Albert feigned annoyance. “What are you talking about? Jessie can barely stand the sight of me these days. We're miles from tying the knot."

Though he tried to play it cool, a faint smirk graced his lips. “Fix me up a bowl of that soup."

Elsie eagerly complied, “Sure thing! This here is the chicken soup with fresh bamboo shoots. It's as fresh as it gets this season. Mrs. Green does put a lot of thought into it."

A steaming bowl landed on the table.

Albert's stomach rumbled at the sight, but before he dug in, he dialed Jessie's mom to extend his thanks.