River added, "Even if you don't choose our wives, at least live long enough to see us get married and become dads."

The old lady laughed. "That was my plan. I really thought I still had the energy to arrange marriages for the three of you. But as I get older, my strength just isn't what it used to be. All those old-age issues are catching up with me. Aging is hard to deny. If I could live as long as your Grandpa Jimenez, I'd be content." Old Mr. Jimenez had lived to a hundred.

If she could reach that age, she'd definitely get to see her three youngest grandsons settle down and have families of their own.

But she wasn't sure she'd make it that far.

These days, she often felt like she was standing with one foot in the grave. She'd be satisfied to reach ninety-four or ninety-five. By then, her three youngest grandsons would likely be married.

If all nine grandsons had families, and their parents were enjoying peaceful, happy retirements, then she could face her late husband without regret or guilt. "Grandma, you're much healthier than Grandpa Jimenez ever was. You'll definitely outlive him."

Mr. Jimenez had suffered serious injuries when he was young, yet he still made it to a hundred.

nothing. Sometimes, the ones who look healthier don't live

was all decided at birth. That's what she believed. She'd lived through

political times. She had suffered

old age, the York

the wealthiest in Wiltspoon. Her suffering was behind her. Now

had many children and grandchildren—and every one of

of

was never having a daughter

great-granddaughter. The York family had finally broken the long-standing pattern of only having

if she passed away

old lady said, "River, you've known the Lafond girl for five or six years-you know her well. Now that you've realized your feelings for her, don't waste time. Go after her. Your sisterin-law told me she probably has feelings for you too, even if she doesn't realize it yet

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