official now?"

The rolling pin in Rose Jackson's hands stilled momentarily, a shy yet radiant smile blooming across her face.

"Yes. He proposed." Her voice softened. "But he promised his parents not to use the Brooks family's pig-farming skills. We've calculated—just farming and raising chickens will make life tight."

The fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering light across her determined profile.

"He wanted to work in the city first, to build us a new house before marrying me. But remembering what you said about opportunities..." Rose Jackson drew a steadying breath. "Better we face city gossip together than endure village whispers. I've survived worse. With him beside me, I fear nothing."

Elena Ward added another log to the fire, making the flames dance in her bright eyes.

"Trust me, the city's full of possibilities. I can arrange the boys' schooling. If you and Nolan want to start a small business, I'll help with capital." She clasped her sister's work-roughened hands. "With hard work, life will be better than village struggles."

Tears threatened again. This younger sister she'd once protected had become her pillar of strength.

"Elena... I worried you'd laugh at me." Rose Jackson's voice cracked. "So soon after leaving Darren—"

"Sis!" Elena Ward interrupted. "After all you've endured, finding someone who truly cherishes you? I couldn't be happier!"

A tear splashed onto the dough. Rose Jackson hastily wiped it away.

"Oh dear, now the dough will be salty," Elena Ward teased, earning a playful swat.

"Where's Nolan?" Elena Ward suddenly asked.

"He said... it wouldn't be proper to stay here before marriage." Pink tinged Rose Jackson's cheeks as she produced a cloth bundle from her pocket—neatly folded bills inside. "Gave me all his savings."

Elena Ward nodded approvingly. A man willing to entrust his entire livelihood spoke volumes.

"Let the boys take him dinner," she suggested. "Why not... register your marriage before New Year? Then you can return to the city with us."

Rose Jackson froze. She hadn't anticipated such forward planning.

"Village gossip..." Elena Ward lowered her voice. "We won't hear it after leaving."

The hearth fire burned brighter, mirroring the new life about to ignite.