Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"My own son-I'll discipline him however I see fit. And as his aunt, what gives you the right to interfere in how I raise him?"

Jessica typed the words without a hint of courtesy.

Sallie was so furious, she nearly choked on her own breath.

"Jessica, have you lost your mind? How dare you speak to me like that? Henry is my nephew of course I have every right to step in if you lay a hand on him! Get out of my house this instant!"

Sallie jabbed her finger toward the door.

"You're the one telling me to leave, remember?"

Jessica's reply was swift.

"That's right—I am telling you to get out! Grandpa already gave you a chance, but you didn't care enough to try. You can't even handle Henry, let alone Timothy's feelings, and all you ever do is threaten divorce. Grandpa said if you want to leave, then leave. Better that way-so Henry won't have to grow up embarrassed by a mute mother. If it weren't for your silence, do you think Henry would be clinging to Sheila instead?"

Jessica had nothing left to worry about.

Since the Lawson family had finally decided to let her divorce Timothy, she couldn't be more eager. She didn't even bother packing her bags-she just walked straight out of The Gilded Whisper Estates.

With Jessica gone, Sallie was practically beaming as she hurried to share the good news with Henry.

care of that nasty business for you. Don't be upset

how exactly did you 'take care of

"I kicked her out!"

fluttered. "Dad brought her home. If you kick her out, Dad will just bring

handed Sallie the wedding plans Secretary Allen's assistant had

What on

really planning to make

and found Jessica missing, wouldn't he

No way.

had no intention of picking a fight with her

and explained Timothy's intention to hold a

Timothy first

Phelps made the final call. But he'd insisted on on condition: the marriage should be kept quiet. No need for the world to know Timothy had married a mute; no sense dragging

the only reason the marriage ever

already broken that

once, introducing Jessica

it

cemetery. Fresh flowers and small tokens were already arranged, proof

Timothy headed to Moonstrand

with her