How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

The Whitaker family's christening celebration was nothing short of lavish, with a steady stream of well-wishers filling the grand hall.

They were, after all, a prominent family-made all the more illustrious by their connection to the Silversteins, a distinguished clan in their own right. The guest list reflected their status; everyone who was anyone wanted to be seen here.

When Elodie arrived upstairs, her great-aunt was busy greeting guests. The moment she spotted Elodie, she broke into a warm smile and waved her over. "Just you? Where's Jarrod?"

"He's parking the car, he'll be up soon." Elodie returned her smile with a gentle one of her own, handing over a carefully wrapped gift. "A little something from both of us."

Her great-aunt accepted it, beaming. "You didn't need to bring anything. Your grandmother's health isn't what it used to be-sending you both is blessing enough."

With that, she took Elodie by the hand and led her further inside.

She gestured for Alaric Whitaker-the baby's father-to bring over the little one.

Elodie gazed at the tiny bundle, so cherubic and delicate, and for a moment, she was utterly captivated. Her lips curved into a spontaneous smile, her whole demeanor softening.

Her great-aunt nudged the baby into her arms. "Want to give it a try?"

Elodie hesitated, nervous-she had never held a newborn before. Still, she nodded and carefully cradled the baby, who was warm and impossibly soft. The sensation melted her heart.

She couldn't resist gently stroking the baby's cheek.

Jarrod arrived just in time to see this scene.

to be reserved, a little aloof. Moments like

gaze away from Elodie. "Aunt

on the shoulder

adores babies? When are you two going to have one of your

age, you know. I'm already on my second kid at twenty-nine. You'd better catch

offered a faint, polite smile but didn't respond. He clearly

Elodie's distant marriage. Seeing Jarrod's indifference, they could only sigh inwardly. Why was it

understood Jarrod well enough. It

just might not want to have them

at the cooing baby in her arms, lost in thought

have a child

the main table with the

rounds of wine, Jarrod checked his watch. "Aunt Caroline, I have some important

decided to stay; if she left

small silk pouches and handed one to each of them. "These are fertility charms, specially blessed. Keep them close-good luck comes to those

as if she'd

all, no one here knew she and Jarrod were already

this

ever the diplomat, accepted

Elodie stayed quiet.

might never be

But Sylvie could.