On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 44

Helen was the nanny who had been with them since Jessica was pregnant, caring for both Jessica and then Amy. She had taken two months off for her son’s wedding and her daughter’s new baby.

“Yes,” Lance confirmed. “Helen, when you get back, please prepare the guest room. Jessica will be staying for a while.”

Behind him, Catherine froze, her hands clenching into tight fists. Why? Why was Jessica moving back in?

After Lance hung up, Catherine forced a smile and looked up at him. “So Jessica finally changed her mind? She’s not divorcing you?”

Lance grunted in affirmation.

A wave of relief washed over Catherine. “That’s wonderful. She loves you so much, Lance. How could she ever leave you? She was just testing you. Now that she sees how much Amy needs her, and how much you care for Amy, she knows she has you right where she wants you. I bet she feels like she’s finally won.”

At her words, Lance’s expression soured. Doubt and resentment churned within him, a confusing mess of emotions he couldn’t untangle.

“I’ll go home and make some broth for Amy,” Catherine said, changing the subject.

“Thank you, Catherine. I appreciate it,” Lance said, his voice heavy.

She gave him a look of gentle reproach. “Lance, we’re best friends. Amy is like a daughter to me. All I want is to see her happy and healthy again.”

“Thank you,” he repeated softly.

Lance stepped out onto the balcony to smoke. By the time the IV bag was empty, Amy was beginning to stir. Her eyes, still red from the fever, made her look like a sad little bunny.

She looked up at Jessica. “Mommy.”

“Ice cream and chocolate,” Amy declared.

Jessica sighed. “Sweetie, you’ve been sick. Your tummy is too sensitive for things like that.”

“Mean Mommy,” Amy pouted.

Jessica flinched, but quickly reminded herself that Amy was only four. She didn’t have a real concept of good and bad. To her, anyone who let her do what she wanted was “good,” and anyone who stopped her was “bad.” It wasn’t her fault; it was the fault of the adults around her.

Jessica decided to try again, to guide her daughter back. She couldn’t just stand by and watch the precious child she’d brought into the world be turned into a spoiled brat by Catherine.

“How about this,” Jessica suggested. “We’ll go ask the doctor. If he says it’s okay, we’ll go get some. Deal?”