Goodbye, Mr. Regret

She'd poured her heart and soul into them-every thought, every ounce of care.

And yet, somehow, almost without realizing it, she and those two-father and son -had drifted farther and farther

apart.

It was just a little over two months, but suddenly everything felt unbearably different.

"If she's ignoring you, have you ever stopped to wonder if you might be the problem?"

"Dad, what problem could I possibly have? | honestly don't get it. Why did she make things so hard forat the

craft competition? | don't even know what | did to upset her. She's changed. She's not the sperson she used

to be."

Timothy's stomach twisted in anger. He hung up abruptly, determined to head to school and drag his son home

for a real conversation-especially about that nonsense he'd heard in the hospital, about his own mother being

"just the housekeeper."

Not long after Timothy stormed out, Jessica's phone buzzed. It was Vince calling.

"Jess, it's Christmas Eve tonight. Your film's about to hit its big promo. I've brought Carlisle and the others over-

I'm treating everyone to a holiday dinner. Join us?”

"Where?"

Jessica's voice sparkled with anticipation.

"The Silverthread Eatery. | booked the big private lounge-huge screen and all. Carlisle says if you want to watch

the full cut, you can, or just the trailers if you'd rather."

“Are they there already? I'll head over now! It's been ages since | saw everyone— I've missed them."

"They're on their way. I'll swing by and pick you up."

"Thank you so much, Vince."

Now this this was the Christmas Eve Jessica had been longing for.

Twenty minutes later, Vince's car pulled up outside The Gilded Whisper Estates. Hearing the engine, Jessica

stepped out of the house.

Vince climbed out, holding the hand of a little girl-six years old or so, with twin braids, big round eyes, and

porcelain skin. She looked adorable, clutching a clear, gift-wrapped box containing a shiny red apple.

Jessica stared at the girl, struck by a sense of déja vu.

Curious, she asked, "Vince, whose child is this?"

Vince bent down, his voice gentle. "Daisy, this is Miss Jessy-the one | told you about. Go on, say hello."

Daisy flashed a bright, sweet smile. "Hi, Miss Jessy! My name's Daisy. This is for you-Merry Christmas Eve!"

Jessica blinked in mild surprise. "This is for me?"

"Yep! Our school handed out Christmas Eve gifts. | wanted to give mine to you as a present."

"What a thoughtful girl." Jessica accepted the apple and turned to Vince. "She's one of yours? The Zimmerman

family?"

"She's my aunt's granddaughter.

In

Poor kid's had a rough go-my aunt and uncle passed away young. Two years ago, her parents died in a plane

crash, so Grandpa brought her to live with us. There really isn anyone at hwho can look after her, so she's

been boarding at school ever since first grade. It's an international school-they really go all out for Christmas, so

she's on break early."

So she was an orphan.

Jessica's heart ached for her.

She knelt down, gently smoothing Daisy's hair. "You're such a sweetheart, Daisy.

And so pretty! Would you like a gift from me, too?"

"Thank you, Miss Jessy!"

Jessica took her hand, smiling. "Con in, let's go inside together."

Vince followed them into the house.

Jessica led Daisy to her study, where an entire shelf was lined with her own handmade storybook illustrations-

swere her originals, others were stories she'd posted on her blog.

She picked out several books and handed them to Daisy. "We've just met, so didn't have tto get you

anything special. But how about these picture books | made? Do you want to look through them?"

The covers were all Jessica's designs-bright, whimsical, perfect for a child. The top one featured Snow White.

Daisy's eyes lit up, she

loved Snow White. She looked up. "Miss Jessy thank you! I love these Did you really make them yourself?"

“I did. | have lots more, but sare stories for boys. If you'd like, | can make you snew ones too."

"I'd love that!"

Daisy beamed with happiness, clutching her gifts, and hurried off to show Vince. Jessica placed Daisy's apple in

her bedroom, then joined everyone as they headed out.

Maybe it was because Daisy was an orphan too, but Jessica found herself sitting in the backseat with her, telling

her the stories behind the illustrations as the car drove on.

Vince glanced at them in the rearview mirror, a gentle smile tugging at his lips at the cozy scene.

Meanwhile, Timothy had arrived at the school gates.

Sheila happened to be there too. "Timothy, your leg's still injured. Shouldn't you be resting at home?"

"I'm here for Henry. He's just a kid, and he's been causing you trouble again and again. You really don't have to

keep indulging him."

"It's nothing, really. He's practically family. It's Christmas Eve, after all he asked if I'd take him out for sfun.

Didn't he tell you? I'm sorry you made the trip."

Henry lived at the old manor-usually, someone from there would pick him up after school.

Timothy frowned. If the manor hadn't sent anyone, it must mean Henry had told them not to.

The Lawsons at the manor would never accept Sheila, let alone let her pick him

up.

Was the little rascal lying to everyone again?