No Strings Attached

Clara was taken aback. Then she remembered the story Edwin had once told her, and her heart went out to Marian.

Marian's daughter was murdered, and her beloved granddaughter of over two decades turned out to be the child of a mistress. Seeing the hopeful look in Marian's eyes and feeling the deep longing in her heart, Clara affectionately called out, "Grandma."

At the sound of "Grandma," Marian could no longer contain her emotions. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

She nodded repeatedly, her voice trembling. "My dear, I am so happy to see you. You take good care of yourself, okay?"

"I will, thank you, Grandma Marian."

his eyes well up. He knew that Marian was aware of

The thought of her returning to

be your daughter, and you will always be the only father-in-law I recognize. Take care

relief.

were talking, Brodie walked up with his mother, Katherine, holding a gift in his hands. "Casey, this is some blueberry wine my mother made herself. Let us know

remember back in the day, our neighbor made the most incredible blueberry wine. It was sweet and rich, and you couldn't get drunk off it easily. One time, Clara sneaked a whole jug of it and ended up sleeping for a whole day and night. Scared Reed half to death." sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website

smile widened as he recalled the story. "Clara was such a mischievous child, so adorable." His eyes

raised his eyebrows proudly. "Thanks for the compliment. My wife is still quite adorable. But Casey just had surgery, and this wine might not be best for him. We appreciate your kind gesture, though,

on a deeper meaning. "Mr. Hayes, don't forget the promise you made to me to treat Clara well for a lifetime, or else,