How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

She was just stating the facts.

Queenie shot Ivan a look of surprise-how was it possible she'd never known Elodie had been married?

Ivan narrowed his eyes, taking in the obvious tension between Elodie and Jarrod. He knew Elodie well enough to see she was not the type to lose her composure- unless someone truly pushed her to the edge.

Just like now.

He leaned in abruptly and took away the coconut water sitting by Elodie's hand. "She doesn't drink coconut water," he said, matter-of-fact.

Jarrod was turned away, listening to Sylvie, and it was impossible to tell if he'd heard.

Elodie glanced at Ivan.

She had to admit-nobody understood her better than he did.

Queenie, feeling a stab of something she couldn't name, teased, "You're so good to your sister."

Ivan pulled her closer, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he whispered something in her ear. Queenie gave him a playful shove, half-laughing, half- pouting.

Elodie watched the two of them, then turned to look at Jarrod.

no reaction at

to him, he

to Alexander

refuse a polite

knew better than to

As Elodie collected her things, her gaze landed on

She froze.

teenager -spending a week on the

She remembered how upset and worried he'd been to

the charm, he

him a thoughtful look, then nodded. "Don't take too

was gone, Ivan turned to Elodie. "She really liked it,

voice

the cool

mind, could you make me another

truly didn't

request made her frown despite

She looked at him and said, "Then just lose that one and

returned, his expression

on Elodie's face and his frown deepened. "What's