Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

James might be small, but he sure knows how to make a point.

"Why didn't you come to pick me up with Dad if you're supposed to be my mom?"

Caroline's face fell, clearly displeased but struggling to keep her cool.

She forced a smile, "Well, not before, but James, from now on, I'm going to be your mom."

"Why?" James was confused. "I don't like you. I don't want you to be my mom!"

He stood up, ready to leave.

But Caroline grabbed him, her patience running thin as she stared him down.

"Listen, James! I'm marrying your dad, and that means I'll be your mom!"

James, frightened by her tone, wriggled free, "No! I don't want this!"

And with that, he ran off, bumping straight into Sylvia's arms. Sylvia embraced her little great-grandson, asking, "What's wrong, James?" It was clear the boy was scared.

"James!" Caroline followed, anger written all over her face. Seeing Sylvia, she paused, "Grandma."

"Great-grandma."

James burrowed into Sylvia's embrace, turning his back to Caroline.

couldn't

entire Johnson family knew Caroline wasn't exactly fond of

"Don't be scared, James."

Johnson family with a silver spoon yet ended up feeling so alone until he was

unfairness James had faced, Sylvia wished she could do more

worry, James, with me around, no

temper flared, "Grandma! What are

I meant... It's just James is still so young, only three. He's grown up

was stunned, her face turning

knew well how much the old lady

favored by the Johnson family because she had once

the

ss, she hadn't expected

so

just that in

"What's going on here?"

the commotion,

"Dad!"

stood up straight, the tiny boy trying to

voice quivered, tears

glanced at Francis, hoping for some

broke

already