Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica's hands were full, making conversation impossible.

But Herbert could already guess what she wanted to say.

"Wondering why I'm here?" he asked with a half-smile.

Jessica nodded.

"I came to visit my grandfather's grave, and thought I'd stop by your grandmother's too. I can't even count how many meals she made for me when I was a kid."

Of course, the real reason was to keep Jessica company.

He knew today was the Thanksgiving Day, and Jessica would be here to pay respects to her grandmother and mother.

Herbert reached out, taking the offerings and flowers from Jessica's arms. “Let's do this together."

He loaded the items into the trunk, then opened the car door for her.

Once they were inside, Jessica began sharing her morning's speech therapy practice. She admitted it was still tough—even the simplest sounds wouldn't come out right.

yet. The test results show your nerves have healed much more than before, which is why

was a ray of hope she hadn't seen in years. If her body was healing on

into her palm-a silent thank

she started signing, Herbert would have to take his eyes off the road

all the way

Herbert and Jessica got out and walked together to

he'd been told simply to pick up Mrs. Lawson and bring her home-nothing more. If he reported that she was visiting the cemetery with another man, President Lawson would probably lose his temper. That would only make work harder for everyone. No need

respects, Secretary Allen hurried over as they returned

Lawson, President Lawson asked me to drive you back to

signed, **Tell him

frowned, helpless. "Mrs. Lawson, I don't understand sign

stepped in, translating smoothly. "She says to tell President Lawson she won't be

Jessica's shoulders and steered her

up, his tone urgent. "Mrs. Lawson,

to make things harder for him. She took out her phone and