Lost Me Gained Regret

Christine was always reasonable, at least in Jake's eyes.

And it wasn't about winning her forgiveness or anything like that.

He simply wanted to protect her as much as he could.

To shield her from the harm that hanging out with Max could bring-hurt from Ella or disdain from the Clarksons.

Jake reluctantly tagged along with Max, not out of choice but because Emily had asked him to check on things.

Seeing the mess Max had landed himself in, Jake couldn't help but jab, "Looks like Merritt's got it better than you right now." Max, uninterested in a verbal spar, suggested, "Let's reach out to Dr. Andrews, see if we can arrange a DNA test now." Jake replied, "Haste won't help. Even if you wanted to, Ella wouldn't let you."

"This mess might be on you now, but if she starts targeting Christine, the road ahead for both of you will be even rockier."

It wasn't that Jake couldn't intervene, but he had a soft spot for the elder Clarksons who'd treated him well.

He wasn't keen on burning bridges unless absolutely necessary.

Besides, with Caldwell and Madge at their age, any stress could be too much.

Even if Max chose Christine unequivocally, she wouldn't want his family to suffer over their relationship.

a gentle approach, rather than confrontation, seemed

real issue

had learned to read between

nodded, "I'll take care of

acknowledgment, bending to peer into the car, "Caldwell, with your arthritis, you should avoid the cold. Let me know if you need anything." Caldwell was skeptical but smiled, "I'll take

I? My

good trait is

say it aloud, just kept up his mysterious

slid into the driver's seat, and the line of sleek black cars

hospital, heading straight for Dr.

You'll need to wait at least two and a half months, but the optimal

moment before asking, "And

Jake, after settling down and becoming a father, had softened significantly. His methods were

preferring words over action,

rare.

aback, "Yes, the procedure is safe for the mother. The later stages

all that matters." "Then let's schedule it for two and a half months.

great with just month's

crucial