The Cherished Wife

"My wife," Charles repeated, then chuckled. "I know you heard me, Chlo."

Even so, Chloe was still quite shocked. "When did you get married?" As Charles' older sister, she had no idea this had happened.

Wait, that was not right. The real surprise was that Charles was keeping this from everyone. "You're not joking with me, are you?" Chloe gulped, still finding it hard to believe that Charles was married. "Who is she? It's not that actress from the rumors, is it? What's her name... Winter Shaw?"

"No," Charles replied calmly.

He sat quietly, turning slightly to glance at Noelle. She appeared startled by what he had said and had been motionless for a while.

It was not until Charles gently squeezed her hand that she snapped back to reality, mouthing the question, 'Why did you tell her?'

Charles pulled Noelle closer to him, holding her small hand in his large one, radiating calm and composure. "When you have some time, I'll introduce her to you."

always been a decisive person, and I know once you make a

"But yes, I'm married. And she's a wonderful woman. You'll really

filled with

person on the phone was Charles' sister. Noelle had seen Chloe around at work, but they had not really spoken much. There was just the occasional passing glance. Finally, after a long pause, Chloe seemed to accept the truth.

"Uncle Henry knows," Charles

small laugh. "So, Uncle Henry and Aunt Nancy already know, and now,

"Yes," Charles confirmed.

you've made this decision, I'm sure you've thought t through carefully. But you should also be prepared for what might come from the

being overly cautious; she

years, only to reappear with Janet in tow. It was clear that the Bakers had not let go of what had