Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Sandra could only shake her head in resignation.

Vince was just reaching the ER doctor's office with Jessica in his arms when she suddenly opened her eyes, disoriented to find herself in a hospital.

Panic flickered across her face. She quickly tugged at Vince's sleeve. "I'm fine, really. You can put me down."

"We're already at the doctor's office. Let's just have you checked out."

Jessica had barely made it home before her parents were overwhelmed with joy. If they saw her coming into the hospital now, there'd be no way to hide her cancer from them.

She had always planned to tell Vince first. Letting their parents know so soon would only devastate them-especially their mother.

Trying to sound casual, Jessica explained, "I just got a little woozy when I saw Timothy's wound. I just need a minute to recover."

It was true. She'd been through enough to understand. Some people aren't normally squeamish, but when someone they care about is hurt badly, it can trigger a fainting response. That's exactly what happened to her.

Timothy appeared just then, catching the tail end of her words. He hurried over. "Jessy, you still care about me, don't you?"

Everyone turned as Timothy approached, and the mood soured instantly.

matter how much worry, hope, or longing Timothy's eyes held,

and still, he hadn't trusted her he'd even insulted her outright. Even now, he was using Herbert

Lawson, can't we just put

were real. How am I supposed

couldn't be erased

help that stormy night—I tried to get to you. I promised I'd file for divorce and

part of the problem- he always left things unsaid, and every time their conversations broke off, their issues

at Timothy's heart, bringing him pain and helplessness he'd never known before.

his side and shot Timothy a cold look. "Timothy, do you

the details

to keep the peace between the families. He scolded Vince, "Watch your manners. There's no need

the paperwork's done. Divorce will be finalized soon. Jessy clearly has no intention of getting back together. She went missing, her background's still unclean She was supposed to

swallowed hard. "Mr. Zimmerman, are you saying you want Jessy to marry

you two are already divided in every way that matters. All that's left is a signature. The fact that you're here, trying

until it was too late. People don't stand waiting forever, Timothy.

concern of a father