Walter did not miss a beat, shooting Evangeline a look that was loaded with meaning.That look was so charged that it sent her mind racing back to the wild night they had just spent together.If she did not care about Walter, why did she comply so easily when he mentioned his injury? Why did she let him have his way?Denying something did not make it any less true. She could fool anyone, but she could not fool her own heart.How could she just watch as Hank, who was defending her honor, got pushed around?Walter, as if reading her thoughts, effortlessly drew her into his side. "Isn't that right, Evie?"His voice was soft and coaxing, and the way he said 'Evie' seemed to drip with genuine emotion. Evangeline could hear the underlying sarcasm, though. After all, Walter's desire to win was just a man's pride showing off in front of Hank. What real feelings could he have for her?Evangeline and Walter were locked in a silent battle, and Hank was clueless about the tension. To anyone
The sting of unrequited love was harsh, and Walter, flesh and blood like anyone else, could not stand the sight of Evangeline's scowl any longer."So should I chase away any guy who gets close to you?"His face hardened, eyes blazing with fury."Evangeline, you're out there meeting other guys while we're still married, and I'm just having dinner with clients. Then I find out I'm the laughingstock with a giant 'cheated' sign over my head. Is it so wrong for me to come and ask what's going on?"Evangeline's anger deflated like a popped balloon.He had a point, but why did she feel so unfairly treated?All Yale did was give her a heads-up that Hank was doing well at the company, contributing a lot, and that she should keep in touch to keep morale high. That was just work stuff, right? What did it have to do with Walter?Who would have guessed that everyone, Yale and Hank included, knew that today's lunch was a setup for a date? Everyone but her, the supposed star of the show, compl
Roslyn latched onto Evangeline's arm and cheekily snuggled up to it."Out with it, what's got you all changed up? Did that jerk Walter stir up some drama again?"Roslyn figured if Evangeline hit the bar and skipped the booze, it had to be something monumental, something beyond her wildest guesses."Does having a kid count?"If getting knocked up was the kind of drama in question, then yes, Walter had definitely stirred up something."What did you just say?" Roslyn shot up like she had been zapped, her eyes as wide as saucers, fixed on Evangeline's still-not-showing belly."Aren't you and Walter headed for divorce? And now there's a baby on the way?"Could they actually be patching things up?Yikes. She had just called Walter a total jerk. She hoped Evangeline was not too mad."You know, my grandfather has been really sick..." Evangeline's voice was tinged with resignation.Cole's health was on the rocks, and no one knew how much time he had left. As his only granddaughter, sh
Walter was not the type to back down without a fight.Evangeline's game plan was simple: She would keep the knowledge of her baby from Walter, and then vanish from his life post-divorce.The baby was hers and hers alone. No matter what, Walter was not getting his hands on her child.Evangeline was lost in thought, her mind a whirlwind of half-formed plans she could not pin down. When Roslyn shared her worries, Evangeline was at a loss for words."Don't sweat it, I've got a plan," Evangeline reassured her. "Hey, I sent you an invite to my birthday party. Why'd you bail on me?"The thought stung. Her birthday had come and gone without a peep from Roslyn, her ride-or-die best friend. It had been a real letdown.Roslyn's face crumpled with regret. "Ugh, my agent's the worst. She's pushing me into the TV scene and signed me up for this drama without asking. I was so ticked off that I almost fired her. But the studio was breathing down my neck, so I had to play along. They even took my
Roslyn's eyes gleamed as Evangeline announced, "I've got the perfect place. Let's hit the road." They had never been there, so Evangeline and Roslyn packed some tasty treats and set off for their new hideaway.It turned out that the Emerald of the Highlands really lived up to its name.Nestled by the sea, the Eastgate District was a slice of heaven, with postcard-perfect views and year-round spring vibes. Even in the fall, the place was lush with greenery, like something out of a fairy tale.Evangeline, with a little help from the security guard, pulled her car into the driveway and took a good look at the villa Yale had gifted her.The place was sleek and modern, with each brick screaming luxury. Even the simple swing in the yard was crafted from the finest wood.Stepping inside, the villa's interior was just as stunning. Every room was decked out with all the bells and whistles, spacious and bright, with lavish decor and furniture that was both plush and classy. Every detail was
Evangeline figured if she got the details, she might be able to help Roslyn figure something out.'My own love life had crashed and burned, but if I could play matchmaker for my best friend and see her happily hitched, it'd be a silver lining.'"Let's face it, the chances of me and him working out are pretty much nonexistent. Like he said, we're from two different worlds. How could we ever mesh? Oh, and I totally spaced on telling you, but he's like... eleven years older than me."As Roslyn spilled her heart out, Evangeline was baffled at what kind of guy would be blind to the awesomeness of her bestie.When she heard about the eleven-year age gap, it clicked."You know how they say three years is enough for a generation gap? You guys are eleven years apart; you're practically from different planets. With that huge of an age difference, can you really stick it out? I mean, when you were toddling around in diapers, he was already a whiz at algebra!"She could not help but admire R
However, as Evangeline set her favorite cup on the water dispenser and was about to hit the boil button, the sound of keys jingling at the door stopped her cold.Oh no! Was she about to face off with a burglar?A shiver shot up her spine as she realized something was very wrong.This was the Eastgate District in Avalon City, the safest place around. Plus, no crook would waltz in through the front door, right?Thinking this, Evangeline crept to a spot by the entrance where she could not be seen, clutching a vase just in case she needed to defend herself.The front door swung open, and a warm, familiar voice filled the quiet living room. "Evie, you up?"That voice... Evangeline knew who that was. She quickly put the vase down and stepped out.There he was, her uncle Yale, looking like he had trekked a thousand miles, still calling out for her."Uncle Yale! When did you get here?"She quickly grabbed a pair of guest slippers and slid them in front of Yale.Yale shrugged it off.
Yale's face was a mask of seriousness, but Evangeline did not let him get a word in edgewise."You know how bad Grandpa Cole has been," she said. "If we hadn't pulled some strings with Walter to get Dr. George on board, who knows where he'd be now? There's only one thing on my mind: To have a baby fast, so he can cuddle his longed-for great-grandkid while he still can.""I get it." Yale closed his eyes for a moment, hiding the wave of helplessness that threatened to show. "Evie, could you grab me a drink? I'm in the mood for some liquor."Years in the service had turned Yale into someone who would drown his sorrows in a bottle.It did not bother him that Evangeline, busy with baby-making plans, could not join him. He was fine drinking alone.Evangeline, ever so sweet, fetched a wine glass and a bottle of red wine, pouring him a glass with a caring touch.He swirled the wine glass absentmindedly, his eyes tracing the dance of the deep red liquid.He was in pain, his heart aching,