The Cherished Wife

Charles shook his head. "I'm not sure yet. I'm just throwing around some guesses.

A lot of things would start to make sense if Sebastian was connected to the Jones family from Cascade City. Sebastian definitely had some secrets, including why Jade was taking care of Noelle. If Noelle was not her kid, Jade had to have a reason. She probably wanted something from Sebastian. That meant Noelle had to be someone important to Sebastian.

In other words, even if Noelle was not Jade's daughter, she was still somehow connected to Jade. Thus, the next step had to be finding out more about Sebastian.

"Man, Noelle's backstory is like a rollercoaster." Sean had not seen that coming. He added, "If Noelle is really connected to the Jones family from Cascade City, tying the knot with her might just get a whole lot simpler for you."

Charles shot Sean a quick look. "She doesn't need to be a Jones to hold her ground with the Hoffmans. My girl doesn't need to lean on anyone."

arched an eyebrow, his voice tinged with annoyance. "Okay, okay, I get it. You're tough, and your lady's tough too. Do you really have to rub it in my face when I'm still single, especially right before New Year's?"

his cigarette. After a long pause, he asked, "Is

before he noticed. "Ouch!" He shook his hand, surprised by the pain, then looked

enough. It's time for the Bakers to step up." He sighed when he

any mess or trouble

"Charles, you've really changed. I used to think you were just into Noelle for

icy as he interrupted. "I've always known what I wanted. It's always been her and only her." With a final pinch, he flicked the cigarette into the