Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Gilbert frowned, showing his reluctance. "You know how I feel about street food. It's just not clean."

Sherilyn said with a pleading look. "Just this time, please? I've got a real craving today."

"Alright, fine."

Gilbert gave in, remembering the old wives' tale that if a pregnant woman craves something, you have to let her have it. Otherwise, she'd hold it against you forever, bringing it up as a grievance at every chance.

He couldn't bear the thought of Sherilyn feeling that way.

Taking her hand, they headed towards the convenience store, with Gilbert reminding, "Just a little, okay?"

"Got it!"

As they turned, Caroline stood before them.

"Caroline," Gilbert was taken aback. "What are you doing here?"

"Just around," Caroline replied with a forced smile, clearly feeling left out. Was she invisible to him now that Sherilyn was all he could see?

Suddenly, Sherilyn let go of his hand, making Gilbert worry she was upset again. "Sherilyn?"

"Go talk. Abel can come with me," Sherilyn said brightly, nodding toward Abel.

"You're not mad?"

touched her

you?" Sherilyn rolled her eyes, tossing her hair with a flourish that emphasized her

behind you,

scoffed, "So, she's here to see you or

Gilbert's expression darkened.

gaze. "Don't

over her face. "But her

saying this one last time. The child is mine won't have you slandering

"What I owe you has nothing

towards the convenience store, leaving Caroline frozen in place, shocked by his declaration of

...

into a hot dog that

small, amused smile

slightly, swallowing before

"Really?"

the hot dog in her hand, taking one for himself to

"Hey!"

went wide with disbelief. "A bite was all