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.

stopped and glanced

was a text from

[Happy New Year.]

distant tone in his voice-the sort of obligatory politeness that meant

at those three words. She knew it wasn't a

caring about these things, but still, out of sheer courtesy,

phone away without

had no intention of

going to play along

"Elodie!"

shout behind her jolted

over, trailed by Joseph, both in

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

small smile.

my medicine." Freya pouted; if she'd known, she would have come later to hang out with

Take your medicine first-your health comes first,"

I'll be back to

hair. "Don't dawdle. You have to take

Elodie's hand. "Wait

walked off, glancing back

help

Joseph stayed behind.