How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elodie couldn't quite describe what she was feeling. It wasn't disappointment-just a biting sense of irony.

But really, what did she expect?

Of course Jarrod wouldn't deny the woman he loved her rightful place.

Ivan led Elodie out to the parking lot. As they stopped by the car, she was the first to pull her hand free, her voice cool and even as she asked, "Was there something you wanted to say?"

Leaning against the car door, Ivan hesitated. He knew Elodie was furious. The people who'd betrayed her her father, her husband, her sister—maybe he belonged on that list too.

But even so, Ivan knew he still mattered more to Elodie than the rest of them. She'd always listened to him, even when she disagreed.

"You know Jarrod would never actually get involved with Reba," Ivan said, lighting

a cigarette. "He cares about Sylvie. Anyone can see that."

Elodie hesitated for a moment. That's what everyone seemed to think.

"And as for Reba, she's still my sister. I can't just stand by and do nothing," Ivan continued, his tone deliberately casual, but his gaze steady and sincere.

Elodie had thought she could get through today's events without feeling anything at all. But Ivan's words struck her deeply.

he'd chosen to defend Reba after

how Reba and her mother had taken everything from her-her home, her mother, her sense of safety. Ivan had seen firsthand how much Elodie had suffered. He'd once been moved to

these

by' is to protect Reba, even though you know I'm the one getting hurt? You want me to just step aside and get over it?" Elodie let out a soft, bitter laugh. There was a raw ache in

risked her life for him once. Did he really not

didn't like to argue, so she turned

frustration crossed Ivan's face. He stubbed out his

sometime? Are you free this

but she was always quick to forgive. Usually, a meal and some conversation were enough to smooth

deep breath, ready

I just remembered, I'm busy this weekend," Ivan interrupted, a sudden thought

Queenie.

he planned on explaining that to

scene.

on having dinner with him anyway. It wasn't appropriate anymore-not as his sister, not after everything that had almost happened between

Elodie walk away, clutching her coat tightly around herself. He

of Elodie's world all through her teenage years. He was one of the most important people in her life, even her first love. He knew exactly how much he meant to

been sunny and full of life, basking in his affection. She'd been jealous

mess about Reba, he figured Elodie was just jealous again-upset that he was taking Reba's side. That

the strongest when she cared the