iend. He sat by her hospital bed, spoon-fed her broth, and brought h

r. She watched him, detached, as if viewing a play. His every move was calculated, every word a li

ne, claiming she needed fresh air, insiste

tering atrium of the m

d and

moment he saw her with Antone

oice tight. "Did you for

ing uncomfortable, her eyes da

her," he said, a playful lilt in his voice that didn't reach his eyes. "We're just gett

. picking out a wedding gift for you," she mu

e, a perfect way to expl

n. "Fine," he said, his voice cli

a command. He wanted to watch

He had gotten what he wanted: more time in Chelsea's presence, u

sted dynamic. They went to a jewelry store, where Chelsea tr

g room in a cloud of white silk

, Des?" she asked,

ied, his eyes glancing di

ipping for a moment, his eyes filled with a raw, undisguised

cture for me?" Chelsea ask

tographed Chelsea. Desmond, standing beside her, was completely cropped out of the frame. Dallas saw him di

st. She was an outsider to all of it. The past with Desmond was a lie. The present with Antone wa

p and walked toward the restr

lled away by a business emergency. Chel

a handsome gray suit. "A thank you for all

, unforced delight. He took the sui

to try on a dress so we can see how you two look together!"