Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Timothy, for his part, hadn't even shown the slightest hint of anger.

Sallie, clearly dissatisfied, shot Jessica a dramatic eyeroll before turning back to Timothy. "Timothy, maybe you don't know this yet, but on Grandpa's birthday, I saw her at the fabric market. She was with some guy, laughing and looking awfully cozy with him..."

Timothy fixed his gaze on Sallie, his eyes cold as frost. His lips, sharp as if carved from marble, pressed into a hard, silent line.

Realizing she'd pushed too far, Sallie clammed up immediately.

She'd acted on impulse-again.

Men care about their pride, after all. And Jessica, being mute, made any talk of

her cheating even more humiliating for Timothy.

She shouldn't have blurted it out so recklessly.

Timothy broke eye contact, reaching over to take Jessica's hand.

Jessica tried to pull away, but his grip was unyielding.

Sallie just gaped.

Even now, Timothy was taking Jessica home?

a word to Sallie, Timothy ushered Jessica into the car, loaded her suitcase in the backseat, and got in himself. He

twisted

never argue with Jessica in public. He'd probably wait until they were home to deal with

intent

***

Timothy brought Jessica home.

hand as they entered the master bedroom, gently guiding her to sit at the edge of the bed. Then he knelt in front of her, his hands moving

long and elegant, his features striking; watching

but rarely used it. Jessica could hear perfectly well —she just didn't speak. He and his father knew sign only so they could understand

"About this morning-sorry. I was

Jessica hesitated.

first time Timothy had ever explained himself to

herself. It didn't matter

sign:

dark and turbulent. His brow

turning away

wasn't one for unnecessary words, and he despised drama. Their life since marrying had been peaceful-just the way he liked it. Divorce had never even crossed his mind. Their son was already six; everything had

why Jessica was suddenly making