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.

rather than confrontation,

was the real issue at

had learned to

"I'll take care of

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 you

I? My best trait is being

good trait is being

aloud, just kept up

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

hospital,

it's just over a month, that won't work. You'll need to wait at least two and a half months,

pondered for a moment before asking, "And

a father, had softened significantly. His methods

preferring words over action,

now rare. Hence,

is safe for the mother. The later stages just

we can confirm the child is Max's, that's all that matters." "Then

risk was too great with just month's difference. Monitoring

was crucial