Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Chapter 1159

Rebecca White leaned against Francis's shoulder, her tears quiet and raspy, grief spilling out from somewhere deep in her bones, so bottomless it seemed it would never end.

Her head throbbed, pain crashing over her again. She squeezed her eyes shut, nearly collapsing into Francis's arms.

"Rebecca?" Francis's voice was low, full of worry.

He caught her just in time, scooping her up in his arms, and laid her gently back on the bed.

She pressed a hand to her temple, her face twisted in pain.

Francis stuck his head out the door and called, "Jane!"

"Coming!" The nurse hurried in, apron still on, "Mr. Johnson?"

"Her meds?"

"I'll grab them right away."

Rebecca had to take her medication every evening, but tonight, she'd gone straight to bed and missed her dose.

Jane was back in no time, pills and a glass of water in hand. "Here you go, Mr. Johnson."

Francis eased Rebecca up so she rested against his chest, then took the pills and water from Jane. He soothed her, voice gentle, "Come on, honey. Take your meds, you'll feel better."

Rebecca parted her lips and let him place the small pill on her tongue. He held the glass to her mouth, waited as she swallowed.

"Thanks, Jane," Francis waved the nurse away.

"Yes, sir." Jane left quietly, closing the door behind her.

her. He wasn't one for words, but

dwell on the past. James is safe now. Once you're better, we'll have plenty of days together-just us, as

away

Your

he thought, she'd make herself sick if

reining in

your eyes," Francis urged her softly. "Try to get

her hand and started to stand, but she suddenly gripped his wrist, her hold

up at him, lost and anxious. “Are you

moving through his chest.

gazed at

sighed and tried again, gentler, "How can I leave you like this?

Rebecca responded—her eyes red and swollen as she nodded. "Okay." “Alright." Francis felt something in him ease. She

stay. I'm just going to

swollen shut

added, "Sherilyn said you didn't eat much tonight. Are you hungry? Want

shook her head. "No, thanks. I don't think I

didn't push. He knew that kind of grief left

pack. He pressed it gently to Rebecca's eyes, then sat down on the edge of the bed and took her

anywhere. I'll be right here with

"Okay."

holding on to his warmth. Her

as she drifted off, finally

watched over her in

heart aching for her, but

'n