How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 145

Elodie nearly choked on her drink. "Grandma, you've got it all wrong. He's just Jarrod's friend."

At that, Rosemary's expression froze for a moment.

"Well, that won't do then. Not appropriate. Let's keep looking," she said.

Emile, exasperated, put a piece of roast on his mother's plate. "Mom, Elodie just got divorced. There's no rush."

Rosemary had already discussed this with him. He'd been fully supportive of Elodie's decision-there's no point staying in an unhappy marriage that only wears you down.

Rosemary shot him a look. "You think I don't know? Isn't it you young folks who always say the best way to move on is to meet someone new? If you happen to find the right person, and they're decent, why not give them a chance?"

Elodie couldn't help but laugh. "Grandma, you're really keeping up with the times."

She'd expected Rosemary to be worried sick about her, but now she realized her grandmother's years abroad had given her a surprisingly open mind. It was actually a comfort.

The bonfire party wasn't until ten, and dinner wrapped up a little after eight.

Elodie glanced at the clock. "How about a soak in the hot springs before we head out again? Warm up a bit?"

Rosemary and Emile had no objections.

The hotel had separate hot springs for men and women, plus an outdoor pool with a view. Rosemary and Emile preferred peace and quiet and headed for the indoor springs, while Elodie, who liked a good view, wandered out to the open-air pool alone.

Wrapped in a towel, she stepped in, when her phone suddenly buzzed.

and

a text

[Happy New Year.]

could practically hear the cool, distant

words. She knew

her on social media, never caring about these things, but still, out of sheer courtesy, he'd sent her this

her phone away without another

had no

was divorced. She wasn't going to

"Elodie!"

behind her jolted her from her

running over, trailed by Joseph, both in

but I didn't believe him. Looks like we're spending New Year's together

a small smile. "Happy

soaking and now my brother's dragging me back to take my medicine." Freya pouted; if she'd known, she would have come later to hang

your medicine first-your health

at once. "Okay, I'll be back to find

You have to take

squeezed Elodie's hand. "Wait

walked off, glancing back

help but

Joseph stayed behind.