Helma had spent the better part of the day at the research institute and did not head out in her car until the afternoon. She checked the time; it was just four o'clock. There was still a good chunk of the day left. She decided to drive over to Greenville University.When she got to the university's
Grandma Mary and Mira had already left, leaving the house feeling emptier.In the days that followed, Helma made time to visit Old Madam Guller.Helma would sneak in some work for the institute online now and then, but whenever she felt up to it, she would zip over to Westwood for a secret rendezvou
Helma's eyes shot open, and she caught the sound of a crisp voice just outside the door."Cole, you in there?"That was Neve's voice!Helma's eyes snapped wide in alarm, but Cole, who was right in front of her, suddenly looked all soft and mushy, and he practically raced to the door.Watching him go
When quitting time rolled around, Helma drove herself and William to Colonial Courtyard. The ride was silent until she finally spoke up, breaking the quiet, "Hey, could you keep it under wraps about me leaving Greenville, at least for a bit?"William's eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "What's
Helma took a deep breath, choosing her words with care."Brother, I'm almost at nine months now, and the baby's due any day. I've made up my mind—I want to head to Pacific City to have the baby.""Head to Pacific City?" Neil's brow crinkled in confusion. "Why there?""To steer clear of Cole," Helma
The next day, Helma was up with the sun.While Jade and Neil were still lost in dreams, she tiptoed out and drove off to Westwood Joint Department.She pulled into the parking lot at 8:30 AM, only to see Cole's car already there, waiting. He was early, and her heart did a little flip.She walked pas
Helma and Cole shared a lunch at the Westwood Joint Department, the air between them heavy with unspoken goodbyes.Cole was clinging to every second, reluctant to let Helma out of his sight."Don't worry, I'll look after our little treasure just like it's my own," Cole murmured, holding Helma close
Jade cracked a smile. "Don't even know if it's a boy or girl. How're we supposed to pick a name?""Easy, we brainstorm one for each," Yosef grinned. "Got ten days on our hands. I'll dig up some cool names!"Mira shot a glance at Helma, a bit unsure. "We going with the King name for the kiddo?"Yosef