74. Her Son, and His Father

“How’s he?” Jessi asked, getting to her feet, as Sofia came through the doors.

“He’s fine!” She squealed, and flew into Jessi’s arms.

Jessi squealed with her, jubilating like teenage girls.

Apparently, Sofia couldn’t care less that James was there.

As for James, he stayed expressionless, though his jaw looked a tad tighter.

Amanda smiled brightly, and she looked beautiful when she did, but she didn’t go to join them.

“Thank heavens,” Pete muttered.

“Rico, and I are going in next,” he added.

“But the doctor said-”

“I do not care what the doctor said, Amanda,” Pete cut in mercilessly.

“Now, Rico, let’s go pay that bastard a visit.”

Rico got up, casting a furtive glance at Jessi as he did, before following Pete out of the room.

As soon as they left, James got to his feet.

“Sofia,” he spoke gently, as if not to scare her away.

“What?”

“I’m happy for you, I really am. And I like that your smile has returned, perhaps now you’re in a better mood, you’d spare me a minute?”

Sofia sighed slight