The Cherished Wife

When Janet saw Charles answer the phone and get ready to leave, she instinctively guessed that the caller must be someone important. What bad timing. It was the Hoffman family's annual dinner, an event Charles had never missed as the future head of the family. Even

Kelly's departure years ago had not seemed to stir much emotion in him.

Trusting her women's intuition, Janet was certain the caller was a woman.

Janet's voice was not exactly loud, but it cut through the room so every member of the Hoffman family heard.

Mateo was the first to catch on, his face clouding over. "Charles, where do you think you're heading?"

Charles gave Janet a sharp glance that soon landed on Mateo. "I've got some stuff to sort out. It's quick, and I'll be back in a flash!"

the

wriggled free from Chloe's grasp, scampered over, and grabbed Charles's pants. "Uncle, where are you off to? Why don't you

touching Anna's face. "Anna, be a good girl. I have to run an errand, but I'll be back before you know it!" Charles always had unexpected patience for Anna. The whole room

Anna, "You're such a good girl, Anna. I've got something really important

you, Uncle?" Anna's eyes were wide with hope

past your bedtime, and you should stay with your mom. He glanced over at Chloe, who was already on her feet. "Anna, sweetheart, come back to me. Uncle's got important do. I'll bring you to see him the next time

"Okay, deal!" She piped up,

close to Anna's. She giggled and planted a kiss on

and gently tapped Anna's head.

he stood up