Evadne let out a low whistle. "Wow... If you''re this stunning at eighty percent, what would happen at a hundred? You''d be up there rubbing shoulders with Venus herself!"


    Everyone burst outughing, the mood finally lightening.


    Elsie''s smile was radiant. "Honestly, it''s fine if I never look exactly the way I used to. I''m just grateful for a fresh start." The striking beauty that once defined her features had softened into something more delicate and serene, with a brightness and energy she''d rarely shown before.


    Elvis'' voice was gentle. "I love you, no matter what. You don''t have to go through all this." He lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers, soft and lingering. "But whatever you want, I''ll support you. Always."


    Tears shimmered in Elsie''s eyes as she rose on tiptoe, returning his kiss.


    Winter''s chill lingered outside, but after so many years of waiting in the cold, the girl finally found her own springtime.


    With Jason''s steady hand, Evadne climbed into the car. The engine had barely roared to life when her phone rang.


    She answered right away, her voice brightening. "Alva!"


    Ever since she''d returned home, the tangled situation with Thaddeus had kept her from reaching out to Alva, worried she might cause her friend unnecessary


    anxiety.


    "Mrs. Abernathy, are you still at the hospital?" Alva''s concern was clear.


    "I just got discharged today. Don''t worry-I''m fine, really."


    There was a pause on the other end. "Mrs. Abernathy... did you... did you see Mr. Chad?"


    At the mention of Chad, Evadne felt her nerves tighten. "I did. While I was in the hospital, he was recovering in the room next to mine. He visited me often."


    Alva hesitated. "...Oh."


    "Is there something you want to tell me, Alva?"


    "Mrs. Abernathy, would you minding by the Elmsworth house? There''s something I need to talk to you about."


    ...


    The Rolls-Royce pulled up outside the private vi.


    Evadne, still unsteady on her feet and wary of returning to the house she''d once shared with Thaddeus


    chose to stay in the car. She asked chose to


    Alva toe out instead, so they could talk in private.


    Momentster, Alva hurried from the vi and climbed into the backseat.


    "Mrs. Abernathy! I''ve missed you so much!" The two women embraced tightly.


    Evadne''s smile was warm and gentle. "I''ve missed you too."


    After a flurry of concern and reassurances, her tone turned serious. "Alva, is this about Mr. Chad?"


    Alva''s expression darkened as she nodded, worry creasing her brow. "Mrs. Abernathy... he''s been by your side in the hospital, and he even cante to me asking how to make you some nourishing soup. What does he mean by all this?" <fnb5a6> Discover more novels at find·novel</fnb5a6>


    Jason snorted. "Isn''t it obvious? The guy''s got it bad for Ms. Evadne he wants to win her over!"


    Alva clutched Evadne''s hand, anxiety rising in her voice. "Mrs. Abernathy, you can''t get involved with him... No, you can''t even get close to him, please!"


    Evadne''s curiosity deepened. "Alva, is there something wrong with Mr. Chad?"


    "He... he..."


    Alva struggled, torn by uncertainty but atst, for Evadne''s sake, she steeled herself think there something wrong with him think he''s not right in the head!"