Chapter 5313
Chapter 5313
Belle said, “Still, if Milo ever does something to upset me, I might punish him by making him knit a sweater. Not just one—a whole set. Then he can bring the sweaters he made to Uncle Tatum’s place and wear them while we watch the snow in winter.”
Corbin clapped excitedly. “Yes, Sis—that’s exactly what you should do! Make him knit more so I can get a few too. I’ve never worn a hand-knitted sweater before.”
Annenburg, in Province X, had brutally cold winters, with frequent heavy snowfall. Even in autumn, the temperature could drop lower than the coldest winter days in Wiltspoon.
Every year when winter break arrived, Tatum sent his children back to Wiltspoon to spend the season. The York brothers preferred staying there. Although it warmed up earlier, it was never the hottest city in the country.
More importantly, winters there were comfortable—not too cold, not too warm.
Back home, even with indoor heating, stepping outside still felt freezing—especially for those used to Wiltspoon’s milder climate.
Before elementary school, Corbin had attended kindergarten in Wiltspoon. As a child, he hated staying in Annenburg, always complaining it was too cold. He preferred Wiltspoon.
In the end, Tatum and Elora left him there for kindergarten. Their retired parents could help care for him, and Zachary and Serenity also looked after their nephew.
But when it was time for elementary school, Corbin had to return to Annenburg with his parents. He had complained endlessly, saying Wiltspoon was livelier—he could play with his older brothers every day after school.
Milo chuckled as he drove. “If Belle wants to wear a sweater I knit, I can make time to learn. When I get the chance, I’ll knit one for her myself. I’ll practice on Corbin first—make him a couple to try on and see how they turn out. I’m worried my skills won’t be great, and the sweaters might look… pretty bad. But Corbin’s still a kid—he won’t mind looking a little ugly.”
Corbin was speechless. “…Brother, do I not have any dignity? I’m not a kid anymore. I’ll be in junior high this September—I’m a teenager!”
Milo replied calmly, “As long as you’re under eighteen, you’re still a kid. And what do kids need pride for? If anyone laughs at your sweater, just tell them your brother made it for you. Then ask if their brothers knit for them. I guarantee they’ll be jealous. Once I get better, I’ll make you a proper one to make up for it.”
In reality, Milo had no intention of knitting for anyone but Baby.
Even though Wiltspoon winters didn’t require sweaters—and this year’s New Year had felt more like summer—it wasn’t about necessity.
It was about affection, sentiment… and a bit of romance.
He even briefly considered learning embroidery—maybe stitching his and Belle’s names onto her clothes someday.
Then he dismissed the thought.
He simply didn’t have the time.
Corbin scoffed. “I don’t want anything you make. Sis, you shouldn’t want it either—it’ll probably be ugly. Even your dog wouldn’t wear it. When I grow up, I’ll make lots of money, hire the best designers in the world to make you beautiful clothes, and take care of you properly.”
Belle laughed, touched, and reached over to ruffle his hair. “I’m glad my little brother is so thoughtful. I’ll remember that—and wait for the day you take care of me.”
She added, “Your hair’s getting long. You need a haircut.”
Milo chimed in, “After we pick up Levi and the others, I’ll shave your head. You’ll stay cool all summer, and you won’t soak your hair running around.”
Corbin glared at him. “Brother Milo, are you trying to make me go bald?”
Milo laughed. “Our Corbin’s pretty sharp. A shaved head is the most comfortable in summer.”
Corbin shot back, “Then why don’t you shave yours? If you and my older brother do it, I’ll follow.”
Corbin admired Caleb and liked copying him.
Milo shook his head. “We’re adults. We work, meet clients, handle business. A shaved head wouldn’t look professional—it could affect the company’s image. And this is your York family’s company. I can’t damage its reputation.”