Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica raised her hand, her tone calm and distant. "I have things to do."

"Go ahead, then," Timothy replied, making no attempt to stop her.

They hardly exchanged a handful of words, yet there was no anger between them for once, a rare and fragile sort of peace.

Perhaps that was why Timothy didn't dwell on it. He simply assumed she'd come for a follow-up on her throat.

Afterward, he headed to the DNA testing center and handed over the paperwork.

He'd provided a hair sample, but even with rush processing, it would take two or three business days.

The staff told him they'd text when the results were ready, so he could come pick up the paternity report in person.

With that done, Timothy had the driver take him to Jessica's apartment complex.

When they arrived, he didn't get out. Instead, he sat in the car, staring up at her floor from the parking lot.

He stayed there for a full hour before finally telling the driver to take him back to the Howard family home.

he walked in, Sandra approached him. "You're well enough to use a wheelchair now. Why

said. He wanted to bring Jessica back, but she simply hadn't given him the

looked at him sternly. “If she's upset, then apologize. Married couples should never let

weren't as simple as

he

meet your wife. Your mom never got the chance to meet her, but you should at least let

a familiar ache to

she was pregnant, she'd written many letters, all meant for

had been not living to rain

seeing them grow up, get married, and start

grew distant

In

about his feelings for Jessica. He'd hidden his marriage for seven years, never once bringing Jessica to meet his grandparents. Now, though, be seemed hesitant, conflicted. It was clear he didn't want to keep Jessica a secret anymore-but he still hadn't agreed to

I'll find time to apologize to her," Timothy said

wait?" Sandra insisted. “You should go now. The longer you leave it, the worse it gets. Go on, don't put it