“Really?”

Elissa instinctively touched her own face. “I don’t think so. I’ve been eating just finei./i”

There was still enough food in the fridge tost her and Tanya Foster another couple of days.

They hadn’t bought much over the holidays–just some snacks and fresh produce. Everything else came courtesy of Father Benedict’s wife and Mrs. Garrett, who made sure they were well supplied with homemade goodies.

Even so, Elissa felt like she’d put on a few pounds.

Cliff chuckled. “Enjoy the rest while you can. Once work starts up again, it’ll be non–stop for the rest of the year.”

A clinic wasn’t like other businesses. Apart from a brief break at the end of the year, iyou /ihad to be ready to work at any moment.

Elissa wasn’t just seeing patients in person–she also hosted live online Q&A sessions and was now involved in a new pharmaceutical research project that kept her busier than ever.

She started the car, unbothered. “Honestly, I like keeping busy.”

She thrived on that kind of fast–paced routine.

And sure enough, traffic near the airport was a nightmare.

By the time she’d picked up Aaron and Jacqueline and made it back downtown, the city was already glittering with lights.

Dinner was Cliff’s responsibility tonight. He chose a quiet, unpretentious restaurant known for its light, healthy cuisine–run by a southern chef who knew exactly what he was doing.

As soon as the four of them arrived, a server led them to a private dining room. The space was roomy and tastefully decorated.

Cliff handed the menu to Aaron and Jacqueline, smiling warmly. “Father, Mrs. Foster, you haven’t had good home cooking in a while. Tonight, you two pick the dishes.”

“Alright,” Aaron replied easily. He knew everyone’s favorites and wasted no time cing the order.

Elissa sat beside Jacqueline, looking sweet and earnest. “Mrs. Foster, are you really feeling much

better?”

She half–suspected Aaron was just telling her that to put her at ease.

Jacqueline stifled augh and held out her wrist. “Go on, Dr. Drummond. If you’re worried, check my pulse yourself.”

“Don’t mind if I do,” Elissa grinned, setting her middle and ring fingers gently on Jacqueline’s wrist before she could protest.

Aaron and Cliff exchanged amused nces. “Would you look at that? She doesn’t even trust my medical skills anymore.”

18:01

“It’s not that I don’t trust you, Father,” Elissa protested, genuinely horrified by the idea.

Jacqueline came to her defense. “Elissa’s just worried about me. You men wouldn’t understand.”

Elissa withdrew her hand, smiling. “You really are recovering well, but iyou /ishould still take it easy for

a while.”

“Don’t worry. Your father’s keeping a close eye on me,” Jacqueline said, patting Elissa’s hand

affectionately before turning the conversation to her. “Now that you and Frank are divorced, have you thought about what’s next?b” /b

It was a question Jacqueline and Aaron had wanted to ask for a while, but they’d held off until after the holidays.

After all, if Frank could cheat while still married, it was only natural for Elissa–still young–to consider moving on and finding someone new. Every woman deserved a ce to call home.

Cliff paused mid–bite, ncing at Elissa with a flicker of hope in his eyes.

Elissa pressed her lips together. “I haven’t really thought about it yet. I just want to focus on the new research project for now.”

“Here, have some fish,” Cliff said with an easy smile, cing a piece of steamed fish in her bowl with the serving fork.

“Thank you,” Elissa replied.

Jacqueline noticed the look in Cliff’s eyes and nodded in approval. “That’s a good n. You’re still young–no need to rush. Keep working, and take your time figuring out what kind of partner you want.”

“When ites to choosing a husband, character is everything. If you’re not sure, sometimes it’s best to choose someone you already know and trust.”

And in her opinion, Cliff was the obvious choice.