The Cherished Wife

"I'll do as you say and steer clear of Noelle for now, but Winter is just too much, Dad. Charles has been giving her all the best opportunities. He's not even trying to hide his relationship with Winter, acting like he doesn't care about anything else. And she's married! He'd

rather be with a married woman than marry me. I just can't stand it, Dad!"

"You shouldn't stand for it. I've seen a picture of her, and you're way prettier and smarter too. What you need to do now is win Charles back!"

"I will!" Janet's fists were tight, her eyes blazing with fury and a touch of something darker. "You have to help me, Dad!"

"I'm here to check things out and, while I'm at it, to have a little chat with your Charles," Milo said with a wave of his hand. "Come here!"

Janet sauntered over and gently took Milo's hand. "Dad, are you feeling hungry? It's getting pretty late. Let's go grab some dinner, okay?"

"Absolutely! My sweet girl!" Milo gazed at Janet with a softness in his eyes, tenderly stroked her cheek, and then pulled her into a warm embrace. "Janet."

giving his back a comforting pat. "Dad, what's up?

reverie, his gaze flickering. "Oh, it's nothing. I'm just realizing how quickly you've grown up, and now you're about to get married. I guess

and you're his uncle. If you ever miss me, just swing by Brookville, or I'll bring Charles over to Capiton to visit you. Better yet,

him playfully. "Dad, I'm starving. Let's go eat,

"Let's do it!"

a month before the person tailing her finally backed off. Still, just to be cautious, Sean had not moved out yet. For Sean, those weeks were all about eating his fill and then some. Aside from chowing down, he spent most of his time witnessing Charles

lovey-dovey antics.

a thing for self-torture, considering he kept showing up like clockwork to witness

is clear now, so when

the curtains closed and settled into a chair in the living room. Sean,