Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire-Chapter 314: Golden Apple Butter

<.On the outskirts of Avaloria City.>

The sun had just begun to rise over the rolling hills when Nathaniel drove down the gravel path, lined with grass on both sides. Hues of rose and lavender painted the sky, the golden sun showering the countryside in a soft, warm light.

Today was Saturday, the day Nathaniel and Elsie planned to bring their parents to the ranch far away from the city center. Their destination was Willow Creek Ranch Resort, run by a family for generations.

Andrea, Russell and the Winslows; Leonard and Diane, were already on their way there, driven by their chauffeurs. The chauffeurs would return to the city and come to pick them up tomorrow.

Last Thursday, Nathaniel hosted dinner at his villa in Seacastle, the place where Andrea and Russell resided during their stay in Velondia. The Winslow couple came, bringing gifts.

To Nathaniel and Elsie’s relief, both pairs of parents quickly warmed up to each other. Russell and Leonard even talked about fishing together during their ranch trip.

"Mommy! Daddy! I can see horses! Look!"

Lorianne squealed from the back seat, her brown eyes sparkling with excitement. Pressing her small hands against the windows, she couldn’t keep her eyes off the horses beyond the wooden fence.

Chuckles slipped from Nathaniel’s lips while Elsie glanced to the back, seeing how delighted Lorianne was. The little one was adorable in her pink fleece-lined hoodie with cat ears.

"We see them soon, my dear," Elsie replied, her lips curling up, "We’re almost there. Your gramps will arrive soon too. Their cars are just behind us."

Through the rearview mirror, they could see two sedans closely approaching. One carried Russell and Andrea, and the other with Leonard and Diane.

Nathaniel glanced at Lorianne as he slowed the car, "We timed it perfectly, Lorrie. Are you excited?"

"Yay~ Grandpa, Grandma, Granda and Granny are all with us too! We can play together!"

Lorianne giggled, unable to hold her excitement back. The thought of spending her day on the ranch with all of her grandparents made her beyond overjoyed.

Nathaniel and Elsie exchanged a look. Both of them wished the same. They hope today’s trip would help to ease everyone further into familiarity.

After Nate parked the car, the other two vehicles pulled into the spots nearby. Russell and Andrea emerged from one, stretching their legs after the long ride. From the other, Leonard and Diane stepped out, taking in the serene landscape.

"It’s so refreshing here," Diane hummed, completely at ease.

The air carried the earthy scent of fallen leaves and damp soil, mingling with the sweet, mellow aroma of overripe apples from the nearby orchard. The breeze rustled through the tall, golden grass and dry corn stalks.

"Granny, Granda!" Lorianne ran to her grandparents, waving her short arms up and down, "Grandma, Grandpa!"

Elsie and Nathaniel smiled seeing how energetic Lorianne was. After telling their parents to sit at the nearby pavilion, the couple went to the resort lobby to register their arrival.

Not long after, the group was led to their accommodations by two attendants. Nathaniel booked three rustic yet comfortable cabins overlooking a tranquil lake.

Side by side, the cabin had a private porch that opened to the breathtaking view of the lake. The water glimmered under the soft morning light, reflecting the golden hues of the late autumn trees.

"There’s a firepit there," Russell pointed to a direction. Glancing at Lorianne, he said, "We can have your favorite toasted marshmallows tonight."

Of course, the gluttonous Lorianne wouldn’t ever say no!

Everyone looked at the fire pit mentioned by Russell. It was built in the middle of a circular stone clearing by the lake, surrounded by sturdy wooden benches.

After dismissing the resort staff, Nathaniel looked from his parents to Elsie’s, then he said, "Let’s regroup in thirty minutes. Better to get some rest first."

Russell, Andrea, Leonard and Diane agreed. Bringing their suitcases along, they disappeared inside the cabins. Then, Nathaniel led Elsie and Lorianne inside theirs.

Pushing the door open, a stream of golden autumn light followed from behind. Nathaniel stepped into the cozy wooden cabin. The warmth of the heater and the scent of pine and cinnamon welcomed them.

Holding Lorianne’s small hand, Elsie followed close behind. The little one’s eyes widened the moment she walked past the door.

"Hehe, do you like it, Lorrie?" Elsie chuckled once she noticed the change in Lorianne’s expression.

Nathaniel simply smiled. He thought the rustic charm of the cabin had enamored Lorriane—of the patchwork quilt on the bed, the stone fireplace, the exposed wooden beams and the cushioned armchairs by the window.

Unfortunately, he was completely wrong. It was not the fireplace or the cozy decor that caught his daughter’s attention, but...

"Oh! There’s a basket!"

Squealing, Lorianne ran to the coffee table where a wicker basket was sitting atop the surface. Wrapped in a burlap bow, the welcome basket was full of goodies.

Elsie threw Nathaniel a look, "Seems like someone found the welcome gift."

Nathaniel exhaled a sigh, quite helpless. After putting the suitcase down, he walked to Lorianne. She had carefully peeled the bow off before taking the goodies out one by one.

"Daddy! There’s so much inside!"

Lorianne pulled out a small jar with a checkered red-and-white lid. Its label was handwritten in a cursive script. Unable to read it, she held it up to Nathaniel.

"Daddy, what’s this?"

"That’s apple butter, my little princess," Nate said, "You can spread it on toast or waffles. It’s sweet and a little spicy."

Lorianne wrinkled her nose in delight, "Oh~ Can I try it later? Can I eat it with toasted marshmallow?"

Blinking, Nathaniel glanced at Elsie who began to laugh. He didn’t have the answer to that.

Would apple butter taste good with toasted marshmallow?

Did anyone know?

"I haven’t tried that," Elsie said in honesty as she kneeled beside Lorianne, "But you can try it tonight. Maybe as a dip or make it into s’mores."

"Hehehe~ I gonna try it, Mommy," Lorianne giggled, then she continued her exploration of the basket’s contents, "Oooh! What is this? Yummy!"

Lorianne held up a paper-wrapped bundle. A faint scent of cinnamon and cloves came from it. She unwrapped a corner, revealing a cluster of sugar-dusted pumpkin cookies shaped like little leaves.

"Pumpkin cookies. We can save them for later, Lorrie," Elsie gently teased, "You can have them with warm milk."

"Okay, Mommy," Lorianne nodded, listening to her mother. Then, she reached back and found a small pouch tied with a twine.

"What’s this?"

"Dried apple chips, I guess," Nathaniel replied, peering over Lorianne’s shoulders, "And the other one looks like candied pecans."

"Hehehe, this is the best basket ever," Lorianne declared dramatically, hugging the basket to her chest, "I gonna eat everything."

This simple wicker basket had turned into a treasure chest for the little one. She didn’t expect to find it as soon as she stepped into the cabin.

Smiling, Elsie ran a hand gently through Lorianne’s hair, "You’ll share some with us, right?"

Lorianne paused, thinking for a moment, "Maybe... one pumpkin cookie each for Mommy and Daddy."

"Greedy little munchkin," Nathaniel pinched Lorianne’s nose, earning a hiss from her.

"Daddy! Don’t pinch my nose! No cookie for you!"

Then, the little one hurriedly hid the basket from her dad, afraid she would lose her treasure.