A Second Chance at Forever novel (Eleanor and Bernard)

It was past midnight when Albert got back to Heron.

Since he hadn't given Daisy a heads-up, she was taken aback by his sudden return. When he walked in, she exclaimed, “Albert? I didn't expect you back so soon!” Throwing her arms around him, Daisy was met with Albert's indifferent response. “I need a bath,” he said flatly, patting her on the shoulder.

With a gentle ki*s on his chin, Daisy offered, “I'L run the bath for you." Albert accepted without protest.

As he reached the bedside, he shrugged off his coat and collapsed onto the bed.

Exhausted from the recent days, he drifted into slumber the moment his head hit the pillow. In his half-asleep state, he felt a tickle on his face, as if a puppy were licking him. Caught between dreams and reality, he reached out to stroke the woman's hair lovingly, murmuring, “Quit it, Jessie. Let me rest! I'm beat!” Startled awake at his own words, he found himself staring into Daisy's astonished eyes.

instant, the facade of their harmonious marriage

notice her expression, Albert mumbled an

else's arms mere

for this marriage, Albert still

more taken aback. Albert had called her Jessie and had

didn't want her! Perched on the edge of the bed, Daisy gazed at Albert, who had retreated

touch me?

no desire to discuss Jessie

his distance from Jessie since tying the knot. He