Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"We'll pick up the divorce papers the day after tomorrow. Let's have one last dinner together tomorrow."

Timothy just wanted to see her again-he was worried that once they divorced, he might never get the chance.

She insisted on leaving. The decision was final, and even though he wanted nothing less, he'd chosen to grant her wish.

Jessica's voice was cool, almost detached. "And you really think I'd ever trust you again?"

Every time she agreed to go back with him, he'd find a way to keep her from leaving. Once, twice-it was always the same story.

Her trust in him was gone, completely.

"This time will be different. I promise. Just trust me, okay? Just this once?"

Jessica paused, silent and thoughtful, before she finally said, "Fine."

Let's see how you like being played.

She agreed, but she had no intention of showing up.

"Tomorrow night. Six o'clock. The Silverthread Eatery."

It was Timothy's fourth day after surgery. The doctor said he was recovering well and could be discharged in five to seven days, but insisted he stay for a full week.

He negotiated: it would just be a quick dinner out, and a short trip to the courthouse the next day. He'd come right back after.

The doctor relented.

Timothy called Secretary Allen, instructing him to sponsor the fireworks show at The Silverthread Eatery the following night-make it last until midnight.

She'd always dreamed of having dinner there as a family, watching the fireworks together.

He couldn't give her bridal photos. He couldn't give her a wedding.

As for the ring...

Timothy opened his palm, revealing the massive diamond.

If it hadn't made a sound, he never would've chosen such a gaudy ring-definitely not his style.

At least when he was planning the wedding, he'd made sure to order her a ring.

A family ought to have at least one last supper together.

Timothy couldn't prepare everything himself, but he'd sketched out the design for their private room on his phone, listed all the details, and handed it off to Secretary Allen.

Then there was the last little gift bag he'd hung on the Christmas tree-she'd never opened it.

He told Allen to pick up a bouquet and hang the bag on the tree after setting up everything.

Inside was his gift to her.

Tomorrow, she'd get it all.

He missed her.

Tomorrow, he'd finally see her again.

Timothy was anxious, more eager for this than he'd ever been for anything.

A new day.

Secretary Allen arrived with clothes for Timothy and Henry.

Timothy's hair had been shaved for surgery, and now he wore a protective helmet over his skull. The swelling in his face had faded, but a bandage still wrapped his forehead. He worried Jessica wouldn't dike how he looked, so he picked out a loose-fitting hat.

A suit wouldn't do, so he'd chosen something more casual.

Once Timothy was dressed, Henry came in, all cleaned up.

Henry's condition had stabilized. He still needed regular platelet transfusions, but the matching results were in-Thurston was a match. The surgery would be scheduled in a week.

"Dad, do you think we'll see Mom soon?"

"Yeah, we will."

Henry could barely wait to see her.

"Dad, I made a gift for Mom. Want to see?"

Henry handed Timothy a handmade book of paper cut illustrations.

Over the last four days in the hospital, he'd made another one.

The first page was a lam

for its

Then other-a paper cutting b

entered in a contest, but this time imagery was clearer.

He'd drawn their family, each of them easily recognizable.

Last time he'd made this picture, he hadn't dared admit who his mother was. He'd never make that mistake again.noveldrama

Timothy smiled, pride and tenderness shining in his eyes, and gently ruffled Henry's hair.