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.

showy displays; she tended to be reserved, a little aloof.

over, shifting his gaze away from Elodie. "Aunt

clapped him on

playfully. "See how much Elodie adores babies? When are you two going to have one of your own? It'd make your grandmother so

I'm already on my second kid

polite smile but didn't respond. He clearly wasn't interested in pursuing the

knowing look-they'd heard enough rumors about Jarrod and Elodie's distant marriage. Seeing Jarrod's indifference,

It

just might not want to

the cooing baby in her arms, lost in thought for

ever have a child of her own-one this

Jarrod took their seats at the main

a few rounds of wine, Jarrod checked his watch. "Aunt Caroline, I have some important matters to handle.

for a moment, then decided to stay; if she left

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

as if she'd

here knew she and

this was

diplomat, accepted his with

Elodie stayed quiet.

never be able to have

But Sylvie could.