Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Sandra quickly jumped to her feet, grabbing Abell's arm with excitement. "This must be it—they're really here! Sallie, Sheila, come with me to greet them."

This called for a bit of ceremony.

Normally, based on her usual attitude, Sallie wouldn't bother welcoming Jessica at all. But today, she was determined to go-if only to make sure Sheila understood that Timothy was a married man, and that she'd better give up any hope she was harboring.

The gates to the estate swung open.

Vince appeared, carrying a beautifully framed picture, with Jessica standing quietly at his side.

Timothy lingered at the back of the group, watching Jessica from a distance.

There was a gentle serenity about her, a quiet grace that seemed to soften the very air around her.

The moment Sandra and Abell laid eyes on Jessica, they were more than pleased.

So what if she didn't speak? She was beautiful, gentle, and composed-just the kind of woman who suited Timothy. Someone too loud or high-spirited would have felt out of place beside him.

with a broad, welcoming smile. "Vince, this must be Jessy,

Vince nodded.

"I'm Timothy's grandmother. Come on in,

made Sheila bristle with discomfort. It felt as though something that should

She had only just taken her seat when Sandra produced a pearl bracelet from a velvet box. "Jessy, here's a little something to welcome you. Let me help you put it

Timothy were about to get divorced, she hadn't wanted to accept

the evening would end

with warmth, maybe

meeting her. Jessica wasn't the type

you don't strike a smiling face. Over the years, Jessica had met all kinds

fastened the pearl bracelet around Jessica's wrist, beaming. "It

the framed picture. "Abell,

pulled off the protective cloth, revealing a delicate and striking piece

Timothy's eyes