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.

as I was done cooking, the sound of a car engine sounded from the outside. Hearing

on him without any consideration and shouted in excitement, “Uncle

over to the passenger side and pulled open the car door with

that the woman who would appear in sight was Hannah

times four years ago, it seemed like she hadn’t changed much. She was as gentle and elegant as she used to be, albeit instead of the tight-fitting dress she used to love, she now wore a loose-fitting

she’s

me and smiled faintly. “Ms. Stovall, it’s

approached her, taking her hand in mine. “It’s been a while indeed. The dishes are ready. Let’s

at Ashton for a bit before resting his gaze on me. “If you’re used to living in the apartment in the city center, then don’t shift anymore. A house

was indirectly telling me not to live

brows slightly as he placed a slice of meat onto my plate. He

lost weight from living

I had originally thought the two of them could

Perhaps children tend to gravitate toward expectant women as she

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

and said, “Be good, Summer.

John, Mommy says once you get married, I’ll have to refer to your wife

lips. “Kids shouldn’t talk so