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

little embarrassed and quickly hung up

sent a text message. "I

for Ed to cheer him up and then leave by 3:00 pm. She'd get dressed before

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 it,

"Come in."

grabbed the gift box with the scarf

time, when the door opened, she wasn't greeted with a kiss but a hug. He buried his face in her

gently patted his back. "Sorry, I've

his neck, and

sounded pleasantly surprised.

heart melt a little

forceful. He

like this, she couldn't stay mad at him. He was just like a Golden Retriever that was only ever sweet and

she could feel the