slight nod.

owledge our relationship, I'll walk away without a fuss. All I ask is that you don't stand in my way

ht. I

ng feeling crept into his chest-a quiet, formless

ers into fists, letting the sharp bite

s the limit she ha

him-eight long years of devotion, of

and it would b

firmest convictions, to erode

her, she would step back and give him

d never come, that she would never have to wal

..

's phone rang. Seeing the caller was B

iliar voice filled her ears. "Come home quickly. I h

ght, I'll be there soon." After a qui

tepped out of the car-only for the world to tilt

swiftly, steadying her. "Be ca

I must've stood up too fast. My blood sugar ten

best of health lately. Perhaps it was a

the corner, she had to start

ving room, Rachel's eyes i

he greeted, keepi

er distaste, merely glance

ook at the time-punctuality clearly isn't your strong sui

gaze, momentarily a

warmth envelo

et firm expression. "Rachel has always been thoughtful. If she was delayed, I'm sure i

htly. She had never known a mother's love-her own mothe

Cold and distant, he wa

had ever known came fro

ever have known what it f

f. "She's a grown woman now. You

tect her as long as I draw breath. Anyone who dares to trouble her will a

d Rachel to the seat beside her.

r argument, forcing Debby to suppress her rising frustration. A bitter jealousy festered with

embled Carol's long-deceased daugh

ebby not fe

r own son was marrying an illegitimate daughte

mood darkened while Carol lov

pallor with concern. "You've grown so thin. Please eat more. If Brian

hat good is all this food? They've been

in silence, thinking of t

grandchild-she yearned for motherhood

e been together forever, and my son's health is perfect. Other women conceive within weeks, yet afte

the words struck

y, Carol broached the subject gen

ere are health concerns, modern medicine offers many solutio

rt swelled w

be infertile, Carol's l

rol tightly. "Please don't w

"Then... is Br

ted, eyes wide. "Brian is complet

arol's eyes. "Ah. Brian w

s he wants to enjoy our time together f

him. He's not mist

showing off an elegant brace

wonderfu

new chef prepared

after tasting them. "

ing of Brian, aren't you

has such a sweet tooth. I

d with affection. "G

at Brian's office, h

, she quietly left the des

liar voice rang

d, surprised by the u