No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Chapter 167



Herschel froze in his tracks so suddenly I thought he might stumble.

I quickly reached out to steady him. "Herschel..."

He turned to me, a shadow crossing his face. "Felicia, why would you ask something like that out of the blue?"

I wanted to mention what Ernest had told me but couldn't bring myself to share it with Herschel. I brushed it off, "Just a random question, that's all." The usual warmth had drained from Herschel's face, leaving him solemn and, quite frankly, a bit intimidating.

"Felicia, your parents' accident was just that—an accident. I was there, I saw it all. There are police reports and everything to prove it," Herschel said heavily.

I hadn't been to the scene of the accident. Herschel had spared me from it, not wanting me to see something so grim. But that choice had left me with a lifetime of unanswered questions.

"If you're having doubts, or you don't believe me, you can check the records for yourself," Herschel's complexion turned ashen, the joviality gone from his voice.

I knew how close he had been to my father, almost like brothers. Bringing up my parents' death must have reminded him of the tragedy, causing him pain.

linked my arm through his. "No need, I

searching for something. For a moment, I thought he might say more,

sigh, he said, "Felicia, why don't you go on ahead? I

planned to come downstairs with me but suddenly changed his mind. My heart

really. Go on," Herschel gestured for me

the study but didn't go straight downstairs. Instead, I leaned against the wall, lost in thought. Something about Herschel's reaction didn't sit

me a

al

not get. alongor that Jacqueline might give Ernest

have even

I descended the stairs

run up to me and call me 'mom.' I used to say how wonderful it would be if she were my own. Her mom

I'd heard why I

it, Felicia immediately said she'd marry young Conrad without a hint of

laugh; it was her own

always asking the boys to carry her on

surprised. His comment sounded as if he knew me from