Regret Came Too Late

Grace woke up in the car, went home, and slept straight through to the next day. When she woke up, she took a bath, looked in the mirror, and saw herself with a refreshed and energized look. Finally, she made a phone call to Ethan.

"Mr. Henderson, are you free tonight? I want to treat you to a meal."

Last night, she made a reservation at a restaurant and even checked the dishes they served there. There was no seafood, so she figured it would suit his taste.

Ethan held onto his phone, not saying a single word.

Grace thought he might be busy. Just as she was about to say something else, she heard him say, "My dad set me up on another blind date."

Grace froze for a second. If Jordan had heard her words from the previous time, he should have thought by now that she and Ethan were a couple. Despite all that, Jordan was still trying to set Ethan up with someone, and that could only mean one thing-the Hendersons didn't approve of her.

She had promised to help Ethan by shielding him from other romantic interests, so, of course, she would have to step up now.

"Where are you meeting up with her? I'll come look for you."

Ethan paused for a moment with a fountain pen in his hand, a small blot of ink spreading on the paper.

He told her the name of the hotel, his tone sounding casual and nonchalant. Then, he heard Grace respond from the other end.

be there

she spoke, Ethan let out a soft

and quickly hung

sent a text message. "I

make time for Ed to cheer him up and then leave by 3:00 pm. She'd

a matching one for herself from the same couple's collection. She had already noticed that Ed

solitary gravestone standing there. This time, she got out of the car and walked toward the grave. But just before she could make out the words carved into

"Come in."

grabbed the gift

a kiss but a hug. He buried his face in her neck, clinging to

her hand and gently patted his back. "Sorry, I've

scarf, caressed his neck, and

sounded pleasantly surprised.

melt

neck, but it was not too forceful. He just repeatedly sucked and nibbled.

stay mad at him. He was just like a Golden Retriever that was only ever sweet

pitch-black, but she could feel the warmth and sincerity radiating