Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

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"Wrap it up in a gift box-it's for someone," Lindey told the clerk. She turned, and the moment her eyes landed on me, her voice wavered. "Rea."

"Hi Lindey." I said, stepping toward her.

Her eyes filled with tears almost instantly. "Rea..

That was all she managed to say. Just my name like she had so much on her mind but couldn't get the words out.

1 studied her quietly. In just a few months, her hair had more streaks of gray, and her face. looked tired, drained of life. The spark in her eyes was gone.

I didn't need to ask how she'd been. Matthew's illness, the tension between her sons, the family crumbling-it was written all over her face.

It all seemed to unravel after I broke up with Jace. They say a peaceful family brings prosperity, and looking at her now, I finally got it.

been?" she asked after a

"I'm doing well."

to convince herself.

didn't ask how she was.

you here picking out artwork for someone?" she

my grandpa's birthday," Lena chimed in.

always liked Rea. He's mentioned her before..." Her words

I didn't know what to say.

she called after me. Her lips moved silently before she finally spoke. "Could you... could you come visit sometime? Matthew doesn't have much time left. He really wants to see you."

I said

are most honest near the end, and for all Matthew's wrongs, it felt like

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Chapter 785

Lindey said, her relief evident. "Let me know when you'll come,

and excitement left me feeling heavy. I

the register, Lindey tried to pay for my selection. "Let me handle it," she insisted. "Lindey, no," I said firmly. "It's a gift from me. It only counts if I pay for it

but eventually nodded, walking away, though she kept glancing

Lena let