How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elodie finally understood what he was getting at.

She knew he was playing the sympathy card, but she also realized he was only doing it for her sake.

"You know," Jarrod drawled, "my lungs still ache, my ribs can't take any strain, I can't even shower by myself."

Standing behind the wheelchair, Andrea shot Jarrod a strange look. He'd never seen Mr. Silverstein like this before.

There was simply no way for Elodie to argue with Jarrod's words.

"So, you want me to stay at Moonlight Garden?"

"No, I want you to come home."

Jarrod didn't wait for her to agree or refuse; he took her hand. "Just humor me, will you?"

Elodie could only stare at him, speechless.

Sometimes, she truly thought Jarrod was a master at both pride and humility— whatever suited him best. Most days, he was cool and distant, but when he wanted to be difficult, he had plenty of tricks up his sleeve.

Finally, she turned to Andrea. "Help him to the car. We'll stop by Moonlight Garden first."

Andrea nodded. "Of course."

Clearly, Mr. Silverstein's act was a resounding success. Andrea had to admit, he was almost impressed.

Once Elodie got in the car, she texted Rosemary and Emile to let them know she'd be going to Jarrod's place first. As she put her phone away and turned, she saw that the smile hadn't left Jarrod's lips.

Catching her glance, he said, "Being in a good mood probably helps with recovery, don't you think?"

ahead and keep

saved her life and was seriously hurt because of it-she couldn't, and wouldn't, just leave him to fend for himself. They arrived at

was still recovering from her own illness, not fully back

out for the

them inside, brought in their things, and, with a knowing look,

She nodded

asked, glancing back at

"I'll take care of you as much as I can. I'm fine now, really, and I'm not

the bathroom by myself... If you want to help me undress in the shower, I wouldn't complain," he teased, making it clear he

recovered look after me,

rest herself, and now she had to worry about him too.

didn't argue, just followed him

been pushing himself to

your home, you know. You can relax. Why don't you lie down and

some work online while you sleep," she

up

on the pillow and watched

Elodie scrolled through her

messages nothing urgent. When

looked up, she

responsibility had fallen on his shoulders; he'd

over and gently pulled the blanket up around him, then slipped quietly out

she passed the nursery, a sharp ache

tried to distract her, whenever

opened the door and went