Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Sherilyn paused, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes. Had he finally seen the light?

Although slightly puzzled by the sudden shift in his demeanor, the outcome was precisely what she had hoped for.

"Okay," Sherilyn said with a small, pursed-lip smile. "Take care, I'm off."

"You too..."

Edgar Ferguson nodded slightly, stepping out of the car to open the door for her.

Their eyes met, sharing a laugh.

Sherilyn waved at him. "I'm heading in. It's snowing; drive safely."

"I will. Go ahead, I'll wait till you're inside before I leave."

"Okay."

Sherilyn turned and walked away.

The moment she turned, the smile on Edgar's face vanished, leaving behind a depth of emotion in his eyes that couldn't be easily dispelled. Watching her retreating figure, he murmured softly, "Sherilyn, I'll wait for you."

He understood Sherilyn's predicament.

From her point of view, it totally made sense.

As a mother, her daughter had to come first... He couldn't and wouldn't compete with Jenna...

he could do was

for the day Jenna was out of

he couldn't

to wait was voluntary,

Jenna would be better, and Sherilyn and Gilbert

would be his

if, contrary to his hopes, Sherilyn

wouldn't have

snowflake, "This is my hope for myself." After all,

...

had already bathed and

was still bustling about. Sherilyn noticed the kitchen table was

vel.se

ingredients, snacks, and g

red...

it up but not recognizing it

decorations," Sophia explained with a laugh. "Don't

Sherilyn recognized it. "I know, but it's been a long time

were left to the servants. And later, in Crestwood, with

up her sleeves.

"Sure."

the package, she reflected,

just? Once you grow up, time seems to

moved to the window, pulled back the curtain, and carefully placed the decoration,