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?"

go ahead and

what he'd done for her. He'd saved her life and was seriously hurt because of it-she couldn't, and wouldn't, just leave him

own illness, not

out for the

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

wasn't feeling great. She nodded toward

me?" he asked,

care of you as much as I can. I'm fine now, really, and I'm not going to

If you want to help me undress in the shower, I wouldn't complain," he teased, making it clear he didn't really expect her to play nurse-he just

let someone who's barely recovered look after me, what does that make

to worry about him too. It

just

been pushing

her. "This is your home, you know. You can relax. Why don't you lie down and nap

catch up on some work online while you sleep," she replied,

plenty to catch up on after

her all too well. He rested his head on the pillow and watched her for a while, feeling a rare sense of peace. Eventually,

Elodie scrolled through her

messages nothing urgent. When

up, she

exhausted even in rest. So much responsibility had fallen on his shoulders; he'd been

blanket up around him, then slipped quietly out of the

passed the nursery, a sharp ache

distract her, whenever she saw that

she opened the door and went