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

never intended to ignore what he'd done for her. He'd saved her life and was seriously hurt because of it-she couldn't, and

recovering from her own illness, not fully back to

was out for the

their things, and, with a knowing

wasn't feeling great. She nodded toward the stairs.

asked, glancing back at

much as I can. I'm fine now, really, and I'm not going

my own, get to the bathroom by myself... If you want to help me undress in the shower, I wouldn't complain," he teased,

look after me, what

to worry

just followed

feeling well. He'd been pushing himself to stay alert

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

catch up on some work online while you sleep," she replied, settling onto the sofa with her

plenty to catch up on after

and watched her for a while, feeling a rare

Elodie scrolled through her

messages nothing urgent. When

up,

His brow furrowed, exhausted even in rest. So much responsibility had fallen on his shoulders; he'd been carrying it for so long. He must've beeso

gently pulled the blanket up around him, then

passed the nursery, a sharp ache pierced

tried to distract her, whenever she saw that

opened the door