The day after tomorrow, she could finally take her child and leave.
But tomorrow, there were still a few things she needed to take care of.
Before she could make plans, her phone rang—Margaret's call interrupted everything.
"Laney, after thinking it over, I really believe you're the perfect choice to be Jean's maid of honor."
The Anderson family had become the subject of whispered gossip ever since they took in Jeannette for Eddy's sake—a scandal no one dared to discuss openly. Margaret couldn't swallow her resentment, so she turned to them. "We'll combine the birthday party and the wedding reception—two celebrations in one. And if Healy could be the ring bearer for his aunt, it would make the day even more special."
Blanche gazed out the window at the bright, cloudless sky. Handing Jeannette over to the Andersons had certainly crossed a line, but if letting Margaret have some peace of mind would help, she was willing.
And besides, was she really that bothered by the idea of Healy being Jean's ring bearer?
After all, he'd always wanted Jeannette to be his mother, to have her take Blanche's place as Kelvin's wife.
"Mom, I want to be the ring bearer for Mr. Kelvin and Miss Jean!" Healy burst into the room and dove into Blanche's arms.
Looking at his small, innocent face, Blanche felt a strange sense of disorientation.
On the phone, Margaret overheard Healy's excited voice and laughed. "That's wonderful, Healy! Laney, does that settle it?"
"Please, Mom, can I do it?"
Lara had called earlier, saying how much she missed him, and if he went, he'd get to play with her again.
"All right."
Blanche decided to grant him this small wish before leaving for good.
"I'll send a driver to pick you up for the dress fitting," Margaret said before hanging up.
Blanche took Healy and Lauren to the bridal boutique.
Jeannette stepped out of the fitting room in a stunning white wedding gown, Kelvin beside her looking every bit the perfect gentleman in his tailored suit.
Margaret beamed at the sight of them standing together. "You two look absolutely wonderful together."
At this point, what choice was left but to accept it?
Besides, after Kelvin had brought Jeannette home last night, the commotion that followed had pleased Margaret immensely.
Ingrid's refusal to marry Kelvin or have children meant nothing now; at least Jeannette had already given birth, and having another child would be no trouble at all.
So many parents worried endlessly about their children's marriages and the prospect of grandchildren.
Whatever Jeannette's faults, as long as she stayed away from Eddy, it would be fine.
With Lara already in the Anderson family, Eddy would surely look after Kelvin's career, and Jeannette would gain plenty from this arrangement.
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