How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 136

When Elodie returned to the house, she found her grandmother chatting with Cara, who was simmering broth in the kitchen.

The gentle bubbling of the pot filled the air with a savory aroma.

Her grandmother spotted Elodie at the door and greeted her warmly. "You're here by yourself? Where's Jarrod? Parking the car?"

Elodie kept her composure. "He had something to take care of. I came ahead."

Her grandmother's face fell instantly. "What could possibly be so important? Work's over-what's keeping him now?"

Elodie just smiled, offering no explanation.

"Has work been that busy lately?" Her grandmother motioned for Cara to pour a glass of peach juice. "Cara was just saying you and Jarrod barely come around anymore. What's going on?"

Elodie hesitated, at a loss for words.

still didn't know the truth; she assumed

Jarrod planned

end of the year. There's a big project at work—I can't get away," she

of yourself. Everything else can wait. I've already decided I'll have Cara make you some nourishing soups and tonic. You always say you're fine, but you look tired to me. A woman's health is everything. Drink a little

grandmother's concern was genuine, and she couldn't bring

Gran soon grumbled again. "Jarrod, too-what is he doing, not even home by

alright, Gran. Let's just eat. If he's driving, it's not

a gentle excuse-better that than risk Sylvie

grandmother let

certain Jarrod wouldn't show up tonight, but just as the meal

thinking about when her grandmother might leave so she could slip out

in time for dinner, Gran's expression finally softened

through the meal, her grandmother suddenly brightened with an idea. "This year, why don't we take a family portrait for the holidays? What