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.

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

gaze away

him on the shoulder in

you two going to have one of your own? It'd make your grandmother so

the same age, you know. I'm already on my second kid

faint, polite smile but didn't respond. He

about Jarrod and Elodie's distant marriage. Seeing Jarrod's indifference,

It wasn't that he

not want to have them with

the cooing baby in her arms, lost

she ever have a child of her own-one this

and Jarrod took their seats at the main table with the rest of

I have some important matters to handle. I'll need to leave a bit

a moment, then decided to stay; if she left too, it would seem

and handed one to each of them. "These are fertility charms,

felt as if she'd been handed a

here knew she

like this

the diplomat, accepted

Elodie stayed quiet.

be

But Sylvie could.