No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 61



Dustin was back, and it was as much a surprise as him remembering that old landline number of my dad's.

Herschel and Jacqueline were just as shocked, staring at Dustin for what felt like forever without uttering a single word.

Dustin had been gone for four years, not once coming back home during that time. His sudden return caught me off guard, but it was a pleasant surprise too.

"What's the matter, Mom, Dad? Don't you welcome me back?" Dustin asked with a smile as he approached.

Dustin was the kind-hearted soul everyone knew him to be. During my decade with the Wagner family, Dustin was the source of warmth in this house before he left.

But unlike Conrad, who was all about grand gestures, Dustin preferred actions over words, and his kindness was not always in the spotlight.

"Dustin," I called out to him.

That seemed to snap Herschel and Jacqueline back to reality. Jacqueline let go of me and walked to Dustin, giving him a few gentle smacks, "So, you finally remember your parents, huh?"

Herschel added, "Couldn't you have given us a heads-up?"

a soft

up in Jacqueline's eyes as Dustin hugged

before pulling him into a tight embrace, mumbling, "We thought we did

are you talking about? I've just been busy overseas," Dustin explained, his gaze still fixed on me. His intense look sent my heart racing. Was he back

Although Herschel seemed to come around, Jacqueline was still hesitant. With Dustin and Herschel's persuasion,

he was hungry and was

the kitchen, insisting I join them for the meal,

and having said everything over the phone, we were at a loss for

starting to think you wouldn't come

I can come whenever I want," I replied, my thoughts drifting to packing my

busy figures

it was the perfect

pack my

the

sadness or persuasion from

Jacqueline when it was

help you with the luggage," I offered,

immediately

and I quickly pulled back, a jolt running through

carry my bags, and I'm not about to start