Goodbye, Mr. Regret

The butler kept his head down, nervous they might blame him for not stopping Timothy.

Honestly, in a situation like this, what could he have done?

Vince understood. None of them had been around, and Timothy had brought in a specialist for Grandpa, trying to help. What could he really say?

Still, it bothered him. He muttered under his breath, "All for show."

By now, Larkin had drifted off to sleep and was out of immediate danger. They could finally breathe a little easier.

But Jessica still couldn't relax. She asked the butler which room Daisy was in. He gave her the number, and Jessica asked Vince to go with her.

As they reached the door, Jessica peeked through the small window. She saw Timothy carrying a basin of water out of the room. He wrung out a towel, folded it neatly, gently lifted the one from Daisy's forehead, and replaced it with the fresh

one.

Jessica paused, transfixed.

So, he did know how to look after a sick child.

But in the past, he never bothered.

Maybe because she had always taken care of it all.

what was running through her mind. He could never forgive Timothy for treating her so coldly, and whispered,

smile tugging at her lips. "Daisy is a Zimmerman. Of course

his hand and knocked. Inside, Timothy was wringing out another towel. He looked up

stood at Vince's

slipped

only been three or four days, but seeing her again made it painfully clear- he'd missed her with every fiber of his

of longing

upright and rushed to Jessica. Even with Vince there, he pulled her into a fierce embrace, as if he could press her into himself, as if holding her tightly enough would keep her from ever leaving

take life

days. But knowing she was at home made it bearable-he never had to worry about coming back to an

though, the house without her in it wasn't

was left

if someone cooked, it never felt like a

"Jessy..."

her name hoarsely, his voice thick

to push him away, but he only

him off her. "What the hell do you think

left on her blouse, her movements chilly

words stick in