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

mother, her sense of safety. Ivan had seen firsthand how much Elodie had suffered. He'd once been moved to tears over it, promising he'd do anything to protect

these things and

you know I'm the one getting hurt? You want me to just step aside and get over it?" Elodie let out a

risked her life for him once. Did

didn't like to argue, so she turned to

frustration crossed Ivan's face. He stubbed out his

her, "How about dinner sometime? Are

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

breath, ready

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

be with Queenie. That day

that he planned on explaining that to

scene.

need," Elodie replied quietly, seeing right through him. She hadn't planned on having dinner with him anyway. It wasn't appropriate anymore-not as his

around herself. He frowned, unable to shake the feeling

He was one of the most important people in her life,

life, basking in his affection. She'd been jealous when

Reba, he figured Elodie was just jealous

made sense. She'd always reacted the strongest when she cared the