When There Is Nothing Left But Love

Joseph delivered several dishes over and saw me while I was arranging the books in the living room. As he moved, he asked, “Are you preparing for the exam, Mrs. Fuller?”

I nodded. “I’ve wanted to take the exam for a while but had to postpone it after everything that’s happened. Now that I finally have the time to, I might as well do it.”

He smiled. “That’s good. It’s nice to be able to do the things you like.”

It was rare to hear a typically aloof man like Joseph uttering such words.

When Ashton returned with Summer, I was just about to cook after having washed the vegetables.

Noticing me in the kitchen, his slender figure came up to me from behind and held onto me clingily. “Each time I see you in the kitchen, I think I’m the world’s luckiest man.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t be silly. Who’s coming over later?”

“John and his fiancée, who’s also your future sister-in-law,” he said with a smirk, leaning down to kiss me on the lips when he caught me giving him a sidelong glance.

I swerved in time to avoid it, chiding, “Stop it. Joseph and Summer are around.”

“Just five seconds,” he said in a husky voice.

But it was never only five seconds with him. Had it not been for the vegetables in the frying pan, it would’ve taken several more five seconds than one hand could count.

done cooking, the sound of a car engine sounded from the outside.

on

side and pulled open the car

never imagined that the woman who would

like she hadn’t changed much. She was as gentle and elegant as she used to

she’s

faintly. “Ms.

senses and approached her, taking her hand in mine.

before resting his gaze on me. “If you’re used to living in the

he was indirectly telling me not

his brows slightly as he placed a slice of meat onto my plate. He smiled faintly. “Eat more. You seem to have lost weight these

imply that I had lost weight from living alone with no one to care for

originally thought the two of them could have a meal in peace.

to say, Summer was unable to understand the adults’ conversation. Perhaps children tend to gravitate toward expectant women as

said softly, “Ms. Anne, do I have to call you

soon as she said so, it drew John’s attention away from me. He looked at Summer and said, “Be

head and asked, “Uncle John, Mommy says once you get married, I’ll have to refer to your wife as Aunt. Are

talk so much during mealtime. Eat your